5 Days Xining Itinerary, Plan a 5 Days Trip in Xining

5 Days Xining Travel Itinerary

Xining, this ancient plateau city, is truly a magical place that makes visitors never want to leave. Imagine it: under blue skies and white clouds, surrounded by towering mountains, with crystal-clear waters murmuring through the landscape—all infused with the unique charm of Tibetan culture, as if stepping into a living painting. If you only have five days to explore Xining, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable five-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Xining to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

5 Days Xining Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Visit ancient temples and buildings

Departing from Xining, embark on a pilgrimage to Kumbum Monastery, a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism, to pray for family and friends while gradually acclimating to the plateau environment. In the afternoon, visit Danggar Ancient City, in which a main street stretching less than a kilometer connects landmarks like the City God Temple, Confucius Temple, and Danggar Hall. In the evening, strolling through the ancient city, with lantern hanging above, you will feel the purest Huangyuan customs.

Day 2: Explore the charm of Qinghai Lake

Head to Qinghai Lake to explore its vast beauty, where you can take a yacht ride on the "Pearl of the Plateau", gazing at the seamless horizon where the sky meets the water and experiencing the grandeur of this inland sea. Also, you can ride a bike with your family around the lake Along the lakeshore, endless fields of rapeseed flowers bloom in vibrant splendor. As night falls, marvel at the starry sky of the plateau before staying overnight in Heimahe Town.

Day 3: Immerse yourself in Xining's nature

Watch the sunrise in Heimahe Town and welcome the first rays of sunlight over Qinghai Lake. Head west to Chaka Salt Lake, where you can take a small train ride across the lake, feeling as if you've stepped into a fairy tale world. Then, travel along the most scenic section of the Qinghai Lake loop road towards Qilian County, where you can embrace the vastness of the Qilian Grasslands, experience horseback riding, and engage in a close encounter with local herders.

Day 4: Have fun in the landscape of Xining

In the morning, head to Menyuan to encounter the most magnificent sea of rapeseed flowers. Cross over Dapan Mountain, where the scenic Heiquan Reservoir lies to the south. Enjoy a picnic there, feeling as if you are one with nature. Return to Xining in the evening, enjoy local snacks at Mojia Street. If time permits, you may also choose to camp overnight near the reservoir. Being far from city light pollution, this spot offers a stunning view of the starry night sky.

Day 5: Explore the Xining various cityscape

In the morning, head to Dongguan Mosque to experience its rich Islamic culture and observe the Moslem prayer. Then spend your time at nearby Nanchan Temple and Beichan Temple. After lunch, visit Xining Wildlife Park, where you can observe snow leopards and other wild animals up close, where is the only zoo in China where you can see manuls and desert cats.

5 Days Xining Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Feel the culture and charm of Xining

After arriving in Xining, take some time to rest at the hotel and acclimate to the high-altitude environment. Visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum and the Tibetan Culture Museum to learn about Xining's history, culture, and ethnic diversity. Then, head to Dongguan Mosque, a landmark of Xining with its unique architectural style and strong religious atmosphere, offering a deep insight into Islamic culture. In the evening, if you still have the energy, you can visit the Plateau Pearl TV Tower, take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient city's nightscape.

Day 2: Explore Xining's ancient buildings

Drive to Kumbum Monastery to explore the most mystical Tibetan Buddhist site in Xining. After that, head to Danggar Ancient City and learn about this legendary ancient building in the westernmost part of China, traveling through the corridors of history and uncovering the lingering charm of ancient cities, seeking for delicious and traditional Xining flavor. As night falls, the ancient town illuminates with distinctive lanterns, transporting you back in time to a thousand years ago.

Day 3: Immerse yourself in beautiful lakes

In the morning, set off from Danggar and take a car or train to Riyue Mountain. Drive on the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road, you can see the statue of Princess Wencheng. Then arrive at Qinghai Lake, experiencing the mysterious Tibetan Buddhist culture and breathtaking natural scenery, accompanied by the soothing presence of adorable water birds. Take photos beside the lake in Erlangjian Scenic Area, and stay overnight in Heimahe Town.

Day 4: Enjoy the peaceful time in Xining

Watch the most beautiful sunrise over Qinghai Lake in Heimahe Town, then head to Jinsha Bay on the eastern side of the lake to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The desert, lake, grasslands, and vast fields of rapeseed flowers intertwine, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Next, visit Chaka Salt Lake and take a small train ride across its mirror-like surface. In the afternoon, return to Xining and enjoy a carefree period of leisure and exploration.

Day 5: Embrace Xining's nature and animals

Take a morning stroll in Nanshan Park for relaxing, where the Phoenix Terrace at the summit offers a wide-open view of the entire city of Xining. At noon, enjoy local delicacies at Mojia Street and Yinma Street while experiencing the charm of Xining. Then, head to Xining Wildlife Park to encounter snow leopards and Pallas cats, getting to know these fascinating creatures of the plateau.

5 Days Xining Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Feel the charm of Xining preliminary

After arriving in Xining, take some time in the city to acclimatize to the high altitude first. You can visit Qinghai Provincial Museum or go to Nanshan Park to enjoy fresh air in the woods. In the afternoon, visit the Danggar Ancient City full of historical charm, where you can explore local food, admire traditional architecture, and see the unique lanterns in the town. Stay overnight in the homestay of Danggar Ancient City.

Day 2: Enjoy the sights along your road trip

Drive to Kumbum Monastery to explore the most mystical Tibetan Buddhist site in Xining. Then, drive across the magnificent Laji Mountain and the picturesque Riyue Mountain before arriving at Qinghai Lake. Ride a horse or bicycle around the lake in the Erlangjian Scenic Area, immersing yourself in the vastness of Qinghai Lake. Take your camera to capture the posture of the water birds at Bird Island, letting the lively birds soothe your soul. In the evening, camp by the lake and enjoy the most authentic Northwestern flavors under the sunset glow.

Day 3: Witness stunning sights of vast lakes

Wake up early to witness a sunrise over Qinghai Lake, where the shimmering waters reflect the golden rays of the morning sun. Then take a drive to Chaka Salt Lake. If the timing is right, you can take a small train ride through the "Mirror of the Sky", or you can step on the lake in shoe covers, feeling as if you've stepped into a fairytale world. In the evening, return to Xining's Mojia Street to explore its culinary delights—Rang Pi and Sheep Intestine Noodles will satisfy your taste buds.

Day 4: Visit beautiful countryside and pasture

Head north to Menyuan County in the morning, where you can watch the largest rape flower sea in China, with romantic sea of flowers intoxicating. At noon, arrive in Qilian County, where the grasslands and horses of Qilian Mountain await your encounter—try archery and horseback riding for pure exhilaration. If in winter, venture to Binggou Forest Sea when the snow clears, where a silver-white world stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a magical ice-and-snow adventure. In the evening, return to Xining and ascend onto the Plateau Pearl television tower for a panoramic view of Xining night scene.

Day 5: Explore the various cityscape in Xining

In the morning, visit Dongguan Mosque, observe Muslim's prayer, experiencing Xining's religious atmosphere. At the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, the exhibits are incredibly rich in content, with the 618-meter-long thangka painting standing out as particularly awe-inspiring. At noon, go to Xining Wildlife Park, interact with the lovely snow leopards, Tibetan foxes and giant pandas. Finally, stop by the Qinghai Museum to browse unique souvenirs as a keepsake of your journey.

5 Days Xining cultural Immersion Itinerary and Leisure

Day 1: Recognize religion culture in Xining

Upon arriving in Xining, head to the Qinghai Provincial Museum to gain an understanding of Qinghai's history and diverse ethnic cultures while gradually acclimating to the high-altitude environment. Then, visit Dongguan Mosque and experience its rich Islamic heritage. Nearby, you can also visit Nanchan Temple and Beichan Temple. In the evening, head to Mojia Street, where a dazzling array of local snacks and delicacies await, offering a true taste of Xining's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Explore historical sites and ancient city

In the morning, take a stroll through the ruins of Qingtang City Park, where every step seems to echo with the whispers of history, allowing you to feel the prosperity and glory of that era. Before noon, head to Danggar Ancient City for a half-day exploration. The ancient city boasts a grand scale, rich cultural relics, and a labyrinth of alleys intertwined with uniquely structured courtyards, forming a place of mystery. As night falls, lanterns glow softly along the streets, resembling a gentle and enchanting dream.

Day 3: Visit famous sights along the road trip

In the morning, drive to Kunbum Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site, and then continue to Riyue Mountain and hike along the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road while immersing yourself in the legendary story of Princess Wencheng and uncovering the history of vicissitudes that has unfolded over the centuries at Riyue Mountain. After that, arrive in Qinghai Lake, immersing in the vast blue lake. If you want to witness the stunning sunrise at Qinghai Lake, you can stay at Heimahe Town or camp beside the lake, otherwise, return to Xining.

Day 4: Learn ethnic minority groups culture

Head east to Hunhua, Haidong City, first visit Mengda Tianchi, where is often renowned as Xishuangbanna on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. At lunch, drive to Salar Hometown Folk Culture Park, immersing yourself in the unique Salar ethnic culture found only in Qinghai, with their iconic fence-style buildings and traditional delicacies like sugar-stuffed buns. Nearby stands the former residence of the late 10th Panchen Lama, an outstanding leader of Tibetan Buddhism. In the evening, return to Xining.

Day 5: Experience Xining traditional culture

In the morning, visit the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, where collects the longest Thangka painting in the world, and where you can experience wearing Tibetan costumes. Then go to the Confucian Temple to feel the charm of the ancient architecture. Also you can head to a local post office, where you can send postcards and collect stamps—a perfect way to keep a memorable souvenir. Spend your last time stroll through the city, feeling the local conditions and customs.

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, festivals, 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