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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yongdeng [2025]
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7914 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609715317881
Address: 36 Jing'er Rd, Chengbei Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China, 810016
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
Open year-round, closed 3 days
Saved by 230 users7334 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Thangka paintings were truly breathtaking, especially because of their length. There seemed to be very few staff members; there wasn't a single person at the service desk. I really wished I could hire a guide. Otherwise, I was completely confused.
Hopefully, more guided tours will be available in the future.
Worth to visit if you are travelling to Xining. Go to South Hall instead of the free North Hall to see the cultural displays. The QR code caused us some trouble as there were 3 places that you need to scan the code. But once you scan it will showed used and will be barred from entering the other 2 locations. The staffs were friendly and quickly manually let us in.
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
17269 reviews
8.3
From € 1.22
Based on 213 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609712210188
Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Unique hilltop temple complex
Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces
Saved by 252 users9294 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Kumbum Monastery is famous for two main reasons. First, its location is close to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, only 28 kilometers away, making it easily accessible to travelers with excellent service.
Second, it is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, for whom a large silver stupa was built. Later, a monastery was built around the stupa, which was then directly named Kumbum Monastery.
It's a vast complex, built against the mountainside, very majestic. Walking among it, experiencing Tibetan Buddhism, and watching the Tibetan people prostrating themselves in devout worship, you'll feel somewhat mesmerized. 😂
Kumbum Monastery is not large, but it was the first time I felt a different kind of faith, prayer, and protection. At such an altitude, there are so many believers... Anyway, those who are interested can come and see for themselves.
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Shapotou Scenic Area
4.8
/5
29885 reviews
8.2
From € 6.08
Based on 153 reviews
Shapotou tourist attraction | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864001551766
Address: Shapotou, Zhongwei, Ningxia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Yellow River heritage & modern entertainment
Experience the charm of the Huanghe by rafting on a sheepskin raft
Saved by 631 users22691 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The weather was beautiful, and the scenic area had excellent facilities. There were fewer people and no queues, so we could enjoy the scenery, take photos, and check in to our hearts' content. The staff were also very kind, offering us a warm cup of ginger and jujube tea. After sandboarding, we tried the zipline, rode the sheepskin raft, and of course, we had to try the dune buggy – it was so much fun! 😂
"I never imagined that the desert at Shapotou would make me forget the way home." "Standing on the viewing platform, you can see the desert and the Yellow River, one yellow, one green, and one blue, with distinct layers, which makes me feel at ease."
No.
4
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.3
/5
5844 reviews
7.9
From € 4.86
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
3305 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
After crossing Riyue Mountain, you'll see this vast lake, stretching as far as the eye can see, a truly breathtaking sight. The weather was especially clear, and although there was a breeze, it didn't detract from the seamless blend of sky and sea. Surrounded by pastures and mountains, this scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression on any southerner like myself. After all, this place is at an altitude of 3200 meters. While there is vegetation, it's mostly low-lying grassland vegetation, harmoniously integrated with the azure water and sky. Standing at this vantage point, the view is truly exhilarating!
Qinghai Lake, the last stop on the Qinghai-Gansu loop (going against the flow), and Erlangjian Scenic Area are such a great deal! Definitely stay an extra day; one ticket is valid for three days, allowing unlimited entry within those three days!
Driving along the western ring road around the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. The Nanshan viewing platform deserves special mention; the winding mountain road is picturesque, and from there you can see a panoramic view of Qinghai Lake!
No.
5
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6799 reviews
7.9
From € 4.86
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609747553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
Boat ride & scenic views
Saved by 195 users3668 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There were very few people during the off-season; our small group only had four people. The driver called in the morning to confirm our location and then picked us up. The departure time was slightly adjusted according to the season; in winter, the sunrise is later, so we set off at 6:30 am. Our itinerary was Lajishan Mountain → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake. We spent about an hour at the first two attractions and a little over two hours at Qinghai Lake.
Before coming, I read many posts online saying that there wasn't much to see in Xining at this time of year, but in reality, we still had a very satisfying day. The high plateau in winter has a unique charm; the scenery along the way was breathtaking. After the greenery faded, the vast, white-brown peaks unique to high-altitude regions were revealed—a world that was desolate yet expansive, peaceful yet blissful.
Our driver, Ma Jie, was a very kind person. He gave us tips on avoiding tourist pitfalls in Xining, reminded us to bargain with locals if we wanted to take photos with lambs, and suggested stopping halfway to photograph yaks and marmots. He even had a power bank with him if our phones ran out of battery. The road from Daotanghe Highway to Qinghai Lake is a wide, winding mountain road. We connected to the driver's car Bluetooth to play music. The weather was fantastic, and my mood was wonderful. It made me want to come back to Xining again in the summer to experience the lush, high-altitude scenery once more.
We returned to the city around 5:30 or 6:00 PM, and the driver still picked us up and dropped us off. There were no hidden costs during the trip; it was a very comfortable and relaxing journey. If you don't want to spend over four hours driving from Chaka Salt Lake and not get back to the city until late at night, coming here to watch the sunrise is also a great option. 😚
The sightseeing bus is free this season and will take you to the peninsula. However, it stops directly at the exit on the way back, so you have to walk back to many of the photo spots. I think they should provide a stop along the way for people to take pictures. The scenery is beautiful.
No.
6
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.6
/5
3402 reviews
7.8
Based on 9 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609718149850
Address: No. 9 Xingzhi Road, Chengxi District, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
Wildlife viewing & educational experience
2337 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The park exhibits over 180 species and more than 3,000 wild animals, making it the world's only zoo that integrates captive-bred populations of snow leopards, Himalayan vultures, and Pallas's cats.
Guests can see rare animals unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and wild yaks, as well as introduced species like hippos and giraffes.
It was so much fun…a really fun and interesting zoo.
The only downside was that I didn't get to see "Teacher Xiao Liang." Apparently, Tibetan foxes aren't on display anymore because they're afraid of people…
No.
7
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1471 reviews
7.7
From € 3.65
Based on 27 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86097117797222532
Address: 40 km southwest of Wuyuan County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
Yak rides & highland photography
Saved by 138 users816 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Qinghai-Tibet border landscape is breathtaking, the fluttering prayer flags create a wonderful atmosphere, and the legend of Princess Wencheng adds to the charm! A must-see for anyone passing through, the scenery is magnificent, the Tibetan culture is rich, and the price is great!
Since ancient times, Sun and Moon Mountain has been a crucial mountain pass along the Qinghai Road of the Silk Road, the Tang-Tibet Road, and the Tea-Horse Road. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, while traveling through this area on her marriage to Tubo, cast aside the Sun and Moon Mirror to overcome her homesickness, hence the name Sun and Moon Mountain. This area also marked the boundary between the Tang and Tubo regions, and was the site of important historical events such as the Chiling Trade.
The scenic area boasts attractions such as the Sun Pavilion, the Moon Pavilion, the statue of Princess Wencheng, the Princess Spring, and the Tang-Tibet Road. The area also houses cultural venues such as the Qinghai Ancient Road Museum and the Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall, enriching its history and culture.
No.
8
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Zha Ga Na
4.2
/5
3376 reviews
7.7
From € 9.72
Based on 21 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609415668678
Address: Tewo, Gannan, Gansu, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Two-day hike: lakes & rocks
Taste yak butter tea & visit
Saved by 129 users2496 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery in the scenic area is beautiful. The only regret is that it was foggy in the morning, so we didn't see the sunrise. The mountains and water are beautiful. It's a pity that we didn't have time to walk the whole Runwu Valley. I will definitely go again if I have the chance!
If you have plenty of time and energy, you can skip the ladder and just climb it. I'm a complete newbie, haha. I arrived after 5 PM and headed straight to the viewing platform for photos. The scenic area is actually quite large, so you can walk around and take a stroll. A few other little-known facts: the ladder changes direction around 8 PM and you can descend; it gets very windy and cold at the viewing platform in the evening, so wear warm clothes; flying a drone with a wide-angle lens gives you a chance to capture the sunset and moon in the same frame.
No.
9
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3848 reviews
7.3
Based on 134 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | 87.5 km from downtown
Phone +8609312339131
Address: No. 3 Xijin East Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Paint pottery & experience history
Archaeology & artifact restoration workshop
Saved by 124 users2473 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The number of visitors was absolutely enormous; you were basically just being pushed around by the crowd. I saw the Flying Horse of Gansu and the Little Girl with the Curtain-like Hairpin. There weren't many exhibits inside; pottery made up a large portion. Overall, it was alright. I hired a guided tour, so at least I didn't just wander around aimlessly.
Whenever I travel to a new place, I always want to visit a museum to learn about its history. I booked free tickets in advance through the official WeChat account, and there's a free locker on the left side of the entrance, which was very convenient. I was surprised by how many visitors usually visit the Gansu Museum, and there was a long line right at the entrance. The main areas of interest are on the second and third floors. The Gansu Museum is very famous for its cultural and creative products, and the prices are quite high, so I bought one as a souvenir. The most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow and the glass lotus flower tray. I was lucky enough to see them in person, and I was truly impressed by the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients. There aren't many other exhibits. Since visiting the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, I feel like every museum's artifacts are younger. Across from the Gansu Museum is a large shopping mall, Lanzhou Center, which you can also visit.
No.
10
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Yellow River Building
4.6
/5
605 reviews
7.1
From € 3.65
Olympic Sports Center/Lanzhou Old Street | 83.3 km from downtown
Phone +8609312115666
Address: 甘肃省兰州市七里河区南滨河中路1501号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
93-meter tower overlooks Yellow River
16th-floor view of Lanzhou
556 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
This is a truly worthwhile attraction, highly recommended! Climb up and admire the majestic Yellow River's flow. Besides the stunning views, there are also various exhibitions and cultural and creative activities to cater to a wide range of audiences.
Even before I approached, I felt awe. From afar, the towering building towered into the sky, its beauty unmatched by its superficial sophistication, imbued with the grandeur and silence of a rammed earth fortress, steeped in history. It seemed less like a building than a massive, square seal, perched on the earth. Its ochre-hued form, against the vast expanse of the sky, projected a timeless simplicity and weight. The Yellow River flowed beside it, its muddy yellow water blending seamlessly with the building's base, as if it had grown from the river itself, imbued with the innate DNA of earth and waves.
Climbing the steps, each step felt like a step on the scale of time. The bricks beneath my feet were rough and solid, their cracks seemingly imbued with millennia of wind and sand and the sound of horns. Reaching the top floor, I leaned over the railing and gazed out into the distance. In that instant, the world suddenly opened up, gripping my soul and leaving me speechless.
Before me lay the legendary river. It doesn't roar as imagined, but flows slowly eastward in a tranquility bordering on tragic grandeur. The water's color is the unique "Yellow River Yellow," thick as flowing bronze, gleaming with a deep luster in the sunlight. It's not clear, but profound; not swift, but powerful. It's a mighty force, forsaking the clamor and focusing on its path. It's as if it's not water, but the very blood of the earth, the liquid soul of this loess land, carrying the weight of history and memories, silently and stubbornly carrying billions of buckets of mud and stories to the distant east. The wind blew from the river, carrying the coolness of water vapor and the sweetness of earth. This scent is ancient, the scent of the "vast river" in the Book of Songs, the scent of "rushing to the sea, never to return" in Li Bai's cup.
My gaze extended, and my heart surged with it. I imagine this river, filled with the solitary uprightness of the people gathering wild vetch on Mount Shouyang, the purple mists at Hangu Pass, the smoke of war between Chu and Han, and the lamentations of Li Bai and Du Fu. Every wave could be a lost legend; every ripple a lost ballad. It flows along the banks of the Book of Songs, through the volumes of the Records of the Grand Historian, through the grandeur of the Han and Tang dynasties, flowing to this day, before my very eyes. It is a silent historian, recording the rise and fall, honor and disgrace of a nation with the simplest brushstrokes. Personal joys and sorrows seem so insignificant and weightless against this eternal flow.
And the Yellow River Tower is the most faithful listener and recorder of this great narrative. It lacks the ethereal aura of the Yellow Crane Tower, nor the brilliance of talent and sentimentality of the Tengwang Pavilion. Its beauty is rooted in the earth, an innate sense of responsibility and commitment. It stands here not for the feasting and singing of scholars, but to breathe with the river, to remember and gaze upon it. It is a stabilizing force, anchoring the nation's roots; it is also an eye looking into the future, watching over the dawn and dusk of this land.
As the sun sets, the sky and earth are dyed a vast orange-red. The boundary between river and sky blurs, and the entire Yellow River seems to flow across the heavens. The silhouette of the pavilion becomes even more majestic and solemn in the twilight, like a contemplative giant. As I leave, I look back at its silhouette gradually merging into the night.
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