Xining Botanical Garden

Xining Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is a natural park located in Xishan Bay, Xining. Originally just a nursery of the Xishan Forest Farm, it was expanded into Xining Botanical Garden in 1980. Covering an area of over 1,000 acres, it mainly consists of terraces and is divided into two tourist areas: upper and lower mountain sections. The upper part is a forested area, dominated by tree species such as spruce and Chinese pine. The tall fir trees stand like green towers reaching into the sky. The dense pine forests block out the sunlight, and finding such a "deep mountain forest" within the urban area of Xining makes visitors feel as though they have entered a completely different world.

The scenic spots at the foot of the mountain include nine smaller themed gardens such as the Bonsai Garden, Lilac Garden, Rose Garden, Conifer Garden, and Rock Garden. Among these, the Bonsai Garden is the most captivating to visitors. It houses hundreds of bonsai specimens, spanning 54 families, 110 genera, and 415 species. The unique shapes of the bonsai and the architectural style reminiscent of Suzhou gardens have earned it the praise, "Not a famous garden, but rivals one; not in the south, yet feels like the Jiangnan region." Many tourists from other regions come here specifically for it.

The Lilac Garden is the second most prominent attraction in the park. Every April, the fragrant lilacs throughout the garden waft their sweet aroma on the breeze, delighting visitors — a major reason why the lilac has been named the city flower of Xining.

In the apple orchard, visitors can sit around tables under the apple trees, personally participating in the experience. While sipping “gaiwan tea,” drinking barley wine, and enjoying “hand-grabbed lamb,” some may even burst into song. Hence, it’s called the “Wild Dining Garden.” Here, you can experience a natural lifestyle and connect with nature.