Sunny Xining, Qinghai Province, China

The closest point to Tibet in China one can get before needing a permit!

Although Qinghai is not generally on the main tourist path in China, it is a worthwhile place if you want to glimpse stunning landscapes and enjoy a very different kind of culture.  Here, things move a bit more slowly than the frenetic pace of Beijing or Shanghai, and there are gorgeous mountains and plateaus in every direction.  There are a few major tourist sites to visit out here, such as Qinghai lake (they offer cycling tours which seem great, though I've never been), Ta'er Monastery, Donggang Mosque, Northern Mountain Temple, Qinghai Provincial Museum, and Tibetan Medicine Museum.  However, in my opinion the main reason to visit this region is the landscape, which is both rugged and beautiful.

If you have time for an excursion, head out to Sanjiangyuan (Three Rivers Point) National Nature Reserve, where the Yangtze, Yellow River, and Mekong river meet for a variety of birds and other wildlife such as antelope, gazelles, and wild donkeys.  One of the most awesome creatures you will likely see in this region is the yak or the yow, a cow/yak hybrid; a ridiculously shaggy but amazingly cute creature that looks like it walked right off of the Muppet Show and into the real world.  

The region is at around 4,000 ft above sea level, so if you plan to travel in this region, make sure you spend a day or two in the city taking it easy before venturing out to sites further afield.  You can get here easily and cheaply by train from Beijing West Station; reservations are not normally needed for this particular train during most of the year, though it is advised that travelers book at least a week ahead (when possible) during the summer months since it can get busy.  That said, the train is an experience in itself and it's an awesome site to see the countryside whizzing past.  

One last word to the wise, bring snacks with you, including a bowl or two of instant noodles, as there is not necessarily much to eat for the average traveler (though there were chicken feet that came through on a cart!), and it's better to be safe since options are limited on the train.