Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province . It has an area of 3.5 thousand square kilometers and a population of 1.05 million.

Xining lies in the Huangshui River Valley with a lot of mountains and ravines. It has a temperate plateau climate with an annual average temperature of 5.7oC, and has 129 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 345 millimeters.

Mineral deposits include coal, quartzite, limestone, gypsum, and bauxite. Quartzite reserves in Xining ranks high in China . It also has forests and pasturelands.

Industries include machinery, chemical, power, metal making, and food processing. Xining is a major producer to make heavy machine tools, electrolytic aluminum, and alloy steel. The chief farm products of Xining are wheat, corn, rape, fruit, vegetables, milk and livestock.

The Lanqing and Qingzang railways and many highways converge in Xining . Air routes link Xining with some other major cities throughout China . Including Beijing , Guangzhou , and Xian.

Xining is one of good summer resorts of China , because it is very cool in summer time. Xining has many ancient relics, including the Great Mosque, the Ta'er Lamasery, and the Beichan Temple . The special locally-made products include plush, blankets, and carpets.