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| Overview |
Xining lies in the Huangshui River Valley with a lot of mountains and ravines. At a height of 2275m, right on the outermost edge of the Tibetan plateau, Xining experiences pleasantly cool weather in summer and bitter cold in winter. It has a temperate plateau climate with an annual average temperature of 6.5 Centigrade, and has 129 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 345 millimeters. |
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| For centuries Xining has been the major commercial hub on the caravan route to Tibet, trading in wool, hides, salt, and timber. More recently it has developed as a processing (flour-milling, wool-spinning, meatpacking) and distribution center for the NE Qinghai agricultural basin. The Lanqing(Lanzhou to Qinghai) and Qingzang(Qinghai to Tibet) railways and many highways converge in Xining. Air routes link Xining with some other major cities throughout China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Xian. |
| 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. |
| Xining has many ancient relics, including the Great Mosque, the Ta'er Lamasery( Kumbum Monastery) , and the Beichan Temple. Its location on the road to Tibet via Golmud means it is a stopping place for visitors on the way to Lhasa. The special locally-made products include plush, blankets, and carpets. |
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