TranslateOverview
63 is the postal code prefix and administrative designation for Qinghai Province (青海省), located in northwestern China on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of China's largest provinces by area but among the least densely populated, with vast stretches of grassland, alpine desert, and high-altitude wetlands that remain largely undisturbed.
Qinghai is the source of three of Asia's greatest rivers — the Yellow River (Huang He), the Yangtze (Chang Jiang), and the Mekong (Lancang) — earning it the informal title "China's Water Tower." This hydrological significance has made environmental protection a dominant policy priority in recent decades.
The provincial capital, Xining, sits at around 2,275 metres above sea level and serves as the main gateway for travelers. From Xining, visitors can reach Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Hu), the Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si), the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River Source) National Park, and the remote Qaidam Basin.
The population is ethnically diverse, with significant Tibetan, Hui Muslim, Tu, Salar, and Han communities. This mix produces a cultural landscape that includes Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, ornate mosques, and a cuisine that draws from both nomadic pastoral traditions and Chinese Islamic cooking.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry to China requires a valid visa for most nationalities. Qinghai itself does not require a separate permit for most areas accessible to tourists, but travel to certain restricted zones near the Tibet Autonomous Region border or within protected nature reserves may require additional permits — verify current requirements locally or through your tour operator before departure. For general visa guidance, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Chinese immigration authority website.
Altitude Awareness
Xining itself is above 2,200 m, and many popular sites — including Qinghai Lake (~3,200 m) and Sanjiangyuan (~4,000+ m) — are significantly higher. Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is a genuine risk. Plan to spend at least one to two nights in Xining to acclimatize before heading to higher elevations. Avoid strenuous activity in the first 24–48 hours. Carry any personal medications you rely on, as options may be limited in remote areas.
Health and Vaccinations
Consult a travel health clinic before your trip. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking outside major urban areas; bottled or filtered water is widely available. Sun protection is essential at altitude — UV radiation is considerably stronger than at sea level.
Connectivity
China's internet is filtered through the Great Firewall. Many commonly used apps and websites (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.) are inaccessible without a VPN. Download and configure a VPN before arriving in China, as VPN app stores may also be blocked once you are in-country.
Getting There
By Air
Xining Caojiabao International Airport is the main air hub for the province, with domestic connections to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and other major Chinese cities. International connections are limited; most travelers arrive via a domestic connection from a major hub. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines or a booking platform before travel, as services can change.
By Rail
Xining is a major stop on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, the world's highest railway line, which continues from Xining to Lhasa. High-speed rail (CRH) connects Xining to Lanzhou, and onward to the national network. The Lanzhou–Xinjiang high-speed line also passes near Xining, making it reachable from Xi'an and beyond in a matter of hours. Train travel in China requires booking in advance, especially during national holidays (Golden Week in early October and early May).
By Road
Long-distance bus services connect Xining to surrounding cities and towns, but travel times to remote areas can be very long and roads at high altitude may be subject to seasonal closures. Private hire vehicles and organized tours are practical options for reaching sites beyond the rail network.
Getting Around
Within Xining
Xining has a growing urban metro (subway) system, city buses, and taxis. Ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are widely used and practical for non-Mandarin speakers, as the app allows you to input destinations by text.
Beyond Xining
Public bus services connect Xining to Qinghai Lake and some other nearby sites, but schedules and availability vary by season — verify locally. For more remote destinations such as Sanjiangyuan or the Qaidam Basin, joining an organized tour or hiring a private vehicle with a driver is strongly recommended. Road conditions at altitude can deteriorate quickly, and local drivers are familiar with seasonal hazards.
Permits for Remote Areas
Some nature reserves and areas near the Tibetan border require special access permits. Inquire with your accommodation or a registered local tour operator well in advance.
Things to See & Do
Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Hu)
China's largest inland lake and a saltwater lake at roughly 3,200 m elevation. The lake is a major stop on Central Asian bird migration routes and is known for breeding populations of bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes. The surrounding grasslands are most scenic from late spring through early autumn. Cycling around sections of the lake is popular.
Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si)
Located about 25 km from Xining in Huangzhong, Kumbum is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside of Tibet, associated with the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school. The complex includes multiple halls, butter sculpture displays, and thangka embroideries. Respectful dress and behavior are expected; photography rules vary by hall — observe signs and ask if uncertain.
Sanjiangyuan National Park
Established to protect the headwaters of the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong rivers, this is one of the world's largest protected areas. Access requires planning and permits; most visitors join organized expeditions. Wildlife including Tibetan antelope (chiru), wild yak, snow leopard, and brown bear inhabit the region.
Qaidam Basin
A high-altitude desert basin known for its surreal salt lake landscapes, including Chaka Salt Lake, which has become famous for its mirror-like reflections. The basin also has industrial significance as one of China's largest potash and lithium-producing regions.
Dongguan Mosque (Dongguan Qingzhen Dasi)
One of the largest mosques in northwestern China, located in central Xining. A significant site for the Hui Muslim community and an architecturally interesting fusion of Chinese and Islamic styles. Visitors should dress modestly and be mindful of prayer times.
Longyangxia Gorge
A dramatic gorge on the Yellow River with the Longyangxia Dam, one of China's largest hydroelectric stations. The area offers rugged scenery and is accessible as a day trip from Xining.
Food & Drink
Qinghai's cuisine reflects its ethnic diversity and pastoral environment. Lamb and beef dominate, with yak meat appearing frequently on menus the higher you travel. Dairy products — particularly yak butter and fresh yogurt — are staples of Tibetan pastoral communities.
What to Try
- Noodles (La Mian / Hand-pulled noodles): The Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodle (though associated with Lanzhou, widely available in Xining) is a regional staple, typically served in a clear beef broth.
- Zanba (Tsampa): Roasted barley flour, a Tibetan staple often mixed with yak butter tea or butter.
- Yak butter tea (Su You Cha): A Tibetan drink made from strong tea churned with yak butter and salt — an acquired taste for many visitors but culturally significant.
- Mutton dishes: Roasted, braised, or stewed mutton appears across Hui and Tibetan cooking.
- Hui Muslim cooking: Xining has a lively halal food scene, with hand-pulled noodles, steamed buns, and grilled lamb skewers widely available around the Muslim quarter.
Tap water should not be drunk without boiling or filtering. Bottled water is readily available. Alcohol is available in Han Chinese and tourist-facing establishments but absent in observant Hui Muslim restaurants.
Practical Information
Money
Cash (CNY/RMB) remains important in rural and remote areas of Qinghai. In Xining, mobile payment via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominates — international cards are accepted at some larger hotels and a limited number of businesses, but you should not rely on them. ATMs in Xining that accept international cards (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard) can be found at major banks; availability drops sharply outside the city. Carry sufficient cash when traveling to remote areas.
Communication
Chinese SIM cards are available at the airport and phone shops with a passport. They provide good coverage in and around Xining but may be patchy in very remote highland areas. As noted, configure a VPN before arrival if you need access to international platforms.
Emergency Numbers
Standard Chinese emergency numbers apply: Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119. In remote areas, emergency response times can be very long — ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude rescue and medical evacuation.
Medical Facilities
Xining has public and private hospitals. Medical facilities in rural and remote areas are very limited. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a physician before visiting high-altitude destinations and ensure comprehensive travel insurance is in place.
Safety
Qinghai is generally considered safe for travelers. The most significant risks are environmental rather than criminal: altitude sickness, extreme weather, road conditions on high-plateau routes, and remoteness from medical care.
Drive or travel with reputable operators in remote areas. Weather can shift rapidly at altitude and roads may become impassable due to snow or flooding with little warning, even in summer months.
Some areas near restricted zones may have checkpoints; carry your passport and any required permits at all times. Be respectful at religious sites — both Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and mosques have specific codes of conduct for visitors. Political sensitivities exist in the region; travelers should exercise discretion and cultural awareness.
Travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation is strongly recommended for anyone venturing beyond Xining.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Qinghai's cultural life is shaped by the intersection of Tibetan, Hui Muslim, Tu, Salar, and Han traditions. Understanding this complexity enriches the travel experience.
At Tibetan Buddhist sites: Remove shoes when entering temple halls (look for signs or follow local visitors). Walk clockwise around prayer wheels, stupas, and monasteries. Do not touch sacred objects or statues without permission. Photography is often restricted inside prayer halls — always check signage. Dress modestly; bare shoulders and shorts are generally inappropriate.
At mosques: Non-Muslim visitors are sometimes welcome at the outer courtyards of major mosques but should confirm before entering. Dress conservatively (head covering for women in some contexts). Visit outside of main prayer times where possible and always ask before photographing worshippers.
Nomadic and pastoral communities: If you travel to grassland areas where Tibetan herder communities live, be a considerate guest. Some communities welcome visitors and may offer tea or food — it is polite to accept, even in small amounts. Commercial 'yurt tourism' exists; choose operators who work respectfully with host communities.
The Qinghai International Folk Music Festival and other cultural events take place periodically in Xining — check local listings for dates.
