【Awe-Inspiring! The World's Longest Thangka】Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum: Exploring the Treasures of the Snowy Plateau

The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum (also known as the Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum) is the world's only comprehensive national first-class museum dedicated to the all-round collection, preservation, display, and research of Tibetan culture. It houses the 618-meter-long thangka scroll, which holds a Guinness World Record, and systematically presents the profound heritage of Tibetan history, religion, medicine, and art. It is an exceptional window into the civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

✨ Must-See Treasures of the Museum

1. *The Grand Exhibition of Chinese Tibetan Culture and Art*: A 618-meter-long colossal thangka, completed by over 400 master painters over 27 years, covering 1,500 square meters with more than 700 thangkas and 3,000 embroidered appliqué patterns, featuring vibrant colors that never fade.
2. Tibetan Medical History Exhibition Hall: Displays over 200 Tibetan medical instruments, 80 *Manthang* artworks, and 180 surgical tools, showcasing the unique charm of Tibetan medicine.
3. Tibetan Costume Hall: Exhibits more than 50 traditional costumes from various Tibetan regions, including the precious Ngari Purang Peacock Costume (over 1,000 years old).
4. Silk Road and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Civilization Exhibition: Features a 1:1 scale model of the Potala Palace, taking you back to the glory of the Tibetan Empire.
5. Dome Film *The Path to Enlightenment*: A 270-degree immersive experience interpreting Tibetan Buddhism's view of life and death, a 7-minute visual and spiritual journey.

🕰️ Opening Hours & Ticket Information

- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed on Mondays (except public holidays).
- Tickets: Adults ¥60, discounted tickets (students & seniors) ¥30.
- Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours (if short on time, focus on the *Grand Exhibition* hall, about 1.5 hours).

🚌 Transportation Guide

- Bus: Routes 1, 34, 46, 65, and 72 go directly to the museum.
- Taxi: Around ¥15 from downtown Xining.
- Self-Drive: Navigate to "Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum" (Xining Science and Technology Bio-Industrial Park).

🗺️ Recommended Tour Routes

**Highlights in 2 Hours:**
1. Head straight to the 4th floor for *The Grand Exhibition*: Marvel at the 618-meter thangka. Rent an audio guide (¥20) or wait for a free tour.
2. 3rd floor Silk Road & Qinghai-Tibet Civilization Exhibition: Learn about Tibetan history and plateau culture.
3. 2nd floor Tibetan Costume Hall: Admire thousand-year-old Tibetan attire.

**Half-Day Deep Dive:**
1. 4th floor *The Grand Exhibition*
2. 3rd floor Tibetan Medical History Hall (*Manthang* instruments, ancient texts)
3. 2nd floor Ethnic Costumes & Calligraphy Art Hall
4. 1st floor Temporary Exhibits (often featuring special themes)

💡 Practical Tips

1. Guided Tours: Free tours available daily (timings vary), or rent an audio guide.
2. Photography: Flash photography is prohibited in some areas; follow the rules.
3. Sun Protection: Xining has strong UV rays—wear a hat and sunglasses.
4. Best Time to Visit: Mornings are less crowded; afternoons see more tour groups.
5. Souvenirs: Don’t miss the museum shop for exquisite thangka replicas, Tibetan incense, and more.

🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations

After your visit, try local Qinghai delicacies:
- *Yixin Hand-Grabbed Lamb*: A Xining classic, tender and flavorful.
- *Baohulu Northwest Tea & Snacks*: Must-try sweet fermented barley milk tea and yak yogurt.
- *Mojia Street Snacks*: Liangpi (cold noodles), *goujiao* pancakes, and Qinghai-style yogurt.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

- *Sofitel Xining*: Luxury option with convenient access.
- *Atour Hotel Xining Railway Station*: Great value, ideal for travelers taking the high-speed rail the next day.

The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum is not just a visual feast but also a spiritual journey. Standing before the 618-meter thangka, you’ll feel the depth and grandeur of Tibetan culture; strolling through the halls of Tibetan medical history, you’ll marvel at the wisdom of the plateau people. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, photography lover, or on a family educational trip, this place will leave you enriched!

Pro Tip: Arrive early in peak season to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes (walking the 618-meter thangka is like trekking half a mile!).