Jian Zhao
Quick guide
I'll never forget the first time I took a solo female traveler to Xining. We got off at the wrong bus stop, and she almost burst into tears. That's when I realized how overwhelming China can be for women alone — especially in a plateau city like Xining. But here's the thing: after guiding dozens of solo ladies through this gem of Qinghai Province, I've learned exactly what works and what absolutely doesn't. Xining solo female travel isn't just doable — it's genuinely rewarding if you know the hacks.
You're probably worried about safety, getting lost, or eating alone in a city where English is scarce. I get it. The key to enjoying Xining alone is to book a hostel near the East Street Mosque and avoid the tourist-trap restaurants near the train station. Now let's dive into the real deal.
Why Xining for solo female travel?
Xining is often overlooked in favor of Lhasa or Chengdu, but that's exactly why I love it for solo females. It's less crowded, cheaper, and the locals are genuinely curious about foreigners — in a good way. The altitude (around 2,300 meters) can give you a slight headache the first day, but it also means crisp air and stunning sunsets. Plus, it's the gateway to Qinghai Lake and the Tibetan Plateau, so you can easily join day trips if you don't want to rent a car.
Getting there and around
Fly into Xining Caojiabu Airport (IATA: XNN). Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are frequent. Once you land, here's what I tell every solo traveler:
- Airport to city: Bus line 1 costs ¥25 and drops you near the center (about 40 minutes). But if your flight lands after 8 PM, that bus doesn't run. I learned this when a traveler arrived at 9 PM — we had to wait 30 minutes for a taxi. Now I always recommend booking a private transfer via Trip.com for around ¥80. It's worth every yuan for peace of mind.
- Getting around city: DiDi is your best friend. Download the app and set up Alipay (or have a local help you). Taxis are cheap — most rides within the city are ¥8-15. But here's the catch: many taxi drivers don't use meters for non-locals. Always confirm the price before getting in, or use DiDi where the price is fixed.
- Buses: Routes 1, 2, and 9 cover most tourist spots. The bus fare is ¥2, but you'll need a transportation card or exact change. I've seen solo travelers struggle with coins; just keep a stack of small bills.
Where to stay for safety and comfort
Choose a hostel or hotel in the East Street area (近东街口). It's walking distance to Dongguan Mosque, the night market, and many restaurants. Avoid the area near the main train station — it's a bit sketchy after dark, especially for women alone.
| Accommodation | Address | Price range (CNY/night) | Why I like it for solo females |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xining Riverside International Hostel | 58 Dongguan Street | 60-120 (dorm to private) | Staff speaks English, free Wi-Fi, female dorm available, 3-min walk to 24-hour convenience store |
| Hanting Hotel (West Street branch) | 126 West Street | 180-280 | Clean, elevator, front desk can call taxis, safe neighborhood, breakfast included |
| Qinghai Huazhu Hotel (City Center) | 88 Nan Street | 300-450 | Spacious rooms, good soundproofing, restaurant downstairs, airport shuttle available |
Personally, I recommend the hostel for the social vibe — you'll meet other travelers and maybe even find a buddy for Qinghai Lake trips. But if you value quiet, Hanting is a solid budget choice.
Top attractions for solo female travelers
Dongguan Mosque
This is the largest mosque in Qinghai and a must-visit. It's free to enter, but women must cover their arms and legs. I always keep a scarf in my bag just in case. The intricate wood carvings and peaceful courtyard are worth an hour. Best time to go: mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid crowds and heat. Afternoon light creates beautiful shadows for photos. Address: 67 Dongguan Street. Open 8 AM-6 PM. No reservation needed.
Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple)
About 30 minutes from Xining by taxi (¥40-50), this is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Lhasa. The butter sculptures and golden roofs are stunning. Ticket: ¥70 (adult), ¥35 (students with ID). Annoying thing: You have to book via the WeChat mini-program — the one with the Chinese interface. It's a nightmare for non-Chinese speakers. I always tell my clients to ask their hotel receptionist to book it for them. Open 8 AM-5:30 PM. Plan 2-3 hours.
Qinghai Lake day trip
As a solo female, joining a group tour is the easiest way. Most hostels and travel agencies in Xining offer day trips for around ¥200-300, including bus and entrance fee (¥90). The drive takes about 3 hours each way. My tip: Leave by 7 AM to avoid the tour bus crowds at Erlangjian. Also, rent a bike at the lake for ¥50 — it's the best way to experience the vastness. But don't cycle too far alone; cell service can be spotty. Bring snacks, as food options near the lake are overpriced and mediocre.
Night market (Mojie Street)
Mojie Street (莫家街) comes alive around 6 PM. It's safe for solo women — I've walked there many evenings. Try the yogurt (suan nai) and lamb skewers. Watch out for: The milk tea stand that charges ¥15 for a tiny cup; the local market price is ¥6. Just smile and walk away. Also, many vendors don't accept cards; bring cash (small denominations).
Food solo guide
Eating alone in Xining can be tricky because many restaurants serve large portions designed for sharing. Here are my go-to places:
| Restaurant | Address | Specialty | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yong Qing Noodle House | 23 Mojie Street | Beef noodle soup (niurou mian) | ¥15-25 | Counter service, fast, English picture menu. I always order the 'big bowl' (da wan) — enough for a meal. |
| Lao Ma Jia Yogurt Shop | 56 Dongguan Street (near mosque) | Traditional Qinghai yogurt | ¥8 | Thick, tangy, sold in ceramic bowls. Cash only. Peak hours (7 PM) have a 10-min queue. |
| Xining Night Market Grilled Fish Stall | Mojie Street, booth #15 | Spicy grilled fish (kao yu) | ¥35-50 | Choose a whole fish — they'll grill it with cumin and chili. Tell them 'bu tai la' if you don't want it too spicy. Seats available. |
If you're vegetarian or halal, almost every restaurant on Dongguan Street is halal (the area is Muslim). Ask for 'su shi' (vegetarian) and they'll skip the meat. For vegan options, stick to noodle places and specify no egg.
Safety tips and scams
Xining is generally safe for solo women, but I've seen a few tricks:
- Taxi 'meter broken' scam: Some drivers claim the meter is broken and quote ¥30 for a ride that should cost ¥10. Insist on using DiDi or get out and find another taxi.
- Fake monks: Near Kumbum Monastery, fake monks sometimes approach you with a 'donation book' asking for money. Smile, say 'mei you' (don't have), and walk away. Real monks don't solicit.
- Night walking: Stick to well-lit streets (Dongguan Street, Mojie Street) after dark. Avoid the alleyways near the train station. I always carry a small flashlight and keep my phone battery full.
- Altitude: Your first night, don't drink alcohol, take it easy, and drink lots of water. I've seen solo travelers get dizzy and panic. Just rest — symptoms usually fade within 48 hours.
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