Enchanting Qinghai | Classic 3-Day Tour of Xining, Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake

Welcome to beautiful Xining ! Our driver will meet you at the airport/train station exit and then escort you to visit Kumbum Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in China. Kumbum Monastery , named for its stupa which predates the monastery, boasts a history of over 600 years and is one of Xining's most popular tourist destinations. It is also the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, a master of Tibetan Buddhism and considered the second Buddha in the world. The monastery is magnificent in architecture, rich in treasures, and bustling with worshippers, making it one of the best places to understand Tibetan Buddhist culture. Furthermore, Kumbum Monastery is world-renowned for its butter sculptures , murals , and appliqué embroidery , known as the "Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery."

After the tour, return to your hotel in Xining city to rest.

Suggested way to get there:

1. By Air: Xining Caojiabao International Airport (XNN) is Xining's main airport, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center, making transportation very convenient. Domestic flights offer direct connections to major Chinese cities such as Beijing (2.5 to 3 hours), Xi'an (1.5 hours), Shanghai (3.5 hours), Urumqi (2.5 hours), Chengdu (1.5 to 2 hours), Chongqing (2 hours), Guangzhou (3.5 to 4 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 to 4 hours), Lhasa (2 hours), and Kunming (2.5 hours).

2. Train: Xining is an important railway hub in Qinghai Province. Trains can directly reach major Chinese cities such as Xi'an (4 to 5 hours), Lanzhou (1 to 1.5 hours), Zhangye (1.5 to 2 hours), Dunhuang (6 hours), Beijing/Shanghai (10 hours), Chengdu (7 to 8 hours), and Chongqing (8 to 9 hours).

Qinghai Lake (approximately 3194 meters above sea level) is China's largest inland saltwater lake, a dazzling pearl embedded in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It was named the "Most Beautiful of China's Five Great Lakes" by *Chinese National Geography* and included in the list of "55 Places You Must Visit in Your Lifetime." Its deep blue, boundless waters are surrounded by vast fields of golden rapeseed flowers and rolling green grasslands, dotted with colorful prayer flags and grazing cattle and sheep—a unique and vibrant tapestry of color. ( PS: Best time to view the rapeseed flowers and grasslands at Qinghai Lake: July to August)

Upon arrival at Qinghai Lake, you will visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area , one of the lake's most famous attractions. Here, you can experience the shimmering blue waters of Qinghai Lake up close, admire the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake and sky merging into one, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, including Tibetan cultural symbols and the legend of the Queen Mother of the West. On a clear day, you may also have the opportunity to see the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Optional Activities (at Your Own Cost): To fully appreciate the breathtaking natural scenery of Qinghai Lake, you can choose to take a boat trip for a comfortable experience. Options include: a high-speed boat (approximately 20 minutes one way, costing 140 yuan per person) or a luxury cruise ship (approximately 50 minutes round trip, costing 180 yuan per person). Alternatively, you can enjoy horseback riding or cycling around the lake.

After visiting the Erlangjian Scenic Area, continue westward along the picturesque shores of Qinghai Lake to Chaka Town ( altitude approximately 3100 meters), famous for its breathtaking Chaka Salt Lake. The entire journey is about 153 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours. We will stay overnight in Chaka Town.

Chaka Salt Lake is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese salt culture, with its salt industry history dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. The entire salt lake is nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows, a perfect blend of water and salt. It is beautiful in all seasons: shimmering blue waters in summer, and desolate and magnificent in winter. The lake's surface is crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped mountains, earning it the reputation of "China's Mirror of the Sky." You can climb to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of Chaka Salt Lake. If interested, take some time to explore the world's largest outdoor salt sculpture art group – the Salt Sculpture Group – and learn about Chaka's history and culture; or leisurely stroll on the salt lake above the clouds, fully experiencing the spectacular scenery where "water reflects the sky, the sky connects to the earth, and people walk among the lakes, as if walking in a painting."

For a more immersive experience, you can take a vintage train ride along the tracks deep into the heart of the lake, immersing yourself in a world of salt. After the tour, you can leisurely walk back to the entrance, which takes about 40 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, you can take the train back (an additional fee applies).

Along the way, you can visit the Qianying Muxue viewing platform to admire the reflection of the salt lake and snow-capped mountains. You can also stop at Tianlu Yingchen Station and Tianji Xinyue Station to take photos and capture iconic scenes such as "I love Chaka" and "Heart Crystal".

Practical travel tips:

1. To experience the charm of the salt lake up close, you can wear shoe covers (an extra 10 yuan is required) and walk on the lake surface, as if walking in a dreamlike world above the sky.

2. Take a sightseeing train to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the "Sky Mirror" lake, and take photos of the "railway leading to the sky" along the way.

3. Every corner of Chaka Salt Lake is perfect for taking photos, such as the Romantic Skylight, Thousand Reflections of Snow, the Water Train, and the salt sculptures and other popular spots.

4. To capture the magnificent sunrise/sunset views of Chaka Salt Lake, you can visit places such as Qianying Muxue Viewing Platform, Tianjing Bishui Station, Langman Tianjing Station, and Tianji Xinyue Station.

After visiting Chaka Salt Lake, you will travel approximately 300 kilometers back to Xining , a journey of about 3.5 to 4 hours. This concludes your wonderful and unforgettable 3-day classic Qinghai tour. Our driver will then escort you to the airport/train station for your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Huangjia International Travel Agency. We are happy to provide you with high-quality travel services for your trip to Qinghai. We look forward to serving you again on your future trip to China and embarking on new and exciting journeys together.