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Top 10 attractions in Qinghai

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Heidu Mountain
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Qinghai

Heidu Mountain

6.8
Heidu Mountain is a stretch of black mountains extending from the Saishiteng Mountain in the western section of the Qilian Mountains. Formed by volcanic eruptions hundreds of millions of years ago, the rocks have been covered by a layer of black desert varnish dyed by iron and manganese oxides after long-term wind erosion. The ink-black mountains form a sharp contrast with the surrounding grayish-white saline-alkali Gobi, looking from afar like an ink-wash painting unfurled between heaven and earth. There is no vegetation or flowing water here, only rolling black hills and gullies. On sunny days, the black and white are sharply defined, looking chilly and stark like a landscape painting done with dry brush and burnt ink. On cloudy days, clouds hang low over the landscape, making it look vast and desolate like an alien wilderness. When the light hits at an angle in the early morning and evening, the light and shadow on the mountains are distinct, making it especially suitable for taking dramatic ink-wash style photos. Wearing bright-colored clothing in the shot creates a striking contrast with the black-and-white landscape.China · Mangya
Qilian Mountain Grassland
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Qinghai

Qilian Mountain Grassland

6.2
Qilian Mountain Grassland is located in the hinterland of the middle section of theQilian Mountainsin Haibei, Qinghai, spreading across an intermontane basin at an altitude of approx. 3,000 m. The Qilian Mountains are like a wet island extending into the arid region of the northwest, intercepting moisture and conserving ice and snow. Meltwater flows down along the valleys, nurturing continuous alpine meadows at the foothills. Grasslands and coniferous forest belts are distributed alternately, making it a rare and fertile pasture on the plateau. Every July and August, the meadows turn green, with the greenery spreading all the way to the foot of the mountains. Yaks, Tibetan sheep, and horses are scattered throughout, and the white tents of herders dot the gentle slopes; looking up, the distant snow-capped peaks remain covered in silver, and the scene of snow-capped mountains and green grasslands in one frame is what distinguishes this place from most other grasslands. The view along the way is expansive, making it perfect for stopping frequently to capture the snow-capped mountains and grasslands in a single photo.China · Qilian
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Qinghai Lake

Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake

6.2
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake, is a masterpiece of geological formation and glacial activity. With its magnificent and rugged cliffs reaching vertical heights of dozens of meters, it creates a striking contrast against the azure waters of Qinghai Lake, offering a unique landscape. As one of the core attractions of Qinghai Lake, Holy Spring Bay not only boasts captivating natural scenery but also serves as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, holding significant ecological value. Nearby, visitors can explore rich historical and cultural relics, providing a multifaceted travel experience.China · Gangca
Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area
No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Qinghai

Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area

6
Gangshika Snow Peak is located in Qinghai Province, with an altitude of 5254.5 meters. It is the main peak in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains. Usually seen from a distance, it is pure white. Whenever the sun sets, the sunset glows, the top of the mountain is colorful, and the twilight rises. It is called "Dragon Peak Sunset" and is one of the eight major scenic spots in Menyuan.China · Menyuan
Qinghai Province Museum
No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Qinghai

Qinghai Province Museum

6
Qinghai Provincial Museum is located at Xinning Square in Xining City. Although it is not large among provincial museums, it is also a good place to learn about Qinghai's history and cultures of various ethnic groups. In addition, there are exhibitions and explanations of Tibetan Buddhism and Islamic cultural systems in the museum, which are very helpful for later tours in Qinghai. Visit Overview The museum mainly has two floors, but the first floor is now rented by some units, and there are also some shops selling handicrafts and other souvenirs. Occasionally there will be temporary exhibitions on the first floor, if you encounter them, you can visit them. The permanent exhibition area is located on the second floor and is mainly divided into two parts, the Qinghai Historical Relics Exhibition and the Qinghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. It takes about an hour and a half to browse the two exhibition halls. Historical and Cultural Relics Exhibition Qinghai Historical and Cultural Relics Exhibition is an exhibition of the history of Qinghai in a chronological manner. Follow the indicated passages to visit, and you can watch the Qinghai cultural relics from ancient times to the present. The exhibition is divided into two parts: prehistoric civilization and historical relics. The Zasak silver seal of the Qing Dynasty, the largest bronze weapon unearthed in China - the large bronze spear, etc. are all treasures in the collection. There are also many quiet and beautiful pottery from the Majiayao culture in the northwest region. You can follow the instructions to find out the stories behind them. Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Qinghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition showcases the culture and customs of many ethnic groups in Qinghai. There are many models and sand tables showing Qinghai's many festivals, etiquette, singing and dancing and other artistic cultures. In addition, there are many cultural relics of Tibetan Buddhism in the museum, such as thangkas, mandala, etc. Among them, the bronze gilt-gold Guanyin statue bestowed by Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty is the treasure of the whole museum, you can take a good look at it. Learn about the connotation and art of Tibetan Buddhism here, and you can also provide help for your later travel to religious attractions. Interpretation service The museum now provides interpretive services, but most of the interpreters read the text under the exhibition, and do not have a deeper introduction. The level of manual explanation is also mostly limited. Generally, the explanation words are memorized by rote. The questions about the extended knowledge of tourists are often unable to be answered, and it is not recommended.China · Xining
Qinghai Lake Heima River
No. 10 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Qinghai

Qinghai Lake Heima River

5.9
Qinghai Lake Heima River is located in Qinghai Province, China, and is a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery. The altitude here is over 3,000m, and the lakeshore is open and flat, with vast grasslands and pastures stretching out behind it. In midsummer, the sunrise usually occurs around 6:00 AM. As the sun slowly rises from the end of the lake, the water is dyed golden red. Prayer flags flutter in the morning breeze along the shore, and occasionally, water birds like bar-headed geese skim across the surface. Many people stay overnight specifically to wait for these few minutes of morning light over the lake. It is also an important stop for cycling around the lake, and the West Lake Road heading north from here stretches along the lakeshore, which is considered by many cycling enthusiasts to be a section with outstanding lake views on the route around the lake.Here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.China · Gonghe
Danggar Ancient Town
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Qinghai

Danggar Ancient Town

5.6
The Dange'er Ancient City is located in Wuyuan County, about 40 kilometers west of Xining City. It has been thriving in the history of tea and horses. Because of its unique location, it has the title of “sea Tibetan throat”. Today, there are many shops in the Dange'er Ancient City, which are prosperous and lively. Many tourists who go to Qinghai Lake from Xining will visit when they pass by. The ancient city is small in size, with a Dange'er Street as the center, and the houses on the street are all brick-and-grey buildings in the northern town.China · Huangyuan
Dongguan Mosque
No. 4 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Xining

Dongguan Mosque

5.7
Dongguan Mosque is one of the larger mosques in Qinghai Province and a very popular destination in Xining. The mosque was first built during the Ming Dynasty, and its current layout was largely established during a major renovation and expansion around 1913. Since then, it has undergone multiple repairs, and today it is a spacious courtyard enclosed by a gatehouse, side buildings, and a central prayer hall. The entire complex is based on the style of classical Chinese palaces: the prayer hall is a brick-and-wood structure with blue brick walls, a roof covered in colorful glazed tiles, and Tibetan-style gilded vases standing on the roof ridge. The fusion of Han-style architecture, Tibetan-style decorations, and Islamic prayer functions is quite rare among similar mosques.China · Xining
Mojia Street

Mojia Street

5.7
Mojia Street is an old street in the center of Xining's old town with a history of over 600 years. It is located on the south side of Dongdajie and is adjacent to Yinma Street. Today, it is a commercial pedestrian street mainly featuring restaurants and shops, and it is also a famous food hub in Xining. Many tourists visiting Xining make a special trip here to sample the local food. This street is not long, but it has almost all Qinghai snacks covered: liangpi (cold skin noodles) is sour, spicy, and refreshing; lamb intestine noodles have a rich broth and plenty of ingredients; the traditional yogurt is thick and creamy; tianpei (fermented highland barley) carries the subtle sweetness of fermented highland barley; and the kangguo (pan-fried) lamb chops at the entrance of the street are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, stir-fried in the same pan with potatoes, hand-made noodles, and green and red peppers—the aroma wafts half a street away. Mazhong Food City, which started as a small liangpi shop in the 1990s, is now a signature food destination on the street. Those who want to taste Xining flavors in one go often start here. The popularity grows after nightfall, and the nearby Daxinjie Night Market is equally bustling. You can stroll through both streets in one trip, walking and eating, and slowly digesting—this is the perfect way to experience this old street.China · Xining
East Taiji Nai'er Lake
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Golmud

East Taiji Nai'er Lake

5.6
East Taiji Nai'er Lake is a pearl in the Qaidam Basin. The lake water has extremely high salinity and is rich in minerals such as magnesium and lithium. Under the intense highland sunlight, it displays a clear, pure blue-green color. The lakeshore is spread with vast, white salt flats, creating a striking contrast of blue and white. The surrounding terrain is open, and the scenery is magnificent, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists. The lake's water level changes significantly with the seasons and precipitation. The high-water period in summer and fall, when the lake surface is expansive and its colors are vibrant, is an ideal time for viewing. The colors are particularly intense on sunny days with ample light, while the soft light of early morning and evening is also perfect for taking photos. Visitors can stroll along the lake, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.China · Golmud

Experiences you can't miss in Qinghai

Featured Cultural experiences in Qinghai

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Xining Tibetan culture, wildlife and food tour
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Lenghu to Dunhuang · Heidu Mountain Akesai Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base private 1-day tour
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Duration: 10.4 hrs
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From£245.31
English guided tour service in Xining
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Qinghai

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Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews· 193 booked
Duration: 14.9 hrs
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Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky)
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4.7/5
· 27 reviews· 214 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included
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3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
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1-day tour to Chaka salt lake with private charter (departing from Xining)
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining)
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Xining Kumbum Monastery + Qinghai Lake + Laji Mountain one-day tour (White clouds, blue lake and golden roof gaze at each other from afar)
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4.0/5
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Exclusive Tour | Kanbula One-Day Trip: Geological Forest Park + Zongka Sacred Lake + Glass Viewing Bridge
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4.0/5
· 1 review
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1-day private tour of Qinghai lake (departing from Xining)
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5.0/5
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More ways to travel from Qinghai

Private Tours in Qinghai

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Group Tours in Qinghai

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9D8N • 'Sacred Landscapes, Tibetan Charm' 9D8N Tour of Gannan and Qinghai, Tibetan Family Visit + Hand–Painted Thangka Experience & Travel Comfortably in a 2 + 1 Luxury Coach, with Star–Rated Accommodations and Premium Meals & All Attractions Included, No Hidden Tricks

Level 49D8N • 'Sacred Landscapes, Tibetan Charm' 9D8N Tour of Gannan and Qinghai, Tibetan Family Visit + Hand–Painted Thangka Experience & Travel Comfortably in a 2 + 1 Luxury Coach, with Star–Rated Accommodations and Premium Meals & All Attractions Included, No Hidden Tricks

Max. 25 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedPortable Wi-Fi includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedGroup Tours
Breakfast throughout + city shuttle service + attentive service throughout + quality recommended | Travel comfortably in a standard 2 + 1 luxury coach, with star-rated accommodations and high-standard meals | All attractions included, no hidden tricks | One all-inclusive price, zero hidden charges | Excellent Chinese-speaking tour guide service throughout | Experience the magnificent scenery and culture of Northwest China in depth · One hot pot dinner, one meal of hand-grabbed lamb, authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, Tibetan yak beef hot pot, butter tea, tsampa, Yellow River carp, Linxia lamb hot pot, and other Northwestern specialties—enjoy a feast for the palate amid the stunning plateau scenery · Capture Tibetan memories with a travel photo shoot at Labrang Monastery Visit a Tibetan family in Zha Ga Na and present a hada Handcraft highland barley tsampa Experience the fusion of religion and art through an intangible cultural heritage hand-painted thangka experience Take a boat to explore the millennia-old Buddhist radiance of the Bingling Cave-Temple Complex Every stop offers an in-depth experience
From GBP 756
8D7N • 'Millennium Silk Road · Magnificent Qinghai' 8 Days, 7 Nights on the Grand Gansu–Qinghai Loop & Excellent Chinese-speaking guide throughout, all-inclusive price & Visit all 6 major Northwest landmarks in one trip & Travel comfortably by luxury coach & Aerial photography at Chaka

Level 48D7N • 'Millennium Silk Road · Magnificent Qinghai' 8 Days, 7 Nights on the Grand Gansu–Qinghai Loop & Excellent Chinese-speaking guide throughout, all-inclusive price & Visit all 6 major Northwest landmarks in one trip & Travel comfortably by luxury coach & Aerial photography at Chaka

Max. 25 peopleMandarinNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Portable Wi-Fi includedDeposit acceptedGroup Tours
Explore the Grand Qinghai-Gansu Loop and visit all the highlights in one trip | Standard 2 + 1 luxury coach with spacious, comfortable seats | Stay in 4-star + hotels throughout, quality guaranteed | Excellent Chinese-speaking tour guide service throughout, all-inclusive price | Classic loop route with no backtracking, for an in-depth experience of Northwest China's magnificent scenery and culture. · Meals upgraded to 7 breakfasts and 11 main meals, with lunch at a high standard of RMB 60 and dinner at RMB 80; all meals at local restaurants. Special arrangements include a desert dinner, hand-grabbed lamb, Jiayuguan Nine-Bowl Noodles, Dunhuang shared dishes, Ganzhou snacks, a Tibetan-style banquet, and Lanzhou beef noodles—every meal is distinctive. · Exclusive complimentary Chaka Salt Lake boat ride, drone aerial photography, viral mini train, and shoe covers for dreamy photo shoots | Complimentary Mogao Grottoes 3D dome film for an immersive viewing experience | Complimentary desert dinner and a romantic stargazing experience
From GBP 580

Free things to do in Qinghai

What travelers say about Qinghai

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leowxpOctober 9, 2026
5.0
I stumbled upon these pictures online and immediately added Mangya to my itinerary before embarking on the Qinghai-Gansu loop. We entered the scenic area in the evening. The weather was so-so that day; thankfully, the sun came out later, but there was no sunset. The visual impact inside was still breathtaking, though the photos seem to show it even more beautifully than it appears in person. Bringing a drone would have been even better for aerial photography. We didn't visit Rouge Mountain separately; the red color wasn't as pronounced there, and the online pictures seem to have been edited.

Heidu Mountain

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boy***aoJuly 5, 2025
5.0
From Zhangye, go directly to Zhuoer Mountain via Erga Highway via Sunan. The first picture is the scene of the road construction. In fact, the whole mountain collapsed. No wonder it took so long to repair. The road is not difficult to drive, but there are falling rocks along the way. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the snow-capped mountains. The entire Qilian Mountains, except Zhuoer Mountain, seem to be immersed in white snow, which is quite amazing. Finally, we went to Menyuan, took a few photos of rapeseed flowers, and then stayed in Xining. After walking for 16 hours a day, I was really tired.

Qilian Mountain Grassland

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Anonymous userAugust 22, 2026
5.0
The cliff should be a fantastic attraction. We went on a sunny day, and the lake water was a vibrant blue. The sunlight reflecting off it created different colors depending on the direction from which it shone. Later, some clouds appeared, so we quickly left. However, as we walked, we noticed sunlight shining through the clouds, creating a Tyndall effect that actually made the lake even more beautiful – definitely worth the trip!

Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake

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M25***99July 7, 2026
5.0
This place is incredibly expensive, and the 20 RMB shuttle bus is such a great deal; I'd probably pay around 40 RMB myself. On the way up, you can see snow-capped mountains from around the world and their corresponding altitudes. The ride takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Once you're up, you'll see 3-4 interconnected lakes, but there are 7-8 in total. The first 2-3 lakes have a very deep blue color, and the later lakes gradually change to a grayish-yellow hue. I recommend bringing a drone to capture distant views of the lakes, mountains, sky, clouds, grasslands, etc. If it's cold, the scenic area provides a small heated room to wait for the shuttle. Overall, it's excellent value, beautiful scenery, and the service is excellent.

Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area

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GKC88May 16, 2026
5.0
対華夏文化要更深入瞭解4千年前的演變和西寧的扮演重要角色,這博物院有很多的資料。近年來考古隊伍在西北這塊地域也交出漂亮的成績。信息量高。陳列很條里。值得一游。

Qinghai Province Museum

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爱旅行的熊搭子April 20, 2025
5.0
Heimahe is a scenic spot beside Qinghai Lake, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets, bright starry sky, rich Tibetan folk customs, and convenient transportation and accommodation. It is a good place for sightseeing, photography and experience.

Qinghai Lake Heima River

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152***82August 1, 2026
5.0
It's a very quaint ancient town with a relaxed commercial atmosphere. Many local residents live there, and many ancient buildings are free to enter, such as the City God Temple and the Confucian Temple. Prices are very reasonable: incense is 3 yuan, butter lamps are 1 yuan, and small souvenirs are 10 yuan. Walking through the ancient town after the rain is very pleasant, and it's not crowded.

Danggar Ancient Town

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左右ZzJune 19, 2025
5.0
The Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining City is a rare and solemn building. The nine gold-plated regular script characters "Xining Budongguan Grand Mosque" are inscribed on the middle door lintel, and the inside and outside of the other door lintels are inscribed with gold-plated Arabic classic quotations. The "Hundred-Character Praise" inscribed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for mosques across the country is preserved in the temple and is embedded in the wall of the middle door, which is worth seeing.

Dongguan Mosque

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布晓呆July 8, 2023
5.0
Mojia Street is located in the downtown area of ​​Xining. It is an old street. There are not many tourists during the day, but the night market opens at night, attracting countless diners to come and taste. The main feature is barbecue, three or five people per table, accompanied by beer, this is the night life of Xining.

Mojia Street

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墨漠陌大March 13, 2025
5.0
东台吉乃尔湖,位于青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州格尔木市境内。湖水在阳光下闪闪发光,透露着独特的蓝色,一望无际,空旷而又神秘。消失或是出现皆没有迹象,是上帝的一滴“蓝眼泪”。非常适合打卡拍照。过去十年间,东台吉乃尔湖已经出现消失多次。时隔3年,它如海市蜃楼般凭空出现在戈壁里。与众不同的蒂夫尼蓝,主要来源于锂盐。去东台交通不便,最好自驾。

East Taiji Nai'er Lake

Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day, Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky), and 1-day tour to Chaka salt lake with private charter (departing from Xining). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 22, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Qinghai is around GBP 31.8 – GBP 95.57. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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