Sacred Arts & Azure Lakes of Qinghai
Discover Regong Buddhist Heritage and Natural Wonders of Eastern Tibet
Tour Overview
Journey Through Spiritual and Natural Landscapes
This carefully crafted small-group expedition combines the profound Regong Buddhist art traditions with Qinghai's stunning natural landscapes. Experience intimate cultural encounters, from thangka painting workshops to sacred temple visits, balanced with the breathtaking beauty of Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. Perfect for travelers seeking both spiritual depth and natural grandeur in one comprehensive week.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Xining - Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau
Meals: No meals | Accommodation: Xining Hotel
Arrive at Xining (2,261m altitude) and transfer to your hotel. Acclimate to the high plateau environment while exploring Xining's urban charm. Sample local Qinghai cuisine and prepare for your spiritual journey ahead. Important: Avoid strenuous activity and stay hydrated to facilitate altitude adjustment.
Day 2: Xining to Tongren - Ancient Temples and Living Art
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Tongren Hotel
Morning visit to Ledu Qutan Temple, a Ming Dynasty masterpiece often called "Qinghai's Forbidden City." This Gelugpa Sect temple showcases exquisite Buddhist murals. Afternoon immersion in Regong art at Tongren Artists' workshops, experiencing this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage through hands-on thangka and mural art demonstrations.
Day 3: Tongren to Xunhua - Birthplace of Regong Art
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: Xunhua County Hotel
Explore Longwu Temple, the spiritual cradle where Regong art originated, featuring 35 subsidiary temples across 380 mu. Continue to Shangxiawutun Temple, housing masterpieces of traditional Regong art and serving as the movement's academic center. Evening Sala Home Feast introduces the unique Islamic culture of Qinghai's Sala ethnic minority with authentic culinary traditions.
Day 4: Xunhua to Guide - Sacred Springs and Crimson Peaks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Guide County Hotel
Morning at Luotuo Spring, sacred site for Sala people featuring legendary camel-shaped springs. Journey through Kanbula National Forest Park's spectacular red sandstone formations and pristine forest ecosystems. Afternoon arrival in Guide, "Jiangnan of the Highlands," concluding with sunset views at Yellow River Square.
Day 5: Guide to Chaka - Danxia Wonders and Azure Waters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Chaka Town Hotel
Marvel at Ashigong Scenic Area's 120-million-year-old Danxia landforms, where crimson and emerald peaks create breathtaking canyon vistas. Afternoon at Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake, experiencing its legendary turquoise waters. Evening celebration features traditional Roast Whole Lamb Feast and authentic Tibetan bonfire party.
Day 6: Chaka to Xining - Salt Lake Crystal Kingdom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Xining Hotel
Morning exploration of Chaka Salt Lake, an ancient salt-mining center with 3,000 years of history. Witness the surreal landscape of salt crystals, mining operations, and snow-white salt mountains reflecting against azure skies. Return journey to Xining through dramatic highland scenery.
Day 7: Xining Departure - Journey's End
Meals: Breakfast
Leisurely morning in Xining with airport transfer according to your flight schedule, concluding your Qinghai cultural and natural immersion.