Top 50 Best Things to Do near Xining
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 50 Best Things to Do near Xining

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Nearby Cities
Nearby Cities
  • Tu Nationality Hometown Park Scenic Area In Huzhu County of Qinghai
    󰺂5.4
    214815
    Huzhu28.1 km from Xining
    󱨠132 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    zhqxjzhqxj

    I had low expectations for this attraction based on reviews, saying it was mostly group tours. But when we arrived, the first thing we felt was the warm service. From selling tickets, borrowing wheelchairs, to getting a tour guide, every staff member we interacted with was truly heartwarming. The tour guide was especially enthusiastic throughout the entire experience, as was the Tu ethnic brother who promoted Tu ethnic customs. We enjoyed authentic barley flour mooncakes and heartwarming milk tea. Finally, the brother gave me a self-study textbook for the Tu ethnic language, giving me the opportunity to learn my own language while living in a foreign land. Thank you! I hope the Tu Ethnic Culture Park can reflect on its strengths and weaknesses and continue to improve!

  • Laji Mountain
    󰺂5.6
    Guide38.6 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    󱓊Breathtaking mountain views & wildflowers
    4524m separates Loess & Tibetan Plateau
    󱨠29% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    不太在乎不太在乎

    It's beautiful, refreshing, and amazing. A mountain pass you'll return to again, a place you'll never forget, a place destined to empty yourself and then recharge. A hike up Laji Mountain is a surefire way to escape the hustle and bustle of the mountains. You won't be fooled, and you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and grandeur.

  • Qinghai Guide National Geopark
    󰺂5.7
    351852
    Guide55.9 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    󱨜Scenic trail & colorful peaks
    󱓊Colorful Danxia: breathtaking landscapes
    󱨠366 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    WAI SINGWAI SING

    Check out the mesmerizing colorful Danxia landform in Guide National Geological Park, NW China's Qinghai. The establishment of the geopark 11 years ago helps preserve the wonder of nature as it has stopped the locals from collecting red earth from the eroded hills as a kind of building material.

  • Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
    󰺂7.9
    148149
    GongheMore than 100 km from Xining
    󱨠3316 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    翡冷翠的紫百合翡冷翠的紫百合

    Erlangjian Scenic Area is one of the core attractions of Qinghai Lake. It requires tickets, beautiful scenery and fresh air. It is a must-check-in attraction for Qinghai Lake tourism. Erlangjian Scenic Area belongs to the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture area. There are many places to eat and stay in its surroundings. The price is relatively fair. It is not too expensive during non-holidays, but you can also choose to return to Xining city on the same day after visiting the scenic spot.

  • Qilian Mountains·Gangshks Snowy Peak
    󰺂5.9
    MenyuanMore than 100 km from Xining
    󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    118***49118***49

    It is known as the first snow peak in life, because it is the closest snow peak to the city more than 5 kilometers. Traffic is a big advantage. From Xining, it is very convenient to take the Zhangwen Expressway or the 227 provincial road. The good thing is that the attractions are free and only need a shuttle bus for 25 yuan. The fly in the ointment is that there is only a small amount of snow at the end of the arrival, which is a little disappointing. I heard that if you want to climb the snowy mountain, you must issue a specific inspection report and a professional mountaineering certificate.

  • Tiantishan Grottoes
    󰺂6.6
    WuweiMore than 100 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    󱨜Blue dragon & elephant & deer
    󱨜Overlook Qilian Mountains & Ladder Lake
    󱨠213 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Currently, only Cave 13 of the Tiantishan Grottoes is open to the public; the painted sculptures and murals in the other sections have been moved to museums. However, Cave 13 is definitely worth a visit—it's truly breathtaking. The reservoir itself is also beautiful, with its shimmering waters.

  • Bingling Cave-Temple
    󰺂6.0
    66667
    YongjingMore than 100 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    󰀆Yellow River & canyon views
    󱓊1600-year Buddhist art caves
    󱨠109 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    天上星星的地盘天上星星的地盘

    Qianling Temple belongs to Yongjing County. To Yongjing Liujiaxia Bus Station, there are two transportation ways to enter Qianling Temple. 1. The hydropower station has a boat to go, 160 yuan/person, you can take a boat tour of the reservoir, go to the temple scenic spot, stay for 1.5 hours, return. 2. Carpooling 100 yuan/person, walk along the lake and stay a few points to the scenic spot, and stay at will.

  • Ganjia Grassland
    󰺂6.2
    XiaheMore than 100 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    Trek and explore the hidden realm of Bajiao Ancient City
    󰀆Participate in interactive Tibetan nomadic cultural activities
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    晚霞风车晚霞风车

    Gangjia Grassland is located in Gangjia Township, Xiahe, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, 33 kilometers north of Xiahe County, and is directly accessible by road. Gangjia Grassland is a meadow grassland, vast and boundless, with an average altitude of more than 3,000 meters. It is one of the main animal husbandry bases in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. There is a reception desk at the Muyun Tent Camp, which prepares fresh milk tea, tsampa, Tibetan buns, hand-pulled mutton and other Tibetan specialties for tourists. It also prepares grassland tourism programs such as horses, yaks, shooting bonfire parties, etc. for tourists. Visitors can fully experience the mysterious and simple Tibetan customs here.

  • Bingling Temple World Cultural Heritage Tourist Area
    󰺂5.1
    66667
    YongjingMore than 100 km from Xining
    󱨠82% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Stan DruckerStan Drucker

    Went to Bingling temple yesterday. Amazing Buddhist carvings. I was extremely impressed especially by the 27 meter Buddha. All carved out of sandstone and well preserved. This is a sight worth seeing if you are in Lanzhou

  • Liangzhou Baita Temple
    󰺂5.6
    WuweiMore than 100 km from Xining
    Highlights:
    󱨜Witness the historical site of the Liangzhou Alliance
    Circle the Saban Stupa three times to pray for blessings
    󱨠46% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M29***51M29***51

    Liangzhou Baita Temple has important historical value, mainly reflected in the following aspects: Witness of Tibet's belonging: In 1247, the Mongolian emperor Kuo Duan and Tibetan religious leader Sajia Banzhida held Liangzhou talks at the Baita Temple to reach an agreement on Tibet's conversion to the Mongolian hanate, Ending the nearly 400-year-old secession of Tibet, marking the official inclusion of Tibet in China's map. Promotion of national unity: The talks avoided war, made the Mongolian and Tibetan peoples live in harmony, and made friendly exchanges mainstream, laying the foundation for the subsequent Yuan Dynasty and successive central governments to govern Tibet. Tibetan Buddhism Communication Center: Baita Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Liangzhou in the Yuan Dynasty. Sajia Banzhida preached here, promoting the spread of Tibetan Buddhism in the mainland, and becoming a center for multi-ethnic religious and cultural exchanges such as Mongolian Tibetan and Han. Multicultural integration: As a heavy town on the Silk Road, Liangzhou Baita Temple witnessed the exchange and integration of agricultural civilization and nomadic civilization, Central Plains culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture, reflecting the characteristics of Chinese culture in a pluralistic one. Patriotism Education Base: In 2006, the former site of the "Liangzhou Talks" in the White Pagoda Temple was named the National National Solidarity and Progress Education Base by the National Civil Affairs Committee, becoming an important place for patriotism education and national unity education.

Best things to do in Xining (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Xining? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Xining offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Xining

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Xining experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Tu Nationality Hometown Park Scenic Area In Huzhu County of Qinghai

• Huzhu | 28.1 km from Xining

Laji Mountain

• Guide | 38.6 km from Xining

• : Breathtaking mountain views & wildflowers,4524m separates Loess & Tibetan Plateau

Qinghai Guide National Geopark

• Guide | 55.9 km from Xining

• : Scenic trail & colorful peaks,Colorful Danxia: breathtaking landscapes

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Xining

If you want to explore attractions just outside Xining, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Xining, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Xining special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Xining

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Xining

Ready to explore the best of Xining? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Xining?
Some Best Things to Do near Xining include:Tu Nationality Hometown Park Scenic Area In Huzhu County of Qinghai, Laji Mountain, Qinghai Guide National Geopark, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qilian Mountains·Gangshks Snowy Peak
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Xining?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Xining include:Tu Nationality Hometown Park Scenic Area In Huzhu County of Qinghai:4.3, Laji Mountain:4.7, Qinghai Guide National Geopark:4.6, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area:4.3, Qilian Mountains·Gangshks Snowy Peak:4.3
Where are Best Things to Do near Xining located?
The Best Things to Do near Xining are mainly located in:Tu Nationality Hometown Park Scenic Area In Huzhu County of Qinghai:Huzhu, Laji Mountain:Guide, Qinghai Guide National Geopark:Guide, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area:Gonghe, Qilian Mountains·Gangshks Snowy Peak:Menyuan
󰴉