Xining

Xining
Originally uploaded by bastchild.

Xining is the capital of the Qinghai province. It is north of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and the fourth poorest province in China. Basically there are industrial mining towns here and military outposts. It's been a Siberia of sorts for Chinese political prisoners too.
It was cold here, highs in the 40's and in the 20's at night; the elevation was 2200 meters. I was warm in my thermal underwear and fleece gear. What a change from down south!
I stayed at the Post Hotel where 55 RMB got me a carpetted room ensuite with hot water and a radiator and a hot/warm water dispenser and a tv. I slept for four hours after arriving.
I bought a ticket for a sleeper train to Golmud for the next night.