Top 20 Best Things to Do in Qinghai
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Qinghai

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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.
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  • Chaka Salt Laketop_1
    󰺂8.6
    Ulan>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoChaka Salt Lake Scenic Area: Free for a limited time | Dec 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱓊Take a Train to the Lake to See the Pure Salt Lake
    󱓊Train ride to pristine salt lake
    󱨠Saved by 374 users󱨠10942 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    東国東国

    This film area is a bit special. The white salt field looks like snow shadows, which is very beautiful. However, once you get to the film area, you have to pay extra for almost every attraction. You can't move an inch without paying.

  • Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museumtop_2
    󰺂8.3
    Xining.Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
    󰋄Open year-round, closed 3 days
    󱨠Saved by 230 users󱨠7328 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    羊猫树羊猫树

    The Thangka paintings were truly breathtaking, especially because of their length. There seemed to be very few staff members; there wasn't a single person at the service desk. I really wished I could hire a guide. Otherwise, I was completely confused. Hopefully, more guided tours will be available in the future.

  • Kumbum Monasterytop_3
    󰺂8.3
    83.34
    Xining>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKumbum Monastery is poetic in winter | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󱓊Unique hilltop temple complex
    󱓊Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces
    󱨠Saved by 252 users󱨠9292 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    大    牛大 牛

    Kumbum Monastery is famous for two main reasons. First, its location is close to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, only 28 kilometers away, making it easily accessible to travelers with excellent service. Second, it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, for whom a large silver stupa was built. Later, a monastery was built around the stupa, which was then directly named Kumbum Monastery. It's a vast complex, built against the mountainside, very majestic. Walking among it, experiencing Tibetan Buddhism, and watching the Tibetan people prostrating themselves in devout worship, you'll feel somewhat mesmerized. 😂

  • Chaerhan Salt Lake
    4
    󰺂8.0
    650
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe magnificent Chaerhan Salt Lake reappears in a stunning scene
    Highlights:
    󰀆20-mile salt bridge across lake
    Spectacular salt crystals & unique landscape
    󱨠Saved by 112 users󱨠2635 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M25***94M25***94

    The bus costs 60 yuan per person, and the ride is really long, haha. The colors of the scenic area are beautiful, very beautiful. You must go when the weather is good, otherwise it's not really green or emerald green.

  • Wusute Yadan Geological Park
    5
    󰺂8.0
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆360° view of Yadan Lake
    󱨜Castle-like formations on water
    󱨠Saved by 124 users󱨠3351 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Water Yadan is beautiful, and it largely met my expectations. Overall, it was a good experience and quite good. It met my expectations in most aspects and is worth recommending. I might choose it again in the future, and I hope to have an even better experience next time.

  • Emerald Lake
    6
    󰺂8.0
    Haixi Prefecture>100 km from downtown
    󱨠Saved by 128 users󱨠989 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    kky***22kky***22

    Emerald Lake offers exceptional value for money in winter. With an off-season entrance fee of only 25 yuan, and avoiding the 60 yuan train ride, it's incredibly affordable. You can easily see half of Emerald Lake – that's more than enough! Check out the photos!

  • Qinghai Lake
    7
    󰺂7.9
    333.34
    Gonghe>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    󱓊Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
    Boat ride & scenic views
    󱨠Saved by 195 users󱨠3663 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M27***15M27***15

    Mr. Ren was enthusiastic and interesting, and introduced a lot of interesting information along the way. Although Chaka Salt Lake was dry in winter, and Riyue Mountain and Qinghai Lake were also very cold, it was still a very unique one-day trip overall. The other travelers were also very nice. It was more than expected to visit so many places in one day!

  • Xining Wildlife Park
    8
    󰺂7.8
    Xining>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoEscaped Snow Leopard "Naonao" Becomes a Top Star in Xining
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
    󱓊Wildlife viewing & educational experience
    󱨠2336 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    SDDSDDSDDSDD

    The park exhibits over 180 species and more than 3,000 wild animals, making it the world's only zoo that integrates captive-bred populations of snow leopards, Himalayan vultures, and Pallas's cats. Guests can see rare animals unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and wild yaks, as well as introduced species like hippos and giraffes.

  • Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
    9
    󰺂7.7
    250
    Huangyuan>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
    Yak rides & highland photography
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠817 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    沫沫然_沫沫然_

    The Qinghai-Tibet border landscape is breathtaking, the fluttering prayer flags create a wonderful atmosphere, and the legend of Princess Wencheng adds to the charm! A must-see for anyone passing through, the scenery is magnificent, the Tibetan culture is rich, and the price is great!

  • Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
    10
    󰺂6.7
    250
    Ulan>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoChaka Sky No. 1 winter wonder | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱓊Glass slide view: Salt Lake & Kunlun Mountains
    󰋄Unique boardwalk: koi & clover
    󱨠1050 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M35***28M35***28

    The hotel does not have a navigation system, so it is best to ask the hotel staff before going. The staff was very attentive and even upgraded us to a larger RV for free, which was very nice (。•̀ᴗ-)

Best things to do in Qinghai (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Qinghai? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Qinghai 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 Qinghai

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

Chaka Salt Lake

• Ulan | >100 km from downtown

• : Take a Train to the Lake to See the Pure Salt Lake,Train ride to pristine salt lake

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum

• Xining.Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza | >100 km from downtown

• : Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15,Open year-round, closed 3 days

Kumbum Monastery

• Xining | >100 km from downtown

• : Unique hilltop temple complex,Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces

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 Qinghai

If you want to explore attractions just outside Qinghai, 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 Qinghai, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Qinghai 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 Qinghai

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 Qinghai

Ready to explore the best of Qinghai? 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 Best Things to Do are there in Qinghai?
These are all Best Things to Do in Qinghai:Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, Kumbum Monastery, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Wusute Yadan Geological Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Qinghai?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Qinghai include:Chaka Salt Lake:4.3, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum:4.8, Kumbum Monastery:4.6, Chaerhan Salt Lake:4.7, Wusute Yadan Geological Park:4.5
At what locations in Qinghai can Best Things to Do in Qinghai be found?
The Best Things to Do in Qinghai are mainly located in:Chaka Salt Lake:Ulan, Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum:Xining, Kumbum Monastery:Xining, Chaerhan Salt Lake:Golmud, Wusute Yadan Geological Park:Golmud
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