If you only have three days to spare, make every hour count in Xining, Qinghai Province. ⠀ We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀ ⠀ With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀ It’s not just a Buddhist monastery. It’s a key cultural relic; a place of astounding architecture, vivid colours, mesmerising culture and beautiful craftsmanship / artwork - including delicate sculptures of Buddha, animals and flowers made of yak butter (which need to be crafted by hand in sub-zero temperatures...)! When you start to get peckish, grab a flaky bing filled with minced beef, leek, onion and cabbage. Could not get enough of the crispy, crunchy texture of the outer pastry and the moreish flavour of the filling.⠀ ⠀ 📍Xinqian Yeshi (Food Court) 新千夜市, Xining, Qinghai Province, China. While here you can pick up a variety of dishes native to the province, as well as a couple of other speciality dishes inspired by neighbouring regions! ⠀ 📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China #urbanexplorer#qingmingtravel