Xining, Capital city in Qinghai, China
Description
Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province in western China, sitting at roughly 2,275 meters (7,463 feet) above sea level on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The urban area unfolds along the Huangshui River valley, with dry hills and distant mountain ranges framing the horizon around the built-up zone.
History
The settlement arose during the Han Dynasty as a trading post on the northern branch of the Silk Road that ran through the Hexi Corridor. Over the centuries that followed, it grew into a regional center facilitating exchange between the Chinese heartland and the western borderlands.
Culture
The city contains both the Dongguan Mosque and Kumbum Monastery, reflecting the convergence of Muslim and Buddhist communities in this high-altitude region.
Practical
The city is linked by rail to several Chinese metropolises, while Caojiabao Airport sits roughly 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the center. The elevation can cause initial fatigue or mild breathing difficulty for some travelers, so a gentle adjustment period after arrival is advisable.
Did you know?
In May 1927 a magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook the region, leading to widespread loss and destruction. Reconstruction after that disaster fundamentally reshaped the cityscape and informed the modern infrastructure visible today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Qinghai).
Photo license: CC BY-SA 4.0
Kumbum Monastery
24.1 km
Labrang Monastery
172.1 km
Bingling Temple
145.6 km
Lajia Ruins
125 km
Dongguan Mosque
1.8 km
Matisi Grottoes
239.4 kmWushao Ling Mountain
116.4 km
Ma Bufang Mansion
2.3 km
Tiantishan Grottoes
135.2 km
Qutan Temple
55.1 km
Nuclear City of China
85 km
Liujiaxia Reservoir
160.3 kmStele of Liangzhou
163.6 km
Longwu Temple
125.8 km
Wuwei Confucian Temple
163.7 km
Multicoloured Mosque
171.9 km
Chuzang
43.8 km
People's Park
2.2 km
Yuhuang Ge
71.4 km
Shadzong Ritro
33.8 km
Huyin Temple
170.6 km
Jinchuanxia Shuiku
186.7 km
大南川水库
25.1 km
Xining Zoo
2.2 km
Linxia Chengjiao Mosque
172 km
Huangyuan Xian Mosque
45.6 km
Grande mosquée de Duoba
23.3 km
Wutun Monastery
121 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes