Xining sits in the Huangshui River valley on the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, at around 2,200 metres, and its high altitude gives it cool summers and cold nights year-round. It has been a trading town on the routes west for a very long time, and it remains the practical gateway for travellers heading further onto the plateau, whether by the rail line to Lhasa or by road into the province.
For a visitor, the useful thing to know is that the places to sleep cluster in a few distinct parts of town: around the railway and long-distance bus stations, around the West Gate (Ximen) in the central district, and out in the western Chengxi District along the main roads. This guide covers those areas, who each one suits, and the general shape of the budget, mid-range and splurge options in each.
Best areas to stay in Xining
1. Around the railway and long-distance bus stations
This is the arrival zone, and it is the most practical base if you are treating Xining as a stopover before travelling onward. Dozens of small guesthouses sit near the train and long-distance bus stations; look for the characters "招待所" (zhāodàisuǒ), which in this part of town appear on every other building. Most of these places are willing to take foreign guests.
It suits budget travellers and anyone with an early departure. The trade-off is that the cheapest rooms are basic and shared, and smoking indoors is common in the lowest-priced ones. It also puts you close to the station itself, which is the main reason to choose it.
2. West Gate (Ximen) and the central district
The West Gate area, in the central Chengzhong District, is the other main cluster of budget and mid-range accommodation, and it puts you within reach of downtown shopping and eating rather than the transport concourse. You will find guesthouses around Ximen as well as small hotels in the surrounding streets.
This suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and within walking distance of the centre. It is a reasonable compromise between the convenience of the station area and the more spread-out western districts.
3. Chengxi District
Chengxi, the western district, is where several of the larger and more comfortable hotels are located, along the main roads such as Kunlun Road and Huanghe Road. This is the quieter, more spread-out side of the city, with the upper end of the accommodation range.
It suits travellers who want space, facilities and a calmer setting, and it is a sensible choice if you are staying several nights rather than passing through. The practical point to weigh is distance: it is not the station area, so you will be relying on the city's roads to reach the sights and the transport hubs.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small guesthouses clustered near the train and long-distance bus stations, and further guesthouses around the West Gate (Ximen). Expect shared or simple rooms, with the cheapest being basic bunk-style accommodation and the top of the budget range being a comfortable double.
- Mid-range: Standard city hotels, including some in the central district and near the railway station, with private rooms, restaurants on site and heating in winter.
- Splurge: Larger full-service hotels, several of them in Chengxi District, with extensive facilities such as restaurants, fitness and business services.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around the West Gate (Ximen) in the central district. It keeps you within walking distance of downtown shopping and eating while still being a short trip from the stations, and it has a good spread of budget and mid-range places to choose from. If your priority is an easy onward departure rather than the centre, the station area is the more practical alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most budget travellers stay in Xining?
Near the train and long-distance bus stations, where dozens of small guesthouses operate, with a further cluster around the West Gate (Ximen).
Which part of the city is best if I want to be near the railway station?
The area around the railway station itself, which also has mid-range hotels within easy reach of the platforms.
Where are the larger, more comfortable hotels located?
Several are in Chengxi District, along roads such as Kunlun Road and Huanghe Road, with others in the central district.
Do I need to worry about the altitude when choosing where to stay?
Xining sits at roughly 2,200 metres and nights are cold or cool throughout the year, so wherever you base yourself, plan for cool evenings and a large day-to-night temperature swing.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page.