Things To Do
in Qabqa

A visually striking monastery with prayer flags, colorful facades and monks in daily life — great for portrait and architecture photography (ask permission before photographing individuals).

Nearby villages known for traditional thangka painting: capture artists at work, close-ups of detailed paintings and workshops.

Wide-open landscapes with grazing yaks and horses; excellent for sunrise and sunset shots with dramatic sky and Tibetan pastoral scenes.

Bustling market stalls, dairy vendors and colorful local dress provide authentic street photography opportunities — be respectful and ask before shooting people.

Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea or yogurt — a staple food you’ll see everywhere; good to try at market stalls and homestays.

Must-Try!

A salty, buttery tea made with tea leaves, yak butter and salt; available in tea houses, monasteries and family homes.

Slow-cooked meat stews are common in winter and at local restaurants; hearty and warming, often served with tsampa or noodles.

Tibetan dumplings (momos) and noodle soups (thukpa) — easy, filling and widely available in town eateries.

Daily market where locals sell dairy, tsampa, dried meat, simple snacks and seasonal produce; great for trying yak yogurt, butter tea and local breads.

Small stalls near monasteries sell prayer items and snacks; try local sweets, roasted barley and small fried breads here.

Always show respect at monasteries: speak quietly, follow signage, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, and ask before photographing monks or ceremonies.

Modest clothing is appreciated in religious and rural settings — cover shoulders and avoid flashy attire when visiting sacred sites.

Use a friendly greeting like 'Tashi Delek' to connect with local Tibetans; accept offers of butter tea or simple food with gratitude and both hands.

Feet are considered lower — avoid pointing soles at religious objects or people and sit with feet tucked to the side when visiting homes or temples.

Tipping is uncommon in small towns — staff at guesthouses or guides may appreciate small tokens but it’s not expected. For private tour guides or drivers a modest tip is fine if service was excellent.

Cash (RMB) is the most reliable method in Qabqa; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are common in China but may be limited or require a Chinese bank account in remote Tibetan areas. ATMs may be available but carry enough cash for rural travel.

Cool and windy with gradual warming; pastures begin to green. Snow can linger into spring at higher elevations; pack layers and wind protection.

Warm days and cool nights with the most stable travel weather; afternoon showers are possible. This is the best time for hiking, festivals and accessible roads.

Clear skies and crisp air, excellent for photography and trekking. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset; bring warm clothing for evenings.

Cold, dry and often snowy with short daylight hours; some roads and services may be limited. Ideal for experiencing a quieter, very local side of life if prepared for cold.

The primary gateway for Qinghai province with flights to major Chinese cities; reaching Qabqa by road generally takes several hours (plan for a long drive or arrange a connecting bus/transfer).

A larger airport serving Gansu province; an alternative entry point but further away than Xining — useful if combining travel with Lanzhou or Gannan areas.