Getting There

Plans for an airport have yet to materialize, although a rail line should soon open which will have a station half-an-hour's drive from Xia He. Check with Overseas Tibetan hotel for the latest. Buses (tel. 0941/712-1462) connect with Hezuo (72km/45 miles; 1 1/2 hr.; ¥12) every 30 minutes from 6:10am to 6:10pm; Linxia (107km/66 miles; 2 1/2 hr.; ¥19) every 30 minutes from 6am to 5:30pm; Lanzhou (256km/159 miles; 5 hr.; ¥44) at 6:30am, 7:30am, and 2:30pm; Tongren (107km/66 miles; 4 hr.; ¥21) at 7:30am; and Amchog (72km/45 miles, 2 hr.; ¥19) at 11:30am. The Tongren service connects with a Xining bus.

If there's a group of you, minivans to Langmu Si (5 hr.; ¥700) can be arranged through the Overseas Tibetan Hotel, Tara Guesthouse or at the bus station. Warning: If you're taking the rough but scenic route southeast via Amchog, hire a Tibetan driver and bring cigarettes; banditry, in the form of determined children with large rocks, or nomads on horseback, is common.

Getting Around

Bicycles can be rented from most guesthouses for ¥20 per day. Shared taxis or motorcycle carts should take you anywhere in town for ¥1, but they'll try for more.

Tours & Guides

Losang at the Overseas Tibetan Hotel is the best source of information and trip organizer in town. Tsewong of Tsewong's Cafe was also a good resource for travel information, but at the time of writing his cafe was closed, but it is hoped that as restrictions relax he will be able to re-open.

Fast Facts

Banks -- Forex services are unavailable in Xia He, although there is an ICBC ATM that accepts some international cards.

Internet Access -- Internet access can be found at many of the guesthouses and cafes including the Overseas Tibetan Hotel. The charge is ¥5 per hour.

Post Office -- The post office (8am-6pm) a few hundred meters west of the bus station on the south side of the road.

Visa Extensions -- You used to be able to previously get them done here, but now it's only possible in at the Hezuo PSB office.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.