Xining

Getting there: you need to get to Xining first. There are many high speed trains from other areas to Xining railway station. If you want to visit Qinghaihu, After arriving at the railway station, follow the English signs to the long distance bus station and buy a bus ticket to Qinghai. Costs 20yuan one way. Most buses run in the morning starting at 9am. Or you can ask your hostel to arrange a shared car to Qinghaihu and other attractions along the way. One person costs 150yuan in a car share with 3 other travelers. Attractions around Xining: I only stayed there 2 nights and spent one whole day in Qinghaihu so I only saw 2 attractions: a Tibetan temple on the way to Qinghaihu and the lake itself. The temple costs 46yuan and the lake is 92yuan. If you’re interested in history, the Tibetan temple is an interesting place to visit. You’ll learn about the history of Tibet and Wencheng Princess who married Gampo (King of Tibet at that time) during Tang Dynasty. There’s a statue of the Princess in the Temple. Qinghaihu is a beautiful lake but in my opinion, there isn’t much to see and the price is expensive. Most of the lake is closed for protection and you can only access it from Erliangjian. After buying the ticket for 92 yuan, you can rent an electric bike to bike around the area or get an electric car (20yuan one way) to take you directly to the lake and that’s it. Foods: Xining is known for Yak meat. I found a good restaurant near my hotel (see the picture). It costs 100yuan for a portion of yak meat, a cup of chamomile tea, a dish of broccoli (very fresh and delicious), and a yogurt desert. You can also buy yak meat jerky. Next to Wangjifu shopping mall is the night market where you can find a whole line of street foods after shopping.