Things to do in Xining: Avoid crowds & see the real city

Hong Ma 29 Jun 2026 15 reads 6 min read

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updated: 11 Jul 2026 reviewer: Qing Tang 2026-07-11

Quick overview

Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si)
Dongguan Mosque
Food on Moli Street
Qinghai Provincial Museum
Riyue Mountain day trip
24-hour itinerary
Where to stay
Practical tips

You just booked a flight to Xining. Now what? Let me save you from the usual tourist traps. I've been guiding in Qinghai for over six years, and I've seen too many travelers waste time on overhyped spots. Things to do in Xining aren't just about checking off temples—it's about dodging the crowds and tasting the real vibe. Here's my honest take. Xining attractions

Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si): Don't go at noon

About 25 km southwest of Xining, Kumbum is one of the six great monasteries of Gelug Buddhism. Ticket: 80 RMB (adult), 40 RMB (student). Bring cash—international cards rarely work at the gate. Open 8:00-18:00 (summer) / 8:30-17:30 (winter).

From Xining, take bus 909 from the main bus station (10 RMB, 40 mins) or DiDi (~120 RMB). Here's the catch: the entrance steps face west, so afternoon light blasts you straight in the eyes for photos. I always tell my clients to arrive before 10 am. Also, the restroom near the ticket office is cramped and often has a queue. Use the one at the bus station first.

Dongguan Mosque: Free but dress respectfully

One of the largest mosques in northwest China. Free entry. Address: 31 Dongguan Avenue. Take bus 1, 2, or 3 to Dongguan stop. Non-Muslims can visit outside prayer times (roughly 6:00, 13:30, and 17:00). Women must cover hair and arms—I've seen guards turn people away. Inside, the blend of Arabic and Chinese architecture is stunning. Best visited late afternoon when the golden light hits the minarets. Xining travel guide

Moli Street: Eat like a local

Xining's food heaven. My go-to is Mazhong Restaurant (No. 7 Moli Street). Must try: liangpi (cold noodles with chili, chewy texture, medium spice) and Qinghai yogurt (thick, tangy, topped with white sugar). Prices: 30-50 RMB per person. Dinner rush at 7 pm means 20-minute wait. Cash or WeChat Pay only—don't expect to use a credit card. Pro tip: order a side of hand-pulled lamb noodles; the broth is addictive. what to see in Xining

My personal favorite: I always grab an extra bowl of yogurt from the old lady at the corner stall (2nd lane on the left). It's sweeter and has a layer of cream on top.

Qinghai Provincial Museum: Free but skip Monday

Free entry with ID (passport works). Address: 58 Xiguan Avenue. Open 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays. Exhibits cover ancient painted pottery, Tibetan thangkas, and the Silk Road. Most labels are in Chinese only—download a translation app beforehand. Plan 2 hours. The AC is a lifesaver on hot afternoons.

Riyue Mountain: For the views, not the crowds

80 km southwest, a half-day trip. Ticket: 40 RMB. Altitude 3,500 m—you'll feel it. Rent a private car (around 400 RMB including driver) or join a minibus tour from Xining bus station. The statue of Princess Wencheng and the vast grassland are Instagram gold. But wind is brutal—bring a windproof jacket. Avoid weekends; tour groups swarm the place. Xining itinerary

How to do Xining in 24 hours (without dying)

Short on time? Start at 7:30 am—head to Kumbum Monastery (arrive before 9). Stay 2.5 hours, then back to city by noon. Grab lunch at Mazhong on Moli Street. By 2 pm, visit Qinghai Provincial Museum (1.5 hours). At 4:30 pm, take a taxi to Dongguan Mosque (10 mins, 15 RMB). Evening: wander through Shuijing Lane night market for skewers and souvenirs. If it rains, skip Riyue Mountain and cozy up at a local tea house like Xining Tea Art Center (near the museum).

Transportation between spots is easy—DiDi is cheap (rides within city rarely exceed 30 RMB). Avoid rush hour (5-7 pm) when traffic clogs.

Where to crash: Hotels that won't ruin your trip

Hotel	Price range (night)	Best for	Notes
Holiday Inn Xining (City Center)	400–600 RMB	Families, business	English-speaking front desk, stable WiFi, gym. 5 min walk to Moli Street.
Xining Western Inn (Hostel)	80–120 RMB	Backpackers	Dorm-style, free luggage storage, tour desk for Kumbum. No elevator.
Mingcheng Hotel (Mid-range)	250–350 RMB	Couples	Clean rooms, Chinese breakfast, near Dongguan Mosque. Ask for a quiet room away from the street.

Pain point: Many cheap hotels in the old town have creaky beds and spotty WiFi. I've had guests complain about rude staff at some. Stick to the ones above. Xining food

Can't forget these things

Payment: International credit cards are useless everywhere except some big hotels. Top up your WeChat Pay or bring enough cash (ATMs accept Visa for cash, but fees are high).
Altitude: Xining sits at 2,200 m. You might get a mild headache. Drink plenty of water and skip alcohol on day one. Prep Rhodiola pills if you're sensitive.
Internet blocking: Google, Instagram, WhatsApp don't work without a VPN. Install one before you arrive. Local SIM cards (China Mobile) are easy to buy at the airport with passport.

Your top Xining questions (answered honestly)

I only have one day in Xining. Is it realistic to see Kumbum and the city?

Absolutely, but you'll need to be efficient. Start at 7:30 am sharp for Kumbum, skip the museum, and focus on the monastery and food street. I've done it dozens of times with clients—it works but you'll be tired by 8 pm.

Is the Dongguan Mosque really free? No hidden fees?

Yes, free entry. But donations are encouraged—and they'll ask you for a small cash contribution at the exit (optional, but polite). Also, they may charge 10 RMB if you want to use the prayer room for non-Muslim observation.

Do I need to speak Chinese to survive in Xining?

Not fully, but it helps. Street food vendors and bus drivers speak zero English. Have a translation app ready and screenshots of common phrases like 'How much?' and 'I don't eat spicy.' Taxi drivers often use voice navigation in Chinese, so show your destination on your phone map.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.

Hong Ma

Hong Ma, a Lanzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the 8-Day Hexi Corridor expedition, ancient Buddhist grottoes pilgrimage, and Mogao Caves.