What to do in Xining

Activities, attractions and tours

eight white pagoda in qinghai kumbum monastery
eight white pagoda in qinghai kumbum monastery
Night Shot Cityscape Bridge Xining City Qinghai Province China
Aerial photography of Laoye Mountain in Datong County, Xining City, Qinghai Province
Kumbum Monastery, one of the most important temples in Tibetan Buddhism.

Xining Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Xining has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Xining, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Xining with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Xining

Xining is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Xining, and make it a breeze to explore Xining and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Xining to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Xining, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Xining.

Xining attractions

Xining has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Xining to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Xining.

Looking for things to do in Xining can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Xining or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Xining attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Xining

Popular places to visit

Tibetan Plateau Wildlife Zoo

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at Tibetan Plateau Wildlife Zoo during your travels in Xining? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Tibetan Plateau Wildlife Zoo

Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain

After visiting Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Xining. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Tulou Temple of Beishan Mountain

Qinghai University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Qinghai University during your travels in Xining. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Qinghai University

Xining Dongguan Mosque

Xining Dongguan Mosque is just one of the places to see in Xining, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Xining Dongguan Mosque

Dongguan Great Mosque

Dongguan Great Mosque is just one of the places to see in Xining, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's parks or visit its temples.

Dongguan Great Mosque

Xining Nanshan Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Xining Nanshan Mountain during your travels in Chengzhong Qu. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Xining Nanshan Mountain

Ta'er Monastery

Learn about the local history of Huangzhong County when you spend time at Ta'er Monastery. Take in the entertainment choices and mountain views in the area.

Ta'er Monastery

Qinghai Tibet Cultural Centre

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Qinghai Tibet Cultural Centre during your travels in Huangzhong County. Make time to visit the temples and monuments while you're in the area.

Qinghai Tibet Cultural Centre

Datong River Forest Park

Explore the great outdoors at Datong River Forest Park, a lovely green space in Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County.

Datong River Forest Park

Explore areas of Xining

Skyscrapers morning view in Xining, Qinghai province, China

Xining City Centre

You'll enjoy the mountain views and restaurants in Xining City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Huangshui River or Xining Nanshan Park.

Xining City Centre
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Chengxi District

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Chengxi District. You might want to make time for a stop at Tibetan Plateau Wildlife Zoo or Huangshui River.

Chengxi District
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Chengbei District

You might make a stop by Huangshui River while you're exploring Chengbei District.

Chengbei District
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Chengdong Qu

Travellers enjoy Chengdong Qu for its museums and historical sites. Consider checking out Huangshui River while you're in the area.

Chengdong Qu

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Xining

Qilian Mountains as seen from Qinghai Lake.

Hainan

Qilian Mountains as seen from Qinghai Lake.

Gonghe County

Frequently asked questions

Is Xining worth visiting?
Xining offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Xining?
Kayue Cultural Ruins is a good place to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Xining while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Xining?
The top tourist attraction in Xining is Kayue Cultural Ruins, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Xining?
Book a break in Xining for three days and you'll have enough time to discover its major sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy attractions in nearby areas and get off the beaten path, consider staying for a week or more.
What are some activities to do in Xining with kids?
Deciding what to do in Xining with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Xining for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are lots of things to do in Xining for adults.
Are there free things to do in Xining?
With lots of cheap things to do in Xining, you can experience the area without spending a lot. Check out free events and festivals or explore the local neighbourhoods.