Things To Do
in Ziketan
Ziketan is a remote high-altitude town in Qinghai Province, perched on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The surrounding landscape features rolling grasslands, salt flats, and distant snow-capped peaks that create dramatic horizons. The town blends Tibetan, Han, and Hui influences, visible in monasteries, markets, and handicrafts.
Visitors come for quiet scenery, starry skies, and authentic rural life away from larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ziketan and check into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local diner, savoring the flavors of Tibetan cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to acclimate to the altitude and take in the local culture.
Explore the vibrant markets where you can purchase handmade crafts and engage with friendly vendors. Visit the Ziketan Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, marveling at the intricate architecture and sacred artifacts. Reflect on your surroundings while enjoying the serenity of the spiritual atmosphere.
Dine at a local restaurant, tasting authentic dishes like tsampa and yak meat. Experience the lively evening atmosphere as locals gather to socialize and share stories. end your night with a peaceful walk, gazing at the star-filled sky above the Tibetan plateau.
Attend a morning prayer session at the monastery, immersing yourself in the rhythmic chants and devotional practices. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, fueling up for a day of exploration. Visit a nearby Tibetan family to learn about traditional customs and lifestyle.
Take a guided tour of the stunning surrounding landscapes, including grasslands and distant mountains. Enjoy a packed lunch while sitting amidst nature, breathing in the fresh, clean air. Capture breathtaking photos of the enchanting scenery and vibrant wildlife.
Return to town and indulge in a cooking class, learning how to prepare local dishes together with a skilled chef. Share your creations with fellow travelers over dinner, exchanging stories and laughs. Conclude the day with a cultural show featuring local music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🥟Street food snack | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Hostel or budget hotel | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic high-altitude landscapes and pristine air
- Warm, welcoming local communities and rich cultural experiences
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Slow-paced travel with longer drives between remote spots
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪儿？" - Where is the restroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much?
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
- "帮忙！" - Help!
Places to Visit in Ziketan
Visit one of these nice places.
Open plateau with grazing yaks, pastel skies, and distant mountains; best at first light.
Calm reflective water and white mineral crusts create striking compositions, especially on clear mornings.
Colorful prayer flags, stone walls, and monks at work offer intimate cultural portraits.
Narrow lanes with wooden doors, faded plaster, and locals going about daily life—great for candid shots.
Food in Ziketan
Ziketan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed Tibetan dumplings filled with finely minced yak meat, onions, and spices.
Must-Try!
A warming stew of tender lamb, vegetables, and a flavorful broth shared with friends and family.
Hand-pulled noodles bathed in a savory lamb broth with herbs.
Creamy, tangy yogurt often served with a touch of honey or sugar.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market zone offering grilled skewers, dumplings, tsampa snacks, dairy treats, and locally made cheeses.
Small stalls serving traditional Tibetan-style salted tea and quick snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ask permission before photographing people, especially elders or religious figures. Dress modestly when visiting temples or monasteries; remove hats as a sign of respect in sacred spaces when asked.
Accept invitations with gratitude and share food if offered. Humility and politeness are valued in interactions with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Ziketan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary for most everyday services in China. If you wish to show appreciation, consider rounding up a bill or giving a small tip to guides or drivers. Major payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; carry some cash (RMB) for smaller stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional winds. Trails may be muddy near the foothills; expect blooming alpine flora.
Warm days and cool nights; abundant sunshine with a chance of sudden rain showers. Pack sun protection and layers.
Crisp air and clear skies; landscapes glow with golden grasses. Nights quickly become cold.
Very cold with strong winds; some roads can be challenging. Pack insulated, windproof clothing and plan indoor activities when possible.
Ziketan at Night
Hiking in Ziketan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop across rolling meadows with open sky and distant peaks.
Flat, accessible path along a shallow salt lake; ideal for easy photography walks.
Steep but rewarding climb to a hilltop monastery with sweeping views.
Airports
How to reach Ziketan by plane.
Main gateway to Qinghai; connects to major Chinese cities and a few international destinations.
Regional airport serving Golmud and surrounding areas; useful for shorter trips within Qinghai.
Smaller provincial airport with regional connections; helpful for access to northern Qinghai.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with cultural and economic influence.
Significant presence with monasteries, traditional crafts, and Tibetan language use.
Hui, Monguor (Tu), and other groups contribute to a diverse cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular among locals and in schools; informal games on weekends are common.
Common in town courts and community centers.
Traditional activity on the grasslands, often available through local guides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ziketan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-based; ask for vegetable, potato, mushroom, or dumpling options and verify broth ingredients. In larger eateries you can often find dal or vegetable curries if available.