Xining

Xining is the capital of Qinghai province in central China, by the Tibetan Plateau. It's known for the Xining Dongguan Grand Mosque, blending Chinese and Islamic styles, and the Tulou Temple, built into mountainside caves. To the north, the Tibetan Medicine and Culture Museum displays traditional artifacts. Nearby are the sprawling Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery) and the vast Qinghai Lake, rich in birdlife.