Taxis from the airport to the city center take about 40–50 minutes. Bus shuttle also available.
Things to do at Caojiabao Airport (XNN)
Caojiabao AirportXNN
At the airport
Things to do in Caojiabao Airport
Xining is the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and a Muslim-majority city in Qinghai province with a rich blend of Han, Tibetan, Hui, and Tu cultures. The Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) — one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism — is about 26 km from the city and a major pilgrimage site. Xining's night market along Shuijing Lane is excellent for trying hand-pulled noodles and lamb skewers.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Caojiabao Airport
- Kumbum Monastery requires a half-day. The Qinghai Lake — China's largest saltwater lake — is 3 hours from Xining and needs a full day.
- Altitude is around 2,200m — some travelers feel mild effects arriving from lower elevations.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at XNN
Discover Sanctifly partner lounges at Caojiabao Airport (XNN). Book access with your points.Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.