Best Places to Visit in Xining: Xining Central Area, Huangyuan, Huangzhong

Xining, comprising five districts and two counties, is the only central city on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with a population exceeding one million. From the historically rich Huangyuan County, to the novelty-seeking Huangzhong District, to the thriving four main districts of Xining, and the deeply rooted Datong County—each place holds its own unique allure, captivating the hearts of all who visit. Following are the best places to visit in Xining.

Top 1: Xining Central Area

Xining Central Area

The dazzling gem of the plateau, with its blue skies and clear waters, where mountains and rivers coexist in harmony. Xining, a modern city nestled in the heart of the plateau, is traversed by the Huangshui River.

Xining City, meaning "peaceful western frontier", alias "Xiadu", is the provincial capital of Qinghai, located in the eastern part of the province in a valley basin along the middle reaches of the Huangshui River. As the eastern gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xining has always been a key hub on the ancient "Southern Silk Road" route and the "Tang-TuBo Ancient Road". Historically, it has been an important transportation in the northwest, earning the titles of "The Throat of the Qinghai and Tibet", and is also one of the highest-altitude cities in the world.

Xining central area includes four districts, Chengzhong, Chengdong, Chengxi, Chengbei. Adults are busy exercising, while children gleefully ride their scooters... Such heartwarming scenes are a common sight at Xining's Central Square. Heading east from the square, you’ll find the bustling West Gate and Dashizi areas, the city's most vibrant and lively spots. Wandering through the streets and alleys of Xining, the solemnity of the Dongguan Mosque and the grandeur of Kumbum Monastery showcase the city's rich religious and cultural heritage. The Danxia landforms of Beichan Temple are awe-inspiring, while its counterpart, Nanchan Temple, stands majestically against the mountain, exuding a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

Top 2: Huangyuan

Huangyuan County

Huangyuan is located west of Xining and east of Qinghai Lake, bordered by the Qilian Mountains to the north and the Laji Mountains to the south, characterized by towering mountains, winding rivers, steep slopes, and rugged cliffs, making it a natural stronghold. Three asphalt roads, like black satin ribbons, wind through three gorges, connecting to the outside world. The Huangshui River and Yaoshui River flow through mountains, meandering eastward through the eastern gorge. At the confluence of the valleys and rivers, high-rise buildings stand tall, and commerce thrives.

Situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Huangyuan is only 52 kilometers from Xining, the provincial capital. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, known as the "Heavenly Road of the Snowy Plateau", stretches across Huangyuan from east to west. The Tang-Tubo Ancient Road and the Southern Silk Road intersect here, while the magnificent scenery of Riyue Mountain feels as though you can touch the pulse of history. Not far from the county is Qinghai Lake, with its vast emerald waters blending seamlessly with the sky, often called one of "China’s Most Beautiful Lakes". Standing by its shores, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and herds of cattle and sheep nearby, your soul feels as if it has been purified by the tranquility of the landscape.

Top 3: Huangzhong

Huangzhong District

In the palm of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, nestled within the embrace of the Mother Yellow River, lies a land of breathtaking beauty, a place that prides itself on its mystery and serenity. This is Huangzhong, the land of the Qiang and Rong.

Huangzhong District is located in eastern Qinghai, bordering the main urban area of Xining on three sides: west, south, and north. Formerly known as Huangzhong County, it was reclassified as a district in recent years. Situated in the upper reaches of the Huangshui River, the district is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the Huangshui River flowing from west to east through its center.

Here lies the birthplace of the great Tibetan sage Tsongkhapa and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Kumbum Monastery. Here boasts Lotus Lake, cradled by mountains on three sides, its surface as flat as a mirror, and Nanshuo Mountain, resembling a colorful screen where Buddhism and Taoism syncretizes. Here, you’ll encounter the mystical charm of murals, thangkas, and butter sculptures, as well as the melodious tunes of Hua'er folk songs, local ditties, and shadow puppetry.

Top 4: Haidong

Haidong City

Haodong City, located east of Xining, derives its name from its position east of Qinghai Lake. It lies in the transitional zone between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, making it the region with the lowest average altitude and the most favorable climate in Qinghai Province. As the eastern gateway of Qinghai, Haidong is traversed by the province’s two mother rivers—the Yellow River and the Huangshui River. Here, the Yellow River is not a torrent of muddy water but a clear, shimmering expanse, set against the red hues of the Danxia landforms and framed by blue skies and white clouds, serene and beautiful.

Haidong is the birthplace of the Hehuang culture and has long been a key post along the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road and the southern route of the ancient Silk Road, earning it the historical title of the "Throat of Qinghai-Tibet". The region is home to magnificent natural landscapes, idyllic countryside, and rich cultural heritage. Mengda Heavenly Lake is often called the "Xishuangbanna of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau", while Beishan Forest Park is known as the "Green Jewel of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau". Standing atop its mountain peaks, one can gaze upon vast grasslands and winding rivers, feeling an overwhelming sense of grandeur and awe.

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