Xining City, formerly known as Shanzhou, Xiping County, and Qingtang City, is the capital of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China, located in the eastern part of Qinghai Province. The city borders Haidong City to the east, Haibei Prefecture to the northwest, and Hainan Prefecture to the southwest. It is located in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the middle reaches of the Huangshui River valley basin, with Daban Mountain to the north, Laji Mountain to the south, and Riyue Mountain to the west, surrounded by hills. The Huangshui River runs across the city from west to east, and its tributaries Nanchuan River and Beichuan River converge in the urban area. Xining is a must-pass place on the ancient "Silk Road" and "Tang-Tibet Ancient Road", and is known as the "key to the West Sea and the throat of Haizang". The total area of the city is 7,607 square kilometers, and the Municipal People's Government is located at No. 43, Nanguan Street, Chengzhong District.