Travel itineraries, how to plan a Qinghai trip

Qinghai, a magical land known as the "mirror of the sky", has become a paradise for self-driving tour lovers with its vast grasslands, magnificent lakes, mysterious salt lakes and profound ethnic culture. Want to experience a different kind of travel trip? Following are the recommended itineraries in Qinghai.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Qinghai itinerary, please contact us.

Exploring the natural beauty of Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake

This is the largest lake in China and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, visit the nearby bird sanctuary, and explore the surrounding mountains and grasslands.

One-Day Itinerary

Start your day early and head to the lake to catch the sunrise. Take a boat ride on the lake and admire the beautiful scenery. Visit the nearby Bird Island, where you can see a variety of migratory birds. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. End your day with a visit to a local restaurant to try some authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Two-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Start your day with a visit to Chaka Salt Lake, which is located about 150 kilometers from Qinghai Lake. Spend the morning exploring the salt lake and taking in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, drive to Qinghai Lake and spend the rest of the day exploring the lake and its surroundings.

Day 2: Wake up early and take a bike ride around the lake to enjoy the sunrise. Visit the Qinghai Lake Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Take a boat ride on the lake and visit the nearby Bird Island. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and barbecue with the locals.

Birding itineraries in Qinghai »

Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Qinghai Lake and spend the day exploring the lake and its surroundings. Take a bike ride around the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the Qinghai Lake Museum to learn more about the area's history and culture.

Day 2: Visit the Ta'er Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Explore the nearby town of Xining and visit local markets and shops. End your day with a visit to a local restaurant to try some authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Kumbum Monastery, located about 25 kilometers from Xining. Spend the day exploring the monastery and its surroundings. End your trip with a visit to a local restaurant to try some more authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Four-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. Take a private car or public transportation to Qinghai Lake. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Xining to Qinghai Lake. Check into your accommodation in Qinghai Lake. Explore the nearby area, including the beach and the Tibetan-style temples.

Day 2: Watch the sunrise over the lake. This is a stunning sight, as the sun rises over the mountains and the lake turns shades of pink and orange. Take a boat ride on the lake. This is a great way to see the lake up close and to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Visit the Bird Island, which is located in the middle of the lake and is home to many species of birds, including black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese. Visit the Riyue Mountain, which is located near the lake and offers great views of the area.

Day 3: Visit the Ta'er Monastery, which is located about 30 minutes from Qinghai Lake. This is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Explore the nearby town of Xining, which is known for its Muslim Quarter and its many delicious food options. Return to Qinghai Lake for one last night.

Day 4: Depart from Qinghai Lake and return to Xining or continue your travels in Qinghai.

This itinerary can be adjusted depending on your interests and the amount of time you have available. Additionally, it is important to be aware of altitude sickness when visiting Qinghai Lake, as it is located at an elevation of over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Be sure to take it easy and drink plenty of water to avoid any discomfort.

Discovering the culture of the Tibetan people

Horse Racing Festival

Qinghai is home to a large population of Tibetans, and visitors can experience their unique culture by visiting traditional Tibetan monasteries, attending religious ceremonies, and learning about the history of the region.

Xining - Labrang Monastery - Tongren

Start your journey in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Take some time to explore the city's many Tibetan temples and mosques, including the Dongguan Mosque and Ta'er Monastery. From Xining, head to Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County, which is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Spend a few days in Labrang, exploring the monastery and the surrounding area. Then head to Tongren County, which is known for its traditional Tibetan art and culture. Visit the Wutun Monastery, which is famous for its intricate murals and thangkas.

Xining - Qinghai Lake - Yushu

Start in Xining and then take a scenic drive to Qinghai Lake, which is the largest saltwater lake in China. Along the way, you will pass through many Tibetan villages and see the nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan people. Spend a day or two exploring the lake and its surrounding grasslands, then head to Yushu County, which is home to many Tibetan people. Visit the Gyegu Monastery and the Yushu Cultural Museum to learn about the region's history and culture.

Xining - Rebkong - Maduo

Begin your journey in Xining, then head to Rebkong County, which is known for its traditional Tibetan arts and crafts. Visit the Rongwo Monastery, which has a long history and is known for its intricate murals and carvings. Then continue on to Maduo County, which is home to many nomadic Tibetan people. Visit the nearby Lake Namtso and hike in the surrounding mountains to experience the stunning scenery of the region.

Exploring the city of Xining

Xining Dongguan Mosque

This is the capital city of Qinghai, and visitors can explore its rich history by visiting the Xining Museum and the Daci Monastery, and also enjoy local food, shopping and nightlife.

One-Day Itinerary

Visit Kumbum Monastery: This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is one of the main attractions in Xining. You can explore the different halls, stupas, and prayer wheels on the grounds. Walk around Nanchan Temple: This is another Buddhist temple located in the city center. It has a beautiful garden and several halls with ornate decorations. Taste local snacks at Ximen Night Market: In the evening, head to Ximen Night Market to taste some of the local street food. You can find a variety of snacks, such as lamb skewers, beef noodles, and Tibetan yogurt.

Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Kumbum Monastery and Nanchan Temple as described in the one-day itinerary. Walk around the People's Park: This park is a popular spot for locals to relax and exercise. You can see the sculpture of the Yellow River and have a picnic.

Day 2: Explore Ta'er Monastery: This is another famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Xining. It has a history of more than 400 years and is one of the six Gelugpa monasteries in China. Walk along the Huangshui River: This river runs through the city and offers scenic views. You can walk or cycle along the riverbank and see the local lifestyle.

Day 3: Visit Qinghai Provincial Museum: This museum displays the history and culture of Qinghai Province. You can see various exhibitions, including Tibetan artifacts, fossils, and ethnic costumes. Go to Chaka Salt Lake: This natural wonder is about 100 km from Xining. You can take a day trip to see the salt flats and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Five-Day Itinerary

Day 1-3: Follow the three-day itinerary as described above.

Day 4: Trek in the Kunlun Mountains: You can take a one-day trekking tour to the nearby mountains. You can see the glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife in the area. Visit Riyue Mountain: This mountain is about 20 km from Xining and has a scenic area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Day 5: Go to Menyuan Hui Autonomous County: This county is about 2.5 hours from Xining and is known for its rape flower fields. You can see the yellow flowers blooming in spring and enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Visit Dongguan Mosque: This is a famous mosque in the county and has a history of more than 600 years. You can see the traditional Islamic architecture and learn about the Hui ethnic minority.

More 5 days Qinghai itineraries »

Trekking in the mountains

Hoh Xil

Qinghai is home to some of the most beautiful and rugged mountains in China, including the Amnye Machen and the Gangdise Mountains, visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, and camping in these areas.

Qinghai Lake Trek

Qinghai Lake is located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province and is the largest saltwater lake in China. The trekking route here is relatively easy and suitable for beginners. The route covers a distance of about 60 kilometers and takes about 3-4 days to complete. The trek will take you through beautiful grasslands, rolling hills, and scenic lakeshores.

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve Trek

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve is located in the northwest of Qinghai Province and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife. The trekking route here is quite challenging and requires experienced hikers. The route covers a distance of about 100 kilometers and takes about 7-8 days to complete. The trek will take you through high-altitude grasslands, rugged terrain, and snow-capped mountains.

Kanbula National Forest Park Trek

Kanbula National Forest Park is located in the eastern part of Qinghai Province and is known for its beautiful forests and crystal-clear rivers. The trekking route here is relatively easy and suitable for beginners. The route covers a distance of about 50 kilometers and takes about 3-4 days to complete. The trek will take you through lush forests, scenic valleys, and mountain passes.

Amne Machin Snow Mountain Trek

Amne Machin Snow Mountain is located in the southern part of Qinghai Province and is known for its stunning snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. The trekking route here is quite challenging and requires experienced hikers. The route covers a distance of about 80 kilometers and takes about 6-7 days to complete. The trek will take you through rugged terrain, high-altitude grasslands, and beautiful alpine lakes.

Qinghai trekking itineraries »

Seven-Day Qinghai Itinerary

Yushu City

Seven or Ten days offer ample time for extensive activities, such as cycling around Qinghai Lake or trekking around the Amne Machin Snow Mountain. Of course, heading to Yushu City in the southernmost part of Qinghai is also an excellent option.

Yushu Prefecture is the source of the Yangtze River, boasting vast grasslands adorned with wildflowers, magnificent lakes and rivers, towering mountains and deep canyons, as well as unique temples and rich cultural heritage. Its breathtaking scenery rivals that of Xinjiang and western Sichuan. Unlike popular tourist hotspots like Qinghai-Gansu, Gannan, and Ili, Yushu still preserves its original purity and tranquility.

• More 7 days Qinghai itineraries »
• More 10 days Qinghai itineraries »

Two-Week Qinghai Itinerary

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

If you have two weeks to fully experience the charm of Qinghai, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Silk Road are the best destinations.

A combined Silk Road and Qinghai loop tour encompasses three major natural landscapes: the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the northwestern desert, and the eastern monsoon zone. The journey traverses the Hexi Corridor and the ancient Silk Road, bringing together a diverse range of scenery, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, Danxia landforms, and Yardang formations. This route perfectly blends the breathtaking natural beauty of northwest China with the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road.

• More 14 days Qinghai itineraries »

Customize Your Unique Qinghai Plateau Tour

If you are interested in the Qinghai itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Qinghai Tour, please visit our Qinghai Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Qinghai Trip

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• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Qinghai
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Qinghai
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
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• Qinghai Tours: customized tours for your reference