Discover Qinghai: An 8-Day Tibetan Culture & Qinghai Lake Tour! Explore the hidden treasures of Qinghai, China, on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the Tibetan Plateau. Discover the sacred Kumbum Monastery, admire the breathtaking scenery of Qinghai Lake, and explore the colourful Danxia landscapes of Guide National Geopark. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, Buddhist monasteries and the renowned Regong art of Tongren, while uncovering Xining’s rich multicultural heritage. Perfect for travellers seeking an authentic China cultural tour combining spectacular natural scenery, spiritual traditions and unique local experiences throughout the year.

XINING > QINGHAI LAKE > GUIDE COUNTY > TONGREN > XINING

🍀 Fully escorted tour with an English-speaking guide

🍀 Tailor-made private tour to fit your plan

🍀 No forced shopping stops

🍀 Comfortable transportation to sites 

🍀 Gourmet food of authentic local cuisine 

D1 | XINING ARRIVAL

D2 | XINING

D3 | XINING > QINGHAI LAKE 

D4 | QINGHAI LAKE > GUIDE COUNTY

D5 | GUIDE COUNTY > TONGREN

D6 | TONGREN

D7 | TONGREN > XINING

D8 | XINNG DEPARTURE

☑ ACCOMM: Deluxe hotels, based on twin-sharing

☑ MEAL: Breakfasts at hotels

☑ TRANSP: Air-conditioned private vehicle with an experienced driver

☑ GUIDE: Experienced English-speaking local guide

☑ SIGHTS: Entrance fees for all sights listed   

☑ OTHER: Food & lodgings for guide & driver           

☑ COMP: 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day

☒ Chinese visa

☒ International airfare

☒ Meals (lunch & dinner) at your own expenses

☒ Travel insurance

☒ Optional or additional activities

☒ Personal expenditures

☒ Tips for guide & driver

D1 | XINING ARRIVAL

● Airport-hotel transfer

D2 | XINING

● Beichan Temple - A historic temple built into dramatic cliffs, combining ancient religious architecture with sweeping views over Xining

● Nanchan Temple - A tranquil Buddhist sanctuary offering a glimpse into the city’s enduring religious traditions and architectural heritage

● Dongguan Mosque - A landmark of Islamic architecture, distinguished by its grand prayer hall and elegant fusion of Chinese and Islamic design

● Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - Explore Tibetan civilisation through religious artefacts, traditional medicine, intricate thangka art and Buddhist heritage

D3 | XINING > QINGHAI LAKE 

● Qinghai Lake | Erlangjian Scenic Area (Incl. shuttle) - Discover China’s largest inland saltwater lake, where expansive blue waters meet distant mountains and open grasslands in a magnificent highland panorama

D4 | QINGHAI LAKE > GUIDE COUNTY

● Kumbum Monastery ( = Ta’er Si) - One of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered monasteries, renowned for ornate prayer halls, exquisite murals and intricate religious sculptures

● Guide National Geopark (= Ashigong Colourful Peak Cluster Scenic Area) - Admire spectacular Danxia formations, where wind and erosion have sculpted layers of sandstone into striking ridges and colourful peaks

D5 | GUIDE COUNTY > TONGREN

● Yuhuang Pavilion - Discover a traditional religious pavilion showcasing historic Chinese architectural influences within Qinghai’s diverse cultural landscape

● Giant Prayer Wheel (Incl. shuttle) - Encounter a monumental symbol of Tibetan Buddhist faith, where the turning of the prayer wheel represents devotion and the spreading of sacred prayers

● Zhacang Hot Springs - Make a brief stop to explore the area’s geothermal features, subject to time, accessibility and operating conditions

D6 | TONGREN

● Longwu Monastery - Visit a major Tibetan Buddhist centre, where traditional monastery architecture and active religious life preserve centuries-old spiritual traditions

● Wutun Upper & Lower Monasteries - Explore renowned centres of Regong art, celebrated for generations of master artisans creating intricate Buddhist paintings, murals and sculptures

● Regong Art Museum - Discover the rich symbolism, vivid colours and exceptional craftsmanship of Regong art, a treasured expression of Tibetan Buddhist culture

D7 | TONGREN > XINING

● Kanbula National Forest Park - Explore a dramatic landscape of red sandstone cliffs, rugged peaks, wooded slopes and sweeping views across the Yellow River reservoir

D8 | XINNG DEPARTURE

● Hotel-Airport transfer