Xining — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Xining.
Qinghai's capital, gateway to Qinghai Lake, Ta'er Monastery and the Tibetan plateau.
🍜 Signature dishes in Xining
- 手抓羊肉Hand-pulled Lamb
- 酿皮Liangpi Noodles
- 甜醅Sweet Grain
- 酸奶Plateau Yogurt
- 尕面片Ga Noodle Slices
- 焜锅馍Kunguo Bread
- 狗浇尿Oil Pancake
- 牦牛肉Yak Meat
- 青海土火锅Qinghai Hotpot
🎟️ Top things to do
- Ta'er Monastery
Great monastery, 40 min drive
- Qinghai Lake
Salt lake, 2.5h drive
- Dongguan Mosque
Large mosque
- Beishan Temple
Cliff temple
- Riyue Mountain
Pass with views
- Xining Wildlife Park
Plateau animals
- Mojia Street
Food street
- Puning Tower
City night views
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Xining?
Take the metro or a taxi from XNN (Caojiabao) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Xining on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Xining. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Xining visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (XNN (Caojiabao)) · verify with official sources before travel.