Welcome to Xīníng
Situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, this lively provincial capital makes a good base from which to dive into the surrounding sights and on to the more remote regions of Qīnghǎi and beyond. Though many travellers use Xīníng (西宁) as a jumping-off or landing point from the Qīnghǎi–Tibet Railway, it’s also a wonderful place to explore the province’s varied cultures – Muslim (Huí, Salar and Uyghur), Tibetan and Han Chinese – especially the rich culinary mix that these groups bring together.
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Xīníng activities
Qinghai Lake Day Tour
Pickup at hotel at 9:00am by driver and car. Drive to Qinghai Lake, also known as Lake Kokonor. Visit the largest salt-water lake in China and a sacred historical place for Tibetans. See the surrounding shores that are dotted with Tibetan nomadic family tents. Explore the highlands of the Tibetan Plateau. Take great photos from a nearby vista point. Ride on a horse or yak (own expense) for an authentic Tibetan nomad experience. Hike the Shala-Pass (own expense), if interested. Trek up to 2.3m (3700m), which usually takes 1 to 2-hours. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake.Have lunch in a picnic area by the lake. Spend time with local Tibetan nomads and learning first-hand about life in their community. Head back to your hotel in the early evening following the tour.
Small-Group 6-Night Lhasa to Everest Tour: Train from Xining
Day 1: Take a train to Lhasa from XiningYour tour starts from the Xining Railway Station. When entering the station, you need to present to the conductor your passport, China Visa, Tibet Travel Permit and train ticket. Then start to enjoy the memorable trip. Overnight on the train.Day 2: Lhasa ArrivalToday, you will witness the most beautiful scenic view on the Qinghai Tibet Train. After arrival, your tour guide will meet you at the train station in Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa 3-star Hotel.Day 3: Lhasa - Shigatse (B) You will drive from Lhasa to Gyantse. On the way, the group will pass over the Gampala pass (4790m), and will get a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. The stop to visit Karuola Glacier. The tour moves on to Gyantse where we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum. After driving 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Shigatse where you'll visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of Tibet's second highest incarnation, the Panchen Lama. Overnight in Shigatse 3-star hotel. Day 4: Shigatse - Everest Base Camp (B) You'll leave Shigatse after getting your alien's travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse where you can take lunch. After that, you will drive to Shegar and if the weather is clear enough, you can view the Mt. Everest in the distance on the way back down. After 4 to 6 hours, you will arrive at Rongbuk monastery, but on the way there, you will pass Pang la Pass, one of the highest passes in Tibet at 5050m. From that pass, you can view all of the five highest peaks in the world. Overnight in the tent at EBC or Rongbuk Monastery guestroom. Day 5: Everest Base Camp Return to Shigatse In the morning, you can see the sunrise appear on the top of Mt Everest at the tent area of EBC, and have a full view of the magnificent Mount which stands like a snow-capped pyramid in front of you at Rongpuk, the vantage point for watching Mt. Everest. After that drive back to Shigatse 3-star hotel. Day 6: Shigatse to Lhasa (B) You will drive back to Lhasa on the friendship Highway. The whole distance is almost 280km and it takes 6 hours. Stay overnight Lhasa 3-star hotel.Day 7: Departure from Lhasa (B)After eating breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station or the airport if you need.
Xining Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel
When your driver arrives at Xining Caojiabu Airport(XNN), he will first check your flight arrival time from the Arrival Flight Information Board, then go to the exact terminal building, wait at the exit from where you will come out. He will hold your name sign and wait for you to show up. Please follow him to go to your hotel. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How long will my driver wait for me? A: Your driver will wait until your show up. If the last person has come out from your flight, he will ask the airport staff if there is anyone left in the luggage claim area. Then he will have to make a phone call to the local travel agent. Your driver will leave the airport only after receiving a phone notice from the local travel agent. Q: What happen if my flight is delayed? A: Delayed flights will cost additional charge. Please use the urgent contact number on your voucher, contact the local travel agent as early as possible. Q: What happen if my flight is cancelled? A: Please use the urgent contact number on your voucher, contact the local travel agent as early as possible. If your driver is already waiting for you at the airport, there is no refund for no show caused by flight cancellation. Q: Will the driver telephone me from the airport? A: No. Your driver does not speaking in English. The local travel agent will be your backup. Q: What should I do if I can not find my driver? A: Telephone the local travel agent. The staff will ask you to pass the phone to a Chinese person standing beside you, because it will be easier for a Chinese person to clarify your exact location. Then please wait there. Your driver will come to you. Do not move! Please do not go to your hotel by yourself.
Xining Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport
Please wait in the hotel lobby. Your driver will find you by eye contact, or read your name from his pickup list. The hotel pickup is 24 hours available. The local tour operator is your back up in Xining. He/she has all information of your driver and vehicle. Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Is your service better than calling a taxi on site? A: Taxi service is not always available in Xining. If the hotel doormen can not find a taxi for you in time, the stress of waiting for a taxi will cause big problem. Using our service, you will have a better vehicle with service from a reliable driver, at your preferred pickup time. Q: What should I do if I can not find my driver? A: Telephone the local travel agent. The staff will ask you to pass the phone to a Chinese standing beside you, find out your exact location. Then please wait here. Your driver will come to you. Do not move! Do not go to airport by yourself. Q: How can I modify a reservation? A: Please use the urgent contact number on your voucher, contact the local travel agent as early as possible. Q: How can I cancel a reservation? A: Please use the urgent contact number on your voucher, contact the local travel agent as early as possible. Q: Will the driver telephone me before pickup? A: No. Your driver does not speaking in English. The local travel agent will be your backup.
Xining Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel
This railway station pickup service in Xining is delivered by an experienced driver from a national car rental company, and an English speaking travel agent staff for backup support. Price is inclusive of all charges such as peak hour charges, midnight charges, city area surcharge, toll and parking fees. At the Xining Railway Station, your driver will first check the Arrival Train Information Board, find your train code, then go to the exit from where you will come out. He will hold your name sign and wait for you to show up. When you arrive, please follow him to the parking lot. This private transfer service is 24 hours available. Please buy train ticket first, then book this pickup and transfer service. Your arrival train code is required upon reservation. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What should I do if I can not find my driver? A: Telephone the local travel agent. The staff will ask you to pass the phone to a Chinese standing beside you, find out your exact location. Then please wait here. Your driver will come to you. Do not move! Q: What happens if my train is delayed? A: Additional charge will be asked to pay in cash to your driver. Please telephone the local travel agent right after you know the train is delayed. You are required to telephone again after boarding the train. The local travel agent needs the updated train information to tell your driver to leave, or to wait. So if you make a phone call only after your late arrival in Xining, no pickup and no refund. Q: What is the luggage allowance? A: Each passenger (aside from infant) can check in with a maximum of 1 piece of luggage, total dimension not exceeding 158 cm (62 inch), wheels, handles and side pockets included. Each bag should not weigh over 20kg (44 lbs). Excessive and over-sized bag as subject to the availability of the storage space of the vehicle, may incurring surcharge. Q: Will the driver telephone me from the railway station? A: No. Your driver does not speak in English. If you need any help, please telephone the travel agent staff.
Xining Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station
The hotel pickup and transfer service is delivered by an experienced driver from a national car rental company, and an English speaking travel agent staff for backup support. Your driver will find you in your hotel lobby by eye contact, or spell out your name. Xining Railway Station is the only station for passenger trains. Please buy your train ticket first, then book this transfer service. Your departure train code is required upon reservation. The hotel pickup time is 2 hours prior of train departure time. This private transfer service is 24 hours available. Frequently Asked Questions:Q: Is your service better than calling a taxi on site? A: Taxi service is not always available in Xining. Sometimes the hotel doormen can not find a taxi for you in time, especially in rush hour, early morning or weekend. Using this transfer service, you will have a better vehicle, better service from a reliable national car rental company, plus 24/7 backup from a local travel agent. Q: What should I do if I can not find my driver? A: Telephone the local travel agent. The staff will ask you to pass the phone to a Chinese standing beside you, find out your exact location. Then please wait here. Your driver will come to you. Do not move! Q: Will the driver telephone me before pickup? A: No. Your driver does not speaking in English. The local travel agent will be your backup. Q: Will the driver help me to check in at the railway station? A: No. Your driver will drop you off outside the departure hall of the station. Usually it is the non-parking area. Q: What is the luggage allowance? A: Each passenger (aside from infant) can check in with a maximum of 1 piece of luggage, total dimension not exceeding 158 cm (62 inch), wheels, handles and side pockets included. Each bag should not weigh over 20kg (44 lbs). Excessive and over-sized bag as subject to the availability of the storage space of the vehicle, may incurring surcharge.