Just south of Xining is one of the 6 major Gelukpa Monasteries. Kumbum (Ta'er Si) was the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelukpa School. A beautiful monastery, quite Chinese in architectural style, Kumbum is particularly famous for its elaborate butter sculptures. Nearby are the villages of Repkong & Tongren, famous for their art.
3-4 flights daily. 4-7 trains daily - easiest for tickets as all Lhasa trains pass through & one starts here.

Chongqing, Shanghai, Shangri-la, Kunming, Guangzhou & Shenzhen are also easy flight options options.