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Mount Yunji云吉山
Mount Yunji rises just north of Xining and is a favorite weekend climb for the city's residents. With more than 70% of the mountain under forest, the air is fresh enough to earn it the title of urban oxygen bar. From the summit you can survey all of Xining and, on clear days, look out toward Qinghai Lake. Several trails of varying difficulty suit every fitness level, and temples and pavilions scattered across the slopes speak to the mountain's long history.
Xining · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Mount Yunji worth visiting?
A natural oxygen bar on Xining's northern edge at about 2,400 m, with forest cover above 70%. Free and open all day; buses 3/4/7 to Beishan Market, then a 2-3 hour climb.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 0:00-24:00 |
| Recommended duration | 3-5 hours |
| Best time to visit | May-Oct; summer is best for hiking and escaping the heat |
| How to get there | Buses 3, 4, 7, 13, 15 or 34 to Beishan Market stop, then walk to the Mount Yunji trailhead |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Elevation | About 2,400 m |
| Forest coverage | Over 70% |
| Location | Northern outskirts of Xining |
| Main vegetation | Pines, cypresses and poplars |
| Facilities | Hiking trails, pavilions, temples |
| Highlights | Urban oxygen bar, hiking and exercise |
What to expect
Mount Yunji is one of the most popular climbing destinations around Xining, only a few kilometers from downtown and easy to reach. The mountain is not tall, but its winding, twisting trails make the ascent genuinely fun. Vegetation is dense — mostly pines and cypresses — and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions, making this a favorite escape into nature for city residents.
At the summit stands the old Yunji Temple, founded in the Ming dynasty and still active today. The temple grounds hold a grove of ancient cypresses said to be a thousand years old, the oldest more than 500 years. The viewing platform at the top is the finest spot to take in all of Xining, and on clear days you can make out distant snow mountains and the direction of Qinghai Lake.
Several trails climb the mountain; the classic route takes 2-3 hours to the top. Pavilions and benches line the way for rest stops, alongside cliff inscriptions that display Xining's history and culture. Squirrels and pheasants put in occasional appearances and add to the fun.
How to get there
Buses 3, 4, 7, 13, 15 or 34 run to Beishan Market stop, then it is about a 15-minute walk to the Mount Yunji entrance. Drivers can navigate to the Mount Yunji parking lot.
Best photo spots
- The Mount Yunji hiking trail
- Summit viewing platform overlooking Xining
- Ancient cypresses at Yunji Temple
- Pavilions along the mountain paths
Tips
- Start early for sunrise and the clearest summit views
- Pack insect repellent in summer — mosquitoes are plentiful on the mountain
- The trail has some steep stretches; wear comfortable sneakers
- Yunji Temple at the summit serves good vegetarian meals
Scams to avoid
- No notable scams to worry about
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Yunji a hard climb?
Not especially — with average fitness you can reach the summit in 2-3 hours. Suitable for most visitors.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, admission is free.
Can I watch the sunrise?
Yes — set off around 4-5 am with a flashlight and you can catch the sunrise from the top.
Read next
Other things to do in Xining
Dongguan Mosque
A free-entry mosque founded in 1380 on Xining's Dongguan Street, whose prayer hall and courtyards fill with up to 30,000 worshippers for Friday jumu'ah — Chinese-Islamic green dome, Arabic calli.
Kumbum Monastery
One of the six great Gelug (Yellow Hat) monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Birthplace of Tsongkhapa. Famous butter sculptures. 14th century. ¥80. Half-day from Xining.
Qinghai Lake
China's largest saltwater lake, its surface 3260 m above sea level, ringed by spectacular rapeseed fields in summer. A protected ecological sanctuary.
Qinghai Provincial Museum
The Qinghai Provincial Museum is the province's largest general museum, holding more than 100,000 artifacts that trace its diverse history and cultures.
Yushu Grassland
The heart of the Three-River-Source region, averaging 4,000 m — source of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. Free to enter; July's horse-racing festival is the liveliest. Allow 3-5 days.