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Learn How to Pronounce Sining | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Sining

Quick Answer: In Mandarin, the name Sining is pronounced [ɕí.nǐŋ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Xining, historically known as Sining, is the capital city of Qinghai Province in western China, officially established as a prefecture-level city. Situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau at an average elevation of over 2,200 meters, it serves as a crucial political, economic, and cultural hub for the region. Often referred to as the "Eastern Gateway to Tibet," Xining is renowned for its rich multi-ethnic tapestry, predominantly featuring Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Hui Muslim communities, which is vividly reflected in its vibrant markets, diverse cuisine, and architectural landmarks. The city is a premier base for exploring the breathtaking natural scenery of Qinghai Lake and the Qilian Mountains, as well as for visiting significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries such as the renowned Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si), a major pilgrimage site. As a key node on the historic Silk Road and now a central part of China's Western Development Strategy, Xining's tourism, high-altitude research, and logistics sectors continue to grow, attracting visitors seeking authentic Tibetan culture, high-altitude train journeys on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and unique ecotourism adventures on the roof of the world.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling in modern English and official Chinese pinyin is Xining. The term Sining is an older, historical romanization derived from the Postal Map spelling system and is considered archaic but still encountered in historical texts or certain proper names. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic confusion or keyboard errors, such as "Xining" (swapping 'i' and 'n'), "Xining," "Sinning," or "Xinning." Another frequent error is the omission of the correct diacritical mark in pinyin, leading to "Xining" instead of Xining, though the first tone mark is often omitted in common English usage. It is also sometimes incorrectly conflated with or spelled similarly to "Xinian" or "Sichuan," which refer to entirely different places. When searching for information, using the correct "Xining" will yield the most current and relevant results, while "Sining" may lead to more historical or specialized academic references.

Example Sentences

Many travelers begin their journey across the Tibetan Plateau by acclimatizing to the high altitude in Xining for a few days.

A visit to the awe-inspiring Kumbum Monastery, just outside Xining, provides deep insight into Tibetan Buddhist art and history.

The city's Dongguan Mosque stands as a testament to Xining's significant Hui Muslim population and their architectural heritage.

From Xining, it's a scenic drive to the stunning shores of Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland body of water.

The famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, one of the world's highest, has its starting point in Xining, offering an unforgettable journey to Lhasa.

The annual Qinghai Lake International Cycling Race often commences in Xining, drawing athletes from around the globe.

Related Pronunciations


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