Top 8 Best Things to Do in Xining: Cycling, Birding, Camping...

Xining is far more than just a fleeting stop on your journey. This gem of the plateau holds countless reasons for you to linger. From bustling commercial districts to natural wonders, from historical relics to authentic local cuisine, Xining awaits your careful exploration and savoring. Following are the best things to do in Xining.

Top 1: See the Sunrise at Heimahe

Qinghai Lake Sunrise

In the vast northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, there lies a lake like a pearl embedded in the earth—Qinghai Lake. As China’s largest inland saltwater lake, it boasts an expansive surface and sapphire-blue waters, renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views. Anyone fortunate enough to witness the sunrise over Qinghai Lake will be captivated by its stunning beauty, immersed in nature’s masterpiece, and experience an unparalleled sense of spiritual renewal.

Among the many Qinghai Lake sunrise spots, Heimahe Village is the most mesmerizing, where the dawn’s radiance is magnified and intensified. Located along the shores of Qinghai Lake, Heimahe marks the starting point of the lake’s scenic highway. From this point, a 70-kilometer journey along the road leads to the famous Bird Island, with the stretch between Heimahe and Bird Island hailed as the most picturesque section of Qinghai Lake’s route.

The anticipation of sunrise is exhilarating. Gradually, the eastern sky begins to lighten, transitioning from deep darkness to a faint, silvery glow. The dim light gradually strengthens as the sun, hidden below the horizon, sends its golden rays piercing through the clouds, illuminating the distant lake and sky in soft red hues. Meanwhile, the western sky remains shrouded in darkness. About 20 minutes later, a golden arc subtly emerges from the horizon, gradually growing into a magnificent semicircle. Bit by bit, it ascends, and then, in a sudden leap, the half-circle bursts free from the horizon. Instantly, the boundless sky is bathed in shimmering gold as the resplendent sun rises, casting red beams across the vast landscape, filling the world with a sense of warmth and vitality.

The sunrise at Heimahe is like the people living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—passionate, bold, and dauntless. Its beauty and grandeur leave an unforgettable impression.

Top 2: Cycle around Qinghai Lake

Cycle around Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake, ranked the first among "China's Five Most Beautiful Lakes", shines like a sapphire embedded in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Traveling here by car feels so rushed that fleeting glimpses will miss the lush greenery along the lakeshore, while on foot is too slow to capture its vast grandeur, leaving some regrets. Perhaps, cycling is the perfect way to visit Qinghai Lake.

Imagine cycling beneath a vast blue sky dotted with white clouds, with deep azure waters, golden rapeseed fields, lush green grasslands, and herds of cattle and sheep. Escape the noise and emptiness of city life, breathe freely in the pure highland air. You may move in silence, listening to the wind rush past your ears; or you might shout with joy, feeling the exhilarating freedom.

Qinghai Lake has a circumference of approximately 360 kilometers, linking its shimmering waters, rolling grasslands, and endless sky into a magnificent natural scroll. To the south of the lake lies the vast Qinghai Lake Grassland, where soft, green meadows stretch endlessly toward the water’s edge. As breezes pass through, the grass sways gently, and wildflowers of every color bloom freely, as if welcoming every traveler on their cycling journey. From the east, Qinghai Lake’s iconic deep blue dominates the horizon, its waters shimmering under the sunlight, mesmerizing and profound, and distant snow-capped mountains loom, contrasting with the lake. On the west is considered one of the most scenic cycling paths. On one side, the vast expanse of Qinghai Lake stretches infinitely, while on the other, sand dunes rise and fall like waves. As the sun sets, its golden light spills over the lake and dunes, painting the world in a dreamlike glow of gold.

Top 3: Watch Birds at Bird Island

Birds at Bird Island

Bird Island in Qinghai Lake is located in the northwest corner of the lake, near the mouth of the Buha River. It consists of two islands, one to the east and one to the west. Surrounded by water on three sides, with lush aquatic vegetation and an abundance of fish, this unique geographical setting and natural environment make it an ideal habitat and breeding ground for birds.

Every spring, bar-headed geese, great black-headed gulls, brown-necked gulls, and many other bird species flock here, each claiming a section of the island to build their nests. During the egg-laying season, the island becomes densely covered with bird eggs, impossible to count, earning it the nickname "Egg Island".

From April to May each year, Bird Island becomes a thriving haven for migratory birds during their breeding season. Even from a distance, visitors can hear the lively and varied calls of the birds, chirping with joy. From the observation deck, one can witness birds soaring freely across the sky, leaving elegant white trails in their wake; others gliding and chasing each other on the water’s surface, creating shimmering silver ripples; while some bask lazily on the shore, soaking up the warm sunlight.

Top 4: Camp beside Qinghai Lake

Camp beside Qinghai Lake

Imagine setting up a tent by Qinghai Lake, sitting with loved ones under a star-studded sky where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens, seemingly within reach. This is not just a camping trip, but a spiritual awakening that helps you rediscover yourself in profound tranquility.

Nestled as a hidden gem along Qinghai Lake, Tongbao Mountain Camping Base is a paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The facilities here are comprehensive, from minimalist self-service camping to luxurious stargazing rooms, catering to every need. As night falls, a lively bonfire party comes to life. People gather around the crackling flames, singing and dancing while sharing tales of the day, their laughter and songs echoing through the valley. When silence descends, gazes turn upward to the cosmos, searching for your own star.

At the first hint of dawn in the eastern sky, Tongbao Mountain’s summit transforms into the sunrise vantage point. As the sun slowly breaches the horizon, golden light spills across the heavens, making every moment of anticipation worthwhile. Bathed in morning glow, the mountain exudes serene mystery, like a sacred gift from nature to those who rise with the light.

Top 5: Observe a Friday Prayer

Dongguan Mosque Prayer

Dongguan Mosque ranks as the fifth largest group in the Islamic world in terms of the number of worshippers under its jurisdiction. It has been recognized by the China Islamic Association as the mosque with the highest number of worshippers in the country, capable of accommodating 40,000 to 60,000 Muslims for prayers simultaneously, with the most of 200,000, making it the largest in China in terms of congregational prayer attendance.

Every "Jum'a (Friday prayer or congregational prayer)" or during traditional Hui festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, thousands of Muslims gather here for grand congregational prayers. "Jum'a" is a transliteration of the Arabic word meaning "congregational". In Islam, Friday is designated as the day for congregational prayers, commonly referred to as "Jum'a".

On the way to Dongguan Mosque, one can see waves of people moving in an orderly manner—Muslim men wearing small white caps. The scene becomes especially spectacular in the square near the mosque, where tens of thousands kneel in unison, praying in harmony. Despite the vast number of worshippers, the atmosphere remains solemn and peaceful, exuding deep devotion.

Top 6: Ascend onto Riyue Mountain

Ascend onto Riyue Mountain

From ancient times to the present, travelers passing through Xining have always climbed Riyue Mountain, seeking traces of Princess Wencheng left behind centuries ago.

According to legend, Princess Wencheng, overwhelmed by homesickness, accidentally dropped her Riyue (Sun and Moon) Mirror here, shattering it into two halves. One half fell on a hill to the east, reflecting the glow of the setting sun, while the other landed on a hill to the west, illuminating the rising moon. This is how Riyue Mountain got its name.

Along the way, prayer flags flutter everywhere—a unique spiritual symbol of the Tibetan people, embodying their resilience and deep devotion. Higher up the mountain, past a steep stone staircase, stands a 9-meter-tall white marble statue of Princess Wencheng. It was here that she bid farewell to her homeland and embarked on her journey westward to Lhasa, cementing a legendary chapter in the friendship between the Han and Tibetan peoples. At the mountain’s summit, a long corridor of prayer wheels stretches across, connecting the Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion on either side of the road. From the peak, lush green grasslands stretch on one side and towering snow-capped mountains heap up on the other, evoking a dreamlike sense of timelessness.

Top 7: Encounter with Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard

The snow leopard, hailed as the "King of the Snowy Mountains", is a first-class protected wildlife species in China. As a flagship species of the plateau ecosystem, it is regarded as a "barometer" for the health of high-altitude ecosystems. Xining Wildlife Park, the only large-scale comprehensive wildlife park in Qinghai Province and the highest-altitude one, spans 900 hectares and serves as a home for plateau-specialized animals such as snow leopards, Tibetan foxes, and Przewalski's gazelles. Today, it is affectionately known as the "City of Snow Leopards".

Inside the park, the snow leopard "Lingxia" lounges lazily on a wooden beam, resting. "Lingshuang" and "Dahu" snuggle together at times and playfully tussle at others. "Lingbufu" cautiously peers around, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. "Ao’xue", a captive-bred snow leopard, strolls among the artificial rock formations, occasionally interacting with visitors...

Top 8: Take a Picnic in Mountains

Picnic in Mountains

When it comes to "langshan", which means mountain outings in Qinghai dialect, the enthusiasm of Xining locals is impossible to hide. "Langshan" is the tents scattered across lush green mountains, the barbecue grills set up by picturesque riversides, and the joyful laughter of people amidst the swaying grass on the meadows. Pack your pots, pans, and ingredients, find a riverside spot, and share delicious food and wonderful moments with family and friends.

Yaozi Ravine National Forest Park, the nearest ecotourism destination around Xining with pristine natural beauty, is one of the best places to embrace the "langshan" experience. Gather your friends, bring along the elderly and children, and sit together under the open sky. Chat about life, sip tea, and enjoy drinks. Though open flames may not be allowed, the relaxed atmosphere filled with fruits, prepared foods, beer, and soft drinks can instantly lift your spirits, even if you arrive feeling weary.

Customize Your Unique Summer City Xining Tour

If you are interested in the Xining 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 Xining Tour, please visit our Xining Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Xining Trip

Prayer Flag

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Xining
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Xining
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, nations, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Xining
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Xining
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Xining
• Xining Tours: customized tours for your reference