Referred to as China's Summer Resort Capital, Xining is the capital of the Qinghai province in western China and the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. It’s location on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of the Huangshui river has made Xining into an important commercial hub along the Northern Silk Road’s Hexi Corridor for over 2000 years. The city was also a stronghold during the Hang, Sui, Tang and Song dynasties resistance against the nomadic attacks from the west. The city which is filled with various cultures – Hui, Salar and Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan and Han Chinese, has also made the city home to sites of religious significance to Muslims and Buddhists, including the Dongguan Mosque and the Ta’er Monastery. Xining is also a beautiful place to explore the vibrant culinary mix that these groups bring together.

Airports in Xining

Xining Caojiabao International Airport (XNN)

Xining Caojiabao International Airport or also called Caojiapu Airport is located in Huxhu County, Haidong, approximately 30 km east of downtown Xining. The airport server Xining, the capital of the Qinghai Province. Amongst services offered at the Xining Caojiabao International Airport are luggage wrapping, storage and carts, a medical centre, cafes, ATMs, free Wi-Fi access including special services for unaccompanied child travelers and disabled passengers. To get to the airport, six shuttle bus routes connect the airport to the city. The shuttle buses take approximately 35 minutes and cost around PHP 187 to PHP 300 depending on location. Taxi's from the airport to central Xining, to the Sofitel, costs around PHP 820 to PHP 1120.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Xining?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travelers to find the cheapest flights to Xining. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Xining.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Xining?

Dubbed the summer resort capital of China due to its cool summer, Xining’s high altitude gives it a cold semi-arid climate. Xining's annual average temperature is approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius. However, in January the temperature may drop to -8.9 degrees Celsius. In July the temperature can reach up to 17.2 degrees Celsius. Rainfall falls mainly from May to September which is during summer when the area is often dry and sunny.

Being the summer resort capital of China, the best time to travel to Xining is from May to September, which is from summer to early autumn. However, be ready to rub shoulders with many local tourists as numerous visitors will flock to Xining in the hope of avoiding the summer heat.

For those looking for a slightly more cultural experience, every year the Kumbum Monastery of Xining holds grand Dharma assemblies or exhibitions of Buddha on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the sixth day of the sixth lunar month and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. During these Dharma assemblies, visitors are given the change to enjoy the artistic essence of Tibetan Buddhism.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Xining?

This cultural melting pot located in China’s summer resort city offers a myriad of beautiful surprises for its visitors.

Tibetan Culture and Medicine Museum – The museum focuses on Tibetan medicine, astronomy and science. The highlight of the museum is a 618-meter long thangka scroll – the world's longest- which charts most of Tibetan history. The scroll took 400 artists, four years to complete and is displayed in a maze-like exhibition hall. Located northwest of Xining, travelers can take the bus for only PHP8 or a taxi for PHP 150.

Dongguan Grand Mosque – Muslims make up one-third of Xining's population and the Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining is amongst one of China's biggest mosques. It was built in the late 14^th century and has since been restored to its current state. During Friday lunchtime prayers, over 50,000 worshippers will head to the mosque, often spilling out onto the streets.

Nanshan – Nanshan Park, which is also known as Fenghuang Shan, is located slightly above the southern part of Xining. Here is where visitors will find two Buddhist temples – Nanchan Si and Fachuang Si. Do visit the park at night as this is when you will be able to see the entire temple complex come to life with vibrant LED lights.