Xining
Mon, 05/03/2010 - 06:58
| The capital of Qinghai Province, Xining is located on the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Hedged in on both the south and the north, the city spreads along the Huangshui River, a contributory of the Yellow River. The elevation of the city is 2,265 m or 7,430 ft. Historically, the Huangshui River valley was part of the frontier where the Chinese and the Tibetans encountered each other, and Xining developed as an important outpost on southern branch of the Silk Road that leads to Central Asia as well as trade route linking Tibet to interior China. Today, with the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Xining remains an important stop on the way to Southwest China. An city of immigrants, Xining is the home of 30-odd Chinese ethnic groups and religions such as Buddhism and Islam. | | | |  | Attractions | Bird Island (Niao Dao)A small island in the western part of Qinghai Lake. This is a haven for migrant birds, where tends of thousand birds from South China and Southeast China gather every year. Now a nature conservation zone has been established to protect the birds and their habitat.
Dongguan Mosque (Dongguan Qingzhen Da Si)The largest of its kind in Xining, Dongguan Mosque is also considered one of the four most important Islamic worship-houses in Northwest China. Occupying 1.3 hectares (3.36 acres) in area?the temple is large enough to allow several thousand people to pray together. Originally founded in the 14th century, the mosque was rebuilt and renovated several times later on.
Kanbula Geological Park (Kanbula Dizhi Gongyuan)Located by the upstream of the Yellow River, Kanbula Geological Par is 130 km south of Xining. Over 150 sq. km in area, Kanbula Park is a showcase of what is known as Danxia Landform, typified by remarkably shaped reddish rock walls and towering that look like fortresses and castles. In the park there is also Nenzom Monastery, which holds a special place in the revival of Tibetan Buddhism.
Qinghaihu (Qinghai Lake)At the elevation of 3,200 above sea-level? with an area of 4,600 sq km (1,770 sq mi), Qinghaihu is the largest lake of China, filled with salt water. In the generally dry and dessert-like West China, this vast lake makes a remarkable sight. "Qinghai" means "blue sea." Since 2002, Tour of Qinghai Lake, a road-bicycle racing event has been held near the Qinghai lake, which is rated at the highest level by the Union Cycliste Internationale and has been part of the UCI Asia Tour since 2005.
Riyueshan (Sun-Moon Mountain)Riyueshan is a mountain located 90 km southwest of Xining. With an elevation of 4,000 m, the mountain is the watershed of the rivers that flow east and the rivers that empty into Qinghaihu - Qinghai lake. Historically, this once was the frontier between China proper and the Tibetan region, where trade and other exchanges were conducted. A legend tells that Wencheng, a Chinese princess who was on her way to be married to a Tibetan prince, dropped her mirror here, which broke into two halves and took the forms of the sun and the moon - hence the name of the mountain.
Taer Monastery (Taersi)Taer Monastery is the most valuable tourist attraction in Xining and vicinity. The Buddhist temple was built in the 16th century, on the birthplace of Tsong Khapa (1357?1419), who founded Gelukpa or Yellow-Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Among his disciples were early Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. Occupying 40 hectares (99 acres) land, Taersi is considered one of the six most important temples of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Tibetan language, the monastery is known as "Kumbum Jampa-ling" - "100,000 Buddhas Temple." Among Buddhist artifacts sheltered in the monastery are thousands of wall paintings, embroideries and butter sculptures. Taersi Monastery is located 25 km southwest of Xining.
| | | Xining TransportationAirport:
Xining Caojiabao Airport is 29 km southeast of the city center. The airport is connected to the city by shuttle buses and taxis.
Railway Station:
Xining Railway Station (Xining Huoche Zhan) is located where Jianguo Avenue meet Qilian-Huzhu Road.
Long Distance Bus Stations:
Xining Long Distance Bus Station (Xining Changtu Qiche Zhan), on Jianguo Avenue, next to Xining Railway Station.
Taxi:
¥6 for the first 3 km; ¥1.3 for each additional km. | | | | | | | | | |
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