Things To Do
in Tashi

Tashi is a tranquil town in central China known for its mist-covered mornings, traditional courtyards, and a warm, welcoming community. The streets wind around ancient mosques, markets, and tea houses, offering a glimpse into a layered cultural heritage. Visitors wander the shaded lanes, savoring cumin-kissed street foods and panoramic views from hillside terraces.

The town blends history with a modern, relaxed pace that invites slow exploration and casual conversation with locals.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Tashi's Breathtaking Landscapes
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing hike through the stunning valleys and mountains surrounding Tashi. The crisp morning air and vibrant flora are invigorating, making the perfect setting to appreciate nature's beauty. Stop for a moment to capture the mesmerizing views with your camera.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit the nearby Tashi Monastery, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility and spirituality that envelop the area. Engage with local monks and learn about their daily rituals and the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spend some time wandering the monastery's grounds and appreciating the intricate architecture.

evening
:

As the sun sets, indulge in a traditional Tibetan dinner featuring savory momos and hearty noodle soup. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, allowing you to share stories with fellow travelers. End your day by gazing at the star-studded sky above Tashi, a moment of peace that will linger long after your trip.

day 2
A Journey into Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local market, where vibrant stalls brim with colorful produce and handmade crafts. The lively atmosphere is a feast for the senses as you mingle with locals, sampling delicious snacks and perhaps purchasing a few souvenirs. Engage with vendors to get a glimpse into everyday life in Tashi.

afternoon
:

Go on a guided tour to the nearby yak farms and learn about the significance of these animals in Tibetan culture. Participate in traditional yak herding activities and savor yak butter tea, a local delicacy. The experience gives you firsthand insight into the rural lifestyle of the Tibetan people.

evening
:

Wind down your day with a cozy evening at a traditional guesthouse, sharing stories with other travelers. Savor a warm bowl of thukpa, a noodle soup that will comfort you after a long day. As the night falls, enjoy a cultural performance featuring Tibetan folk music and dance, celebrating the rich history of the region.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🧃Bottled water$0.5-1
🏨Budget hotel per night$25-40
🚇Public transit ticket$0.5-1
🧭Street snack or souvenir$2-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm atmosphere and scenic landscapes
  • Rich culinary scene with diverse influences
  • Warm, welcoming people and walkable town center
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Seasonal traffic in peak tourist periods
  • Language barriers for non-Mandarin speakers
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪里?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "你会说英语吗?" - Do you speak English?
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Tashi

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Gate at Dawn

A centuries-old gateway framed by morning mist and lanterns.

Riverside Promenade

Wide river views with fishing boats and willows.

Hillside Temple Complex

Terraced stairs and red pagodas with distant mountains.

Market Lantern Alley

Colorful lanterns, close-up street photography of vendors.

Sunset Over Farmland Terraces

Golden light over fields that stretch to the horizon.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tashi

The local cuisine blends Han and Hui influences, featuring lamb, beef, hand-pulled noodles, cumin, and aromatic herbs. Meals often center on hearty broths, street skewers, and fresh breads baked in clay ovens. Look for small family-run eateries where cooks share the day’s specials. Expect bold flavors, with vegetarian options available in most places.

Tashi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lamb skewers (Yangrou Chuan)

Chargrilled lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, a staple street snack.

Must-Try!

Beef noodle soup (Lanzhou-style)

Fragrant beef broth with hand-cut noodles and fresh herbs.

Hand-pulled noodles with sesame sauce

Soft, elastic noodles tossed with sesame, chili oil, and scallions.

Vegetarian tofu and vegetable stir-fry

Vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables with tofu and soy-based sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Old Town Night Market

A cluster of stalls offering lamb skewers, dumplings, buns, and regional snacks.

Farming Square Market

Fresh produce, herbs, and street plates from nearby farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences four distinct seasons: hot summers with monsoon rains, cold dry winters, mild springs, and cool autumns; average temperatures range roughly from -5°C in winter to about 34°C in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Address elders with respect; a polite nod or handshake is common; avoid overly loud conversation in temples.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly; remove hats; ask permission before photography in mosques or temples.

Table Manners

Use chopsticks properly; finish your plate to show appreciation; do not point with chopsticks.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good, but watch for petty theft in crowded markets; use reputable taxis; follow local guidance at night; road conditions can be slippery after rain.

Tipping in Tashi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in most tourist areas; in high-end hotels or restaurants, a small tip is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous; carry small notes for street stalls.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days, bloom time; bring a light jacket and a compact umbrella for showers.

Summer

Expect heat and occasional afternoon thunderstorms; carry water and sun protection.

Autumn

Dry, comfortable temperatures; great for outdoor walks and photography.

Winter

Cold but sunny days; some attractions may have shorter hours; bring warm layers and a scarf.

Nightlife Guide

Tashi at Night

Tea houses, small bars, and night markets provide a quiet, intimate nightlife; live music is occasional in cafes; late-night snack stalls are common.

Hiking in Tashi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Highland View Trail

A scenic loop with skyline views and stone steps.

River Gorge Path

Shaded path along a river gorge with viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Tashi by plane.

Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport

Major international and domestic gateway located about 60-70 miles (100-120 km) from the town; frequent flights to major Chinese cities.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute stroll of the main square; zebra crossings and sidewalks make navigation easy, though some lanes are narrow and uneven.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han

The majority ethnic group in the town, with Mandarin as the common language.

Hui

A significant Hui Muslim minority with local mosques and halal food markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

A popular team sport at schools and community centers.

Table Tennis

Common in clubs and social venues.

Transportation

Traffic

Local traffic is moderate; buses connect to nearby towns, taxis are common; road conditions are generally good but can be crowded during peak hours; no major metro system in the town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tashi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose dishes with tofu, vegetables, and egg-free broths; ask for no meat stock; look for vegetable dumplings.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in town clinics; for more advanced care, residents travel to larger hospitals in Lanzhou or Xining; carry basic medicines and travel insurance.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide