The Huangshui River runs through the centre of Xining from west to east, and its banks have been developed into a long linear park that provides the city's main outdoor recreation space. The riverside path runs for several kilometres through the central district, with benches, exercise areas, and good views of the city's geology — the red sandstone cliffs visible to the north mark the same rock formation that colours the valley walls around Xining.
Early mornings and evenings the path is busy with locals: elderly men walking, families with children, teenagers on bicycles. The stretch between the main railway station and the Dongguan Mosque is particularly pleasant as it passes through the old commercial district. The Nanchuan River, a small tributary, joins the Huangshui near the city centre and the confluence area has a small park with willows and benches.