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Xining
Although Xining is the capital of west-central
China's spacious Qinhai Province and is known for its wool
production, the city is a well kept Chinese secret.
Xining (meaning "western peace")
was a main stop on the ancient Silk Road trade route, and
features nearby attractions like the Taer Monastery. Built
in the 14th century, Taer is a center for Yellow Hat Lamaism
-- Buddhist followers of the Dalai Lama. In the Islamic
realm, Xining's Dongguan Mosque, founded in 1380, is among
the region's largest.
About 130 kilometers from Xining is Qinghai
Lake, China's largest inland saltwater body. Rumor has it
that dinosaurs have been seen around the lake, but only
fish, fowl, and human sightings have been confirmed. Bird
Island sanctuary is another provincial attraction, featuring
migrating geese.
Known for its huge grassy plains, Qinghai
Province is also known as the Green Sea. The Yangtze and
Yellow Rivers have their sources here. And the world's highest
highway runs through the Qinghai to Lhasa, Tibet. Along
that way, you can see antelope, yak, donkeys, camel and
lynx.
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