Ledu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ledu with our comprehensive travel guide featuring information on places to visit, hiking routes, things to do, where to stay, local food and culture, safety tips, and more.


Ledu Travel Guide - A Complete Tour Guide for Ledu, China

Ledu is a small county situated in the western part of Qinghai Province in China. The county boasts of stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a friendly local population. Ledu offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and historical sites. This comprehensive guide provides information on places to visit, hiking routes, things to do, where to stay, local food and culture, safety tips, and more.

Introduction to Ledu

Ledu, located in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The county offers a diverse range of landscapes, including high mountains, deep valleys, vast grasslands, and pristine lakes. The area is home to the Salars, one of China’s many ethnic minorities. The Salars are known for their unique language, culture, and architecture.

List of Places to Visit in Ledu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Salar Culture Museum: This museum showcases the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Salar people. It is located in the county seat of Ledu and is built in the style of a traditional Salar building.
  2. Dongguan Mosque: Built during the Ming Dynasty, this mosque is the largest and best-preserved mosque in Northwest China.
  3. People’s Park: This park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It features beautiful gardens, ancient pavilions, and various recreational facilities.

Natural Attractions of Ledu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Riyue Mountain: This mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, including the Yellow River.
  2. Lajia Ruins: These ancient ruins date back to the Neolithic Age and are located in the Lajia Gorge. They are an important archaeological site in China.
  3. Bayinbuluk Grassland: This grassland is located in the upper reaches of the Heihe River and is one of the largest intact grasslands in China. It is home to many rare plants and animals and is a popular destination for eco-tourists.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ledu

  1. Riyue Mountain Hiking Trail: This trail is about 10 km long and takes about 4-6 hours to complete. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  2. Huanghe (Yellow River) Cycling Path: This path stretches for over 2,500 km along the Yellow River and offers cyclists the chance to explore some of China’s most picturesque landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Ledu: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a Salar Ethnic Minority Village Tour: Ledu is home to many small Salar villages, and a tour of the area will provide visitors with a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the Salars.
  2. Visit the Dongguan Mosque: This mosque is an iconic landmark in Ledu and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the Islamic culture in China.
  3. Explore the Lajia Ruins: The Lajia Ruins are located in a deep valley and offer visitors a chance to explore China’s ancient history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ledu

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the Salar Culture Museum and learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Salars.
Day 2 Visit the Dongguan Mosque and experience the Islamic culture in China.
Day 3 Hike the Riyue Mountain Hiking Trail and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4 Discover China’s ancient history by exploring the Lajia Ruins.
Day 5 Picnic and relax in the beautiful People’s Park.
Day 6 Take a Salar Ethnic Minority Village Tour and immerse yourself in the day-to-day life of the Salars.
Day 7 Explore the stunning Bayinbuluk Grassland and immerse yourself in nature.

Food and Drink Scene of Ledu

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Suancaiyu: This is a popular Sichuan dish made with pickled vegetables and fish.
  2. Niangpi: This is a cold noodle dish that is a staple food in Northwest China.

Local Beverages

  1. Qingkejiu: This is a traditional alcoholic drink made from highland barley.
  2. Yak Milk Tea: This tea is made from yak milk and is a staple drink in Tibet and Qinghai Province.

Where to Stay in Ledu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Ledu Grand Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located in the center of Ledu.
  2. Salar Style Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in a traditional Salar building and offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture.
  3. Youth Hostel: This hostel is located near the People’s Park and provides backpackers with affordable accommodation.

What to Buy in Ledu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Salar Embroidery: This is a unique form of embroidery that is native to the Salars.
  2. Highland Barley Wine: This is a traditional alcoholic drink that is made from highland barley and is a popular souvenir in Qinghai Province.

Local Culture and Customs of Ledu

The Salars, like all ethnic minorities in China, have their own unique customs and traditions. They are known for their traditional architecture, food, and clothing.

Best Time to Visit Ledu

The best time to visit Ledu is from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ledu

Do:

  1. Respect the traditional culture and customs of the Salars.
  2. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  3. Try the local cuisine and traditional drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Take photos without permission from locals.
  2. Ignore local customs and traditions.
  3. Damage or remove artifacts in historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ledu

Ledu is a safe place to visit, but visitors should take normal precautions, such as locking hotel room doors, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Ledu

Visitors to Ledu should take precautions to prevent altitude sickness as the county is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is also recommended that visitors get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B before traveling to China.

Getting to Ledu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ledu

The nearest airport to Ledu is Xining Caojiabao Airport, which is 157 km away.

Bus Stations Near Ledu

There are several bus stations near Ledu, including the Ledu Bus Station and the Xining Bus Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train from Xining to Ledu, which takes about 2 hours.

How to Get Around in Ledu

The best way to get around Ledu is by taxi or private car. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the county.

Where to Go Next from Ledu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Xining: Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province and is a hub for transportation and commerce in the region. It is also home to many important historical sites and museums.
  2. Qinghai Lake: Qinghai Lake is the largest saltwater lake in China and is a popular destination for tourists.

Conclusion

Ledu is a hidden gem in Northwest China that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures or exploring the local culture, Ledu has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Ledu.