7 Days Qinghai Travel Itineraries and Routes

7 days Qinghai and Yushu Horse Race Festival itinerary

Day 1: Xining

Arrive in Xining, the capital city of Qinghai. Spend the day exploring the city's historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Dongguan Mosque, Ta'er Monastery, and the Tibetan Medicine Museum. Enjoy some local cuisine for dinner.

Day 2: Xining to Qinghai Lake

Take a scenic drive to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. Visit Bird Island and learn about the unique bird species that inhabit the area. Take a boat ride on the lake and hike along the shore to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Day 3: Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake

Depart for Chaka Salt Lake, a natural wonder known for its otherworldly scenery and surreal reflections. Spend the day exploring the salt flats, taking in the panoramic views, and learning about the traditional salt-mining practices.

Day 4: Chaka Salt Lake to Maduo

Drive to Maduo, a remote county in the northeast of Qinghai, known for its stunning grasslands and Tibetan culture. Visit a local nomadic family and learn about their way of life, participate in some traditional activities, and enjoy a yak meat barbecue dinner.

Day 5: Maduo to Yushu (Horse Race Festival)

Head to Yushu, a historic Tibetan town, and explore the local temples and monasteries. Visit the Yushu Cultural Museum to learn about the area's rich history and culture. Try some local cuisine for dinner. (Note: The traditional Yushu horse race is held every year from late July to early August in the Zaxico grassland.)

Day 6: Yushu to Tongren

Drive to Tongren, a small town known for its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and art. Visit the Longwu Monastery and observe the monks at work creating intricate Thangka paintings. Try some local street food for dinner.

Day 7: Tongren to Xining

Depart for Xining, and on the way, stop at Kumbum Monastery, a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its unique architecture and historical significance. Arrive in Xining in the afternoon and depart for your next destination.

Best 7-day itinerary for a tour of Qinghai

Day 1: Arrive in Xining, the capital city of Qinghai. Start with a tour of the city to explore its rich history and culture. Visit sites such as the Xining Dongguan Mosque, the Xining Old Town, and the Xining City Museum.

Day 2: Head to the Qinghai Lake, the largest lake in China and a major tourist destination in the province. Take a cruise on the lake to enjoy the stunning scenery and visit the nearby Bird Island to see the various migratory birds that can be found there.

Day 3: Travel to the Koko Nor Lake, also known as the Blue Lake. This lake is a sacred site for the Tibetan people and offers great opportunities to learn about the local culture and traditions. Visit the nearby temples and monasteries, such as the Kumbum Monastery and the Chokorgyel Monastery.

Day 4: Head to the Qilian Mountains, which offer a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the province. Take a hike to see the snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and vast grasslands. Visit the nearby glaciers and learn about the unique glacial landscapes.

Day 5: Visit the Repkong area, famous for its traditional Tibetan Thangka painting, and visit some of the local workshops to learn about the process and buy some souvenirs.

Day 6: Return to Xining and take a tour of the city's Tibetan Quarter to learn about the local Tibetan culture and traditions. Visit the nearby Tibetan temples and monasteries, such as the Ta'er Monastery and the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery.

Day 7: Departure from Xining.

Please keep in mind that this is a rough itinerary, and it may need adjustments based on your schedule, time of the year and accessibility of certain sites. Also, you may want to consider hiring a local guide to help you navigate the area and provide more detailed information about the places you will be visiting.