Things to do in Tianjun

A trip to Qinghai will definitely include Qinghai Lake in the itinerary. The lake is vast, with a loop of over 300 kilometers. There's an annual cycling race around the lake, so the ecological environment and water quality are well-preserved. The officially developed area is Erlangjian, where there are many accommodations. The cliffs and Fairy Bay are on the opposite side. Heimahe is famous for its sunrise views. While passing by, I saw many new guesthouses still under construction; the accommodations there were previously quite basic. Due to weather conditions, our original itinerary for the lake loop was changed. We'll save the cliffs for another time. It's relatively close to Xining. The weather improved slightly when we arrived at Erlangjian. I took a peek at the lake from the viewing platform.

Tianjun Stone Forest is located in the Delingha area of ​​Qinghai Province. The stone forest here is the same as the stone forest in Yunnan, which was formed in the karst landform during the Carboniferous period 350 million years ago. Tianjun Stone Forest is currently open to the public for free, and there are farmers around. Unfortunately, I didn't get yak milk to try it after asking around that day. There are a lot of pikas, and they will stick their heads out from time to time to observe the surrounding situation. The vultures in the sky are very big, and the clouds feel close and within reach~

The scenery was beautiful, but the rented shoe covers got wet, soaking my right shoe. I told the staff when I returned them, and they waived the rental fee. The service was good, but I'd still like to hope they check the shoe covers' quality regularly.

The Rainbow Mountains, like a palette of colors on earth, are a breathtaking masterpiece of nature, with their interwoven layers shimmering with light and color. The changing hues under the light of dawn and dusk reveal a gentle beauty amidst the grandeur. This trip was truly worthwhile and I'd love to come back again.

When visiting Xining, it's not just about seeing Qinghai's lakes and mountains; I also dedicated some quiet time to the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum. This national first-class museum is divided into north and south sections. The south section showcases a wide range of folk customs, while the north section focuses on Tibetan medicine, quietly housing the millennia-old civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Taking the elevator directly to the fourth floor, I immediately encountered the museum's crown jewel—"A Grand View of Chinese Tibetan Culture and Art Painting." This 618-meter-long giant Thangka is the world's longest hand-painted Thangka, certified by Guinness World Records. It took 27 years to complete, involving over 400 painters from five provinces and regions, using natural mineral pigments ground from gold, silver, turquoise, and coral. The scroll slowly unfolds, revealing not only Buddhist stories but also the tales of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, astronomy and calendrical calculations, Tibetan medicine, and the wedding customs and daily life of the plateau people—like a flowing encyclopedia of Tibet, every stroke a testament to craftsmanship. Walking slowly along the curved exhibition corridor, my gaze lingered on the intricate and delicate paintings, leaving me only with awe. Descending to the folk customs exhibition hall, one is immediately struck by the delightful surprises. The peacock costumes of Alipulan are particularly eye-catching, adorned with layers of turquoise, amber, and coral, magnificent and dignified—treasures passed down through generations. Various Tibetan robes, handmade carpets, Tibetan calligraphy, and Tibetan artifacts are displayed in orderly fashion, their patterns reflecting the diverse lifestyles and nomadic stories of the plateau. Ancient scriptures and scrolls are neatly arranged, the Tibetan script elegant and graceful, embodying the faith and cultural heritage passed down through generations. Moving to the North Hall, one enters the world of Tibetan medicine, free to visit, a truly unique experience. The hall displays Thangka paintings accompanying the Four Medical Classics, each illustration explaining the human body, embryos, herbs, and treatments; ancient surgical instruments and thousands of plateau medicinal herb specimens are arranged systematically. It turns out that Tibetan medicine is not a mysterious legend, but the wisdom of life discovered by the ancients on the plateau. Tibetan medicinal bathing therapy is a precious treasure listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Throughout the exhibition halls, there is no noise. Listening to the explanations, I finally understood that the civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has never been isolated. Along the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the Tea Horse Road, various ethnic cultures met, blended, and nourished each other. The Thangka paintings, medical practices, and clothing we see are all marks left by this exchange and coexistence. After leisurely exploring the two museums, the setting sun cast its golden rays upon the Tibetan-style buildings. Rather than a rushed tour of scenic spots, here I truly understood the profound and gentle essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The plateau is not just about wind and wilderness; it also possesses a vibrant cultural power hidden in ink, textiles, and herbs. ✨Visitor Tips - Location: Xining Chengbei District Biological Park. The South Hall requires an entrance fee, while the North Hall is free. The two halls are separate and require walking between them. - Recommended order: South Hall, fourth floor, Grand Painting Exhibition → Continuing down to the Folk Customs and History Exhibition Halls, then to the North Hall to see the Tibetan Medicine Exhibition Area. - We recommend hiring a guide. Many of the stories behind the Thangka paintings and ancient books can only be understood with an explanation. - Civilized viewing: Do not touch the exhibits, view the long scrolls quietly, and do not use flash when taking photos.

As the birthplace and memorial monastery of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, this historical and cultural site, over 600 years old, is a must-see. Photography of the stupa at the entrance is permitted, but not of the Buddha statues inside. The monastery currently houses over 1000 monks and more than a dozen Living Buddhas. While the throngs of worshippers are bustling, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene (perhaps the burning of large incense sticks is not part of the ritual). Many areas allow you to light lamps for blessings (20 yuan per person, depending on your conscience), and there are places to exchange change for prayers. Best of all, there are Chinese-language guided tours, and the guides are very professional; I learned more about Tibetan Buddhism than I did during my previous trip to Lhasa!

Jiayuguan Fortress is definitely worth a visit. As the "First Fortress Under Heaven," it exudes grandeur and a strong historical atmosphere. The fortress wall ruins are well-preserved, making for excellent photo opportunities. The shuttle bus service within the scenic area is well-organized, providing convenient transportation and saving you a lot of walking effort, with a smooth route. Standing atop the fortress and gazing at the vast Gobi Desert, the sense of immensity is overwhelming. It's a must-see spot when visiting the Hexi Corridor.

Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.

I'd heard about snow leopards so many times in the news, and this time I finally had the chance to see them at the famous Xining Wildlife Park! I can't even remember when I last went to the zoo. Built on a mountainside, it's so huge! You have to take your time, exploring step by step. The Xining Wildlife Park's F4 (snow leopards) were definitely worth the trip. Even though I went in the afternoon, thankfully they were all inside their glass enclosures and didn't sleep. They're all wild animals, but they were so cute! It's a shame I didn't get a chance to touch them, haha!

I originally wanted to be lazy and choose the reverse in-depth tour, but it snowed the day before and I could only do the forward in-depth tour. Actually, if I didn't want to climb, I could just go back the way I came without climbing the stairs, but I overestimated myself. Halfway up, I didn't know whether to go down or up... Overall, it was really fun, but climbing was really frustrating.