Xining

Xining, China

Perched where the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meet, Xining has been a melting pot of different ethnic groups since ancient times. Diverse cultures and intriguing traditions and customs have made Xining a cultural mosaic. Today, the once isolated far-flung frontier town is the capital of western China's Qinghai province and has become a gem on Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

Getting around

• Qinghai Lake

  This largest inland lake and largest salt water lake in China spans an area of over 4,000 square kilometers. In spring, nature delivers a stop-you-in-your-tracks yellow extravaganza – large swathes of rape flowers are quite an eyeful, and sometimes what unfolds before your eyes looks a bit unreal.

• Taer Monastery

  This holy ground of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism is a blend of Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Yak butter sculptures, murals and embroidered Thangka paintings are its art treasures that would have the crowd on its feet.

• Regong

  Artisans of the town have been doing fascinating Buddhist paintings and created amazing Buddhist sculptures since the 15th century, and their creations have become part and parcel of Tibetan Buddhist art world.

  
  
  
• Xining Bajing

  Close to Xinning are eight best natural sites which appeal to all nature enthusiasts. Just their interesting names tempt your inner tourist: Shixiaqingfeng (placid river flows through a valley), Jin'exiaori (sun rises above the horizons), Wenfengsongcui (peak cloaked in lush vegetation), Huangliuzhunzhang (river water rises in spring), Wufengfeipu (waterfalls tumble down five cliffs) and Beishanyanyu (peaks wreathed in mists).