journey through the silk road
Xining : Qinghai
Qinghai（青海）or sea of green is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western China. Xining (西宁） is the capital city of Qinghai.
I was lucky that it's the canola blooming season. Then all canola fields were in bloom.
Xining train station
I bought a transportation package from hostel, which included shared 4 seats car, driver who will drive you to Kumbum Monastery （塔尔寺）, Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Lake 青海湖) and Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖) for 2 days 1 night. So I got a car with other 3 Chinese tourists and a driver.
The first stop was Kumbum Monastery. Entrance fee was 80 RMB. Woman cannot enter if wearing short-pants. Taking a photo is not allowed in temple.
Instead of go to Qinghai lake's Erlangjian Scenic Area, the driver took us to the lake side of Qinghai lake which belong to private not the government which cheaper than Erlangjian Scenic Area 80 RMB.
Because of huge grassland and nice scenery, then many local people turn their grassland to be a tourist attraction for making a profit. They provide horse riding, Yak, mutton barbecue or cattle. However, these private tourist attractions have really poor garbage management. Trash scatter everywhere in the grassland. If you look at the below picture, you may see many white spots in the picture. These white spots were garbage and plastic bottle. So, it's not that hygiene or pleasant to your eyes when garbage dirtying beautiful scenery.
After visiting Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai lake, stay overnight at Heimahe for sunrise is the popular activity of tourists. I read many reviews about Heimahe. Most reviews said, the hotels there were expensive but the room condition was poor. When I saw the hotel room by myself, I quite shock. The room was really disgusting, dirty like it has never been swept before. The blanket smelled. No shower room. I paid 200 RMB. but felt like I got 20 RMB. room. I'd rather sleep in car!!!
Next day, we went to Chaka Salt Lake. Unfortunately, it's raining all time but when we left it sunshine
After Chaka Salt Lake, we back to Xining. I was so happy when we arrived the hostel and finally said goodbye to the unhygienic rural area of Qinghai.
After having some rest, I start wandering in Xining's downtown.
Xining art museum
Dongguan Mosque
Walking street and food street which located at Mojia Street
Chinese girl who stayed in the same hostel recommended that Qinghai yogurt is a must while in Xining. Personally, I don't like yogurt, but it's not bad when I try Qinghai yogurt. The yogurt was not too sour and tasted a little bit sweet. I can said I enjoyed Qinghai yogurt.
This article wrote at 2019
the admission fee and transportation cost are based on 2019 price.