Qinghai is a unique destination in northwest China. It offers beautiful lakes, vast grasslands, and rich local culture. This article explains how to get to Qinghai and travel around step by step. We cover travel from Singapore to Qinghai, trips to Qinghai Lake from Xining, and journeys from Qinghai to Gansu.
1. How to Get to Qinghai from China Major Cities
Qinghai’s main travel hub is Xining, the capital city. Most travelers start their journey here.
By Air
Xining Caojiabao International Airport (XNN): Connects to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
| China Major Cities | Linear Distance(KM) to Xining | Flight Time | Average Price (CNY) |
| Beijing | 1,400 km | 2.5 hours | ¥600–1,200 |
| Shanghai | 2,000 km | 3 hours | ¥800–1,500 |
| Chengdu | 800 km | 1.5 hours | ¥400–900 |
| Dunhuang(Gansu) | 600 km | 1 hour | ¥500–1,000 |
| Guangzhou | 1,800 km | 3 hours | ¥700–1,300 |
| Xi’an | 700 km | 1.5 hours | ¥300–700 |
| Chongqing | 1,000 km | 2 hours | ¥400–800 |
Notes:
Prices: Reflect one-way economy class fares. Prices vary by season (e.g., higher in summer).
Direct Flights: Dunhuang has limited direct flights; check schedules in advance.
Booking: Use apps like Ctrip or Trip.com for real-time prices and deals.
Airlines: Major carriers include Air China, China Eastern, and Sichuan Airlines.
- From the airport to Xining city: Take a taxi (30–40 minutes, around ¥80–100) or airport shuttle bus (¥25, 1 hour).
By Train
High-speed trains: Xining Railway Station links to cities like Beijing (6–7 hours), Xi’an (4–5 hours), and Lanzhou (2 hours).
Regular trains: Cheaper but slower. Good for budget travelers.
Here’s a table summarizing train travel details to Qinghai (Xining Railway Station) from major Chinese cities, based on distance, duration, ticket prices, and train types:
| China Major Cities | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) | Notes |
| Beijing | High-Speed Train | 8–10 hours | ¥600–800 (Second-class Seat) | 1 daily direct G/D trains. |
| Regular Train | 20–24 hours | ¥200–400 (Hard Sleeper) | Multiple daily options. | |
| Shanghai | High-Speed Train | 10–12 hours | ¥800–1,000 (Second-class Seat) | Transfer in Zhengzhou/Xi’an. |
| Regular Train | 30+ hours | ¥300–500 (Hard Sleeper) | Limited direct trains. | |
| Chengdu | High-Speed Train | 6–7 hours | ¥400–500 (Second-class Seat) | Direct G trains via Lanzhou. |
| Regular Train | 15–18 hours | ¥150–300 (Hard Sleeper) | Scenic route through mountains. | |
| Dunhuang(Gansu) | Regular Train | 12–14 hours | ¥150–250 (Hard Sleeper) | Transfer at Liuyuan/Lanzhou. |
| Guangzhou | High-Speed Train | 11–13 hours | ¥900–1,100 (Second-class Seat) | Transfer in Changsha/Xi’an. |
| Regular Train | 35+ hours | ¥350–550 (Hard Sleeper) | Few direct options. | |
| Xi’an | High-Speed Train | 4–5 hours | ¥200–300 (Second-class Seat) | Frequent daily G/D trains. |
| Regular Train | 8–10 hours | ¥80–150 (Hard Seat) | Budget-friendly but slower. | |
| Chongqing | High-Speed Train | 7–8 hours | ¥400–500 (Second-class Seat) | Transfer in Chengdu or Xi’an. |
| Regular Train | 18–20 hours | ¥180–300 (Hard Seat) | Overnight sleeper available. |
Key Notes:
Second Class Seat: Standard high-speed train seating.
Hard Sleeper: Basic bunk beds in regular trains.
Transfer Cities: Some routes require transfers (e.g., Xi’an, Lanzhou).
Booking: Use 12306.cn or apps like Trip.com for tickets.
Travel Time: High-speed trains are faster but pricier; regular trains suit budget travelers.
By Road
Long-distance buses: Available from nearby provinces like Gansu or Sichuan. Comfort varies, so check reviews before booking.
Here’s a simplified table focusing on long-distance bus routes to Xining from nearby provinces (Gansu and Sichuan), including key details:
| Departure City | Departure Station | Duration | Price (CNY) | Frequency | Notes |
| Lanzhou (Gansu) | Lanzhou East Bus Station/Transport Hub | 3–4 hrs | ¥80–120 | Every 30 minutes | Fastest and most frequent route. |
| Chengdu (Sichuan) | Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station | 14–16 hrs | ¥250–350 | 2–3 daily | Scenic route through grasslands. |
| Chongqing (Sichuan) | Chongqing Caiyuanba Bus Station | 18–20 hrs | ¥300–400 | 1–2 daily | Mostly overnight sleeper buses. |
| Dunhuang (Gansu) | Dunhuang Bus Station | 12–14 hrs | ¥180–250 | 1 daily | Desert views; summer routes increase. |
Key Notes:
Booking: For Lanzhou→Xining, no advance booking needed due to frequent departures.
Sleeper buses (Chengdu/Chongqing/Dunhuang): Basic bunk beds; bring a neck pillow.
Seated buses (Lanzhou→Xining): Short ride; choose front seats for comfort.
Altitude: Xining is 2,275m above sea level. Rest during the ride to avoid mild altitude sickness.
Weather: Pack layers; temperatures drop at night.
Luggage: 20kg limit; extra fees for overweight bags.
For budget travelers or scenic journeys, buses from Gansu and Sichuan are practical options!
2. How to Go from Singapore to Qinghai
Traveling from Singapore to Qinghai involves at least two steps. You must first reach a major city in China and then continue to Qinghai.
By Air
- Fly to a Major City:
Book a direct flight from Singapore to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu. These cities have many flight options and connect well with other regions in China. - Connecting Flight to Xining:
Once you arrive in a major city, take a connecting flight to Xining. Xining is the capital of Qinghai and the main gateway to the province. - Tips:
- Check flight comparison sites for the best deals.
- Book tickets early during peak travel times.
- Consider layover times to ensure smooth transfers.
By Train
- Alternative Route:
You can also fly from Singapore to a major city such as Beijing or Shanghai and then take an overnight train to Xining. - Comfort:
Choose a sleeper cabin for a more comfortable journey on long train rides.
3. How to Travel Around Qinghai
Public transport is limited outside Xining. Plan your options carefully:
Public Buses
From Xining: Buses go to major spots like Qinghai Lake (2–3 hours, ¥30–50) or Tongren (4 hours, ¥60).
Schedule: Buses leave early (6–8 AM). Buy tickets at Xining Bus Station.
Private Drivers/Tours
Day tours: Many agencies in Xining offer group tours to popular sites.
Private drivers: ideal for flexible itineraries.
Bike Rentals
Around Qinghai Lake: Rent bikes in towns like Heimahe. Perfect for short rides along the lake.
4. How to Go to Qinghai Lake from Xining
Qinghai Lake is one of the most Qinghai popular attractions. Here are several ways to reach the lake from Xining.
By Bus
- Direct Bus Service:
Buses from Xining to Qinghai Lake run several times a day. The journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. - Buying Tickets:
Purchase tickets at the Xining bus station or book online through local travel websites.
By Taxi or Private Car
- Taxi Option:
Taxis provide a direct and comfortable way to travel. They are more expensive than buses but save time.
Guided Tours
Local Tour Packages:
Many travel agencies in Xining offer day trips to Qinghai Lake.
- These tours usually include transportation, meals, and an English-speaking guide.
- A guided tour can help you learn about the history and culture of the area.
What to do: Bike rides, boat tours, and photo stops at rapeseed flower(Chinese: 油菜花) fields in July/August.
8 Days Gansu Qinghai Tour | Rainbow Mountains, Crescent Lake, Qinghai Lake
5. Transportation from Xining to Must-visit Places in Qinghai
Chaka Salt Lake
How to get there: Train or bus from Xining (4 hours).
What to do: Walk on the mirror-like salt surface (best at sunset).
Ta’er Monastery(Kumbum Monastery)
How to get there: Bus from Xining (1 hour, ¥10).
What to do: Explore Tibetan Buddhist architecture and join morning prayers.
Qilian Mountains
How to get there: Hire a car from Xining (3–4 hours).
What to do: Hike, camp, or enjoy grassland scenery.
6. How to Get from Qinghai to Gansu
Gansu is famous for the Rainbow Mountains and Silk Road history, is easily accessible from Qinghai.
By Train
Xining to Lanzhou (Gansu’s capital): High-speed trains take 1.5–2 hours (¥60–100). From Lanzhou, transfer to Zhangye (3 hours by train) or Dunhuang (14 hours).
By Bus
Xining to Zhangye: Direct buses take 5–6 hours (¥100–150). Stops near Zhangye’s Danxia Landform.
Xining to Dunhuang: Overnight buses (12+ hours, ¥200–250).
7. Tips for First-Timers
Altitude sickness: Qinghai sits 3,000+ meters above sea level. Rest on your first day and drink water.
Weather: Bring layers—days can be hot, nights chilly. Sunscreen and hats are a must.
Respect local culture: Dress modestly at monasteries. Ask before taking photos of people.
Cash: Small towns may not accept credit cards. Carry ¥100–200 in small bills.
Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps. English is rarely spoken outside hotels.
With this guide, you’re ready to explore Qinghai’s natural beauty and unique culture. Safe travels! 🌄
Further Reading:
