As the capital and only large city in Qinghai, Xining is considered the "gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau". The transport system, by planes, trains or automobiles, is relatively convenient. Timetables or further information can be found by clicking on the title links below.

By plane: It is possible to fly directly to Xining from quite a number of major cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Xi'an. The airport lies 29km from the city center, a distance that may be covered either by taking a CAAC bus (RMB8) or a taxi (RMB50). The CAAC office is at 34 Bayi xilu in the eastern quarter of town (8:30am-noon; 2pm-5:30pm; Tel: 0971-8174616). For convenience's sake, you may also find out information and book tickets at most of the main travel agencies (see below) and big hotels in the city (most charge around RMB30 for commission).

By train: Xining is located at the junction of the Lanzhou-Qinghai and the Qinghai-Tibet railway lines, making it possible to reach the city from a multitude of destinations from across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Qingdao, Yinchuan and Golmud. The Railway station is on Qilian lu, in the northern section of the city, just across the bridge over the Huangshui River. Besides the station, there is a ticket office (Tel: 0971-6136454) at Wusi dajie, that provides both train and flight tickets. Travel agents (see below) and big hotels can, again, provide tickets for trains, and this, although with commission, will save a lot of hassle.

By bus: Cement and asphalt roads link Xining with cities (Golmud, for instance) and towns in the province, as well as distant destinations in Tibet, Xinjiang and Sichuan. The long-distance bus station is at the northern end of Jianguo lu, about 600m south of the railway station (over the river). The ticket office also lies on Jianguo lu (Tel: 0971-8149506). Tickets are best bought one day in advance. If you plan on going to the Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er si), you should go to the other station on Xiguan dajie (see sight description for more). You could also try the private minibuses outside of the Xining Hotel, but negotiation over price is necessary (no more than RMB10).

City transport: There are over 10 buses in town that are convenient if you can find a map with bus routes. It is probably easier for foreigners, however, and not overly expensive, to take taxis around the city, and the prices of these can be negotiated (around RMB5 for 3km).

Travel Agents: There are a number of travel agents in town that will be useful for those after train or plane tickets, general travel information, or organizing tours.

The main branch of the Qinghai CITS (Tel: 0971-8238701) is in the Xining Guesthouse, and can organise a variety of tours and trips throughout Qinghai.
The Qinghai Transport Travel Service (Qinghai jiaotong luxingshe, Tel: 0971-8149504 ext.2626) can be found in the long distance bus station.

The Qinghai Nationalities Travel Service (Qinghai minzu luxingshe, Tel: 0971-8225991 ext.2227) can be found in the Qinghai Minzu Hotel, good for general information and local trips.(Source:www.ctrip.com)