Xi'an VS Xining: Which Is More Suitable as Your Gateway City before Entering Tibet
The names of the two cities, Xi'an and Xining, frequently appear in various travel guides about Tibet. Both are important provincial capitals in northwest China, with a straight-line distance of approximately 700 kilometers between them. One of the differences lies in that Xi'an is at an altitude of about 400 meters, while Xining is at around 2,260 meters. Apart from altitude, the differences in transportation advantages between them will also influence tourists' choices. Now, let's take a look.
Xining Is a Must-Pass Stop for All Trains Heading to Tibet
Xining is the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. No matter which city you depart from, the crew will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the oxygen supply equipment in the carriages to ensure the safety of passengers during the train's stop in Xining. Some trains departing from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places require passengers to get off with their luggage and transfer to the special oxygen train to continue their journey to Lhasa when arriving at Xining Railway Station. All of these are preparations for the following journey from Golmud to Lhasa to be carried out with diffused oxygen supply.
Therefore, the frequency of trains departing from Xining to Tibet is the highest. Especially during peak season, train tickets to Tibet are hard to come by. If you choose a train departing from Xining, the success rate of purchasing one will also be higher, as there are at least five departures per day and sometimes additional trains are added.
It is also feasible to travel from Xi'an to Tibet by train, but there are only two direct trains per day and it takes 30 hours, which is longer than the 20 hours from Xining.
From my perspective, if you want to experience Tibet train journey, it's better to start from Xining, and the magnificent train scenery also starts from Xining Railway Station.
Xi'an Is an Aviation Hub for Direct Flights to Tibet
Xi'an Xianyang Airport (480m), which is under the management of Xi'an, takes less than 3.5 hours to transport tourists from the Wei River Plain to the world's highest plateau. There are at least five non-stop direct flights from Xi'an to Lhasa operated by Sichuan Airlines or China Eastern Airlines every day, providing tourists with ample time options. By the way, tourists should be aware that the flight altitude span exceeds 3,000 meters. More attention should be paid for altitude sickness.
At present, there is a direct flight from Xining Caojiabao Airport to Lhasa Gongga Airport operated by Sichuan Airlines almost every day, which takes 2.5 hours. However, Xi'an Xianyang Airport also offers direct flights to Shigatse Peace Airport and Linzhi Milin Airport, enriching tourists' choices. This is something that Xining cannot compare with. The most crucial point is that there are much more international flights between Xi'an and modern big cities abroad than Xining.
Conclusion
If you still have time to visit other Chinese cities before heading to Tibet, you also need to consider which of Xi'an's and Xining's tourism resources are more attractive to you.
Xi'an boasts two World Heritage Sites, namely the Terracotta Warriors, as well as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The number of 5A-level scenic spots and the scale of its cultural and tourism industry chain far exceed those of Xining. Although Xining's tourism resources are not as abundant as those of Xi'an, its geographical location at the junction of the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau offers tourists cherished chances to enjoy top-notch natural landscapes such as Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. There are many Buddhist temples in Xining. For instance, Taer Temple enables tourists to appreciate Tibetan Buddhist culture from a unique perspective.
Are there any other cities you are concerned about? Wherever you start your Chinese journey, our team can craft a transportation plan to Tibet by train or air.
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39 Comment ON "Xi'an VS Xining: Which Is More Suitable as Your Gateway City before Entering Tibet"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.