Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province, with a population of 510,000. Lying at an elevation of 2,300 metres above sea level, this ancient city on Qinghai plateau has a history of more than 2,000 years. In 121 B.C., General Huo Qubing led his troops to the area of the Huangshui River and camped out in Xipingting (present-day Xining). During the Tang (618--907) Shanzhou Prefecture was established in place of Xiping Prefecture and in the Song (960--1279), Xining Prefecture was set up. The Present Xining City was rebuilt in the 19th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368).

  Scheduled airliners and trains link it with Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Urumqi. Chief historic site, the Great Mosque, which was constructed in 1380. the largest in Northwest China, built in the Tibetan style and topped with a gilded bottle, the mosque can hold 3,000 religious believers at a time.

  Forty kilometres north of Xining flows the Five Peak Waterfall, with abundant water resources, amidst high mountains and beautiful flowers. Grand Flower Fair and singing competition are held among the people of the Tus, Huis, Hans and Tibetans every year on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month in the place of the Five Peak Waterfall.
  About 25 kilometres southwest of Xining sits Taer (Kumbum) Lamasery in Lushaer Town. Legend has it that Zhongkaba, the founder of the Yellow Sect, was born here in the 15th year of the Yonghe reign of the Ming (1417) and in the 39th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Ming (1560) after Zongkaba died,a monastery was built in his native town.

  Taer Lamasery has more than 4,500 rooms for lamas and over 1,000 courtyards in various sizes. All structures of the Monastery are roofed with gold-coated bronze tiles crowned with gold tops. Butter sculpture, painting and pile embroidery are "Three Uniques" to Xining. Qinhai Lake, Kukunor in Mongolian language, means the "Green and Blue Sea". In the northwest of the lake lies the Bird Island, on which live thousands of birds. For birds chirping around that can be heard miles away, it is known as a wonder on Qinghai Lake.
  Home to visitors are the Xining Hotel, Qinghai Hotel and Xining Mansion.

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