Introducing Xīníng

Xīníng is the only large city in Qīnghǎi and is the capital of the province. Long established as a Han Chinese outpost, it’s been a military garrison and trading centre since the 16th century.

Perched on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, the booming city is not the most aesthetic, but it’s more manageable in size than its big brother Lánzhōu (in Gānsù). The food and lodging is good and it’s a perfect springboard from which to dive into the surrounding sights.