3 Days Itinerary in Xining, China - Travel Guide

Days	Description
1	Day 1 - Embrace Xining's Cultural Side
2	Day 2 - Unleash the Nature Lover within
3	Day 3 - Leisurely Exploration

Introduction

This itinerary unveils the charm of Xining, a vibrant city nestled in the highlands of China, which offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural splendors. We'll explore serene monasteries, bustling markets, a gorgeous lake and much more within three beautiful days.

Day 1 - Embrace Xining's Cultural Side

Start your day with an enriching visit to the Ta'er Monastery, one of the six most important monasteries in the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Absorb the serene aura, and don't forget to admire the 'butter sculptures', an unusual artistic treat! From there, head to Dongguan Grand Mosque, a majestic nineteenth-century mosque with strong Chinese architectural influences. Once you've fed your soul, time to feed your tummy! Get to the lively Shui Jing Xiang Market for a culinary adventure. The market, strewn with small eateries and food stalls, offer local delicacies that would truly satiate your taste buds. Wrap up your day with a tranquil evening stroll around the People's Park and soak in the vibrant local life.

Day 2 - Unleash the Nature Lover within

Day two calls for a retreat to nature. Keep your T-Shirt, shorts and your favorite sunglasses ready as we'll be spending our day at the spectacular Qinghai Lake. Also known as Kokonor, it's the largest lake in China surrounded by stunning mountains. Enjoy a serene boat ride, indulge in bird watching or just feast your eyes on the sparkling blue waters - bliss! After a day spent in this natural haven, return to city life. For dinner, explore the vibrantly bustling Night Market where mouth-watering local and Islamic Chinese cuisine awaits you!

Day 3 - Leisurely Exploration

On the third day, we hit the road less travelled. Visit the Nanchan Temple, a calm, quiet retreat away from the city's hustling clamor. It's a great place to spend some unwinding contemplative hours. Next, hit the small, local boutiques in Main Street famous for handcrafted souvenirs, traditional artworks and unique Tibetan and Mongolian trinkets. Perfect for buying memoirs of this unforgettable trip! Finally, wind down your day at a traditional teahouse, sipping on authentic Chinese tea. Join the locals, engage in riveting conversations or just sip your tea and reflect on the memorable 3 days in Xining.