Day 1 Xining → Qilian Grassland Secrets/Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers → Zhangye Colorful Danxia → Zhangye
·morning
The driver will pick up the car at 7:30-8:30 in the morning (the time notified the day before)
We will go to [Qilian Grassland Secret Land] or [Menyuan Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform] (from July 1st to July 31st, we will go to Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform, and at other times, we will go to Qilian Grassland Secret Land)
The grasslands at the foot of the Qilian Mountains stretch endlessly, with sheep, horses, and yaks grazing peacefully. Every village at the foot of the mountains offers breathtaking scenery. We delve into the secrets of the Qilian Mountains grasslands, where everyone can enjoy playing and taking photos to their heart's content!!!
The Menyuan rapeseed flower fields are in full bloom from July to early August each year (the viewing period may vary depending on the climate). During the rapeseed flower season, visitors can enjoy China's spectacular rapeseed flower fields from the Menyuan Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform. Even if the clouds are not thick, they can still see the Gangshika Snow Mountain.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Zhangye Colorful Danxia. Formed 6 million years ago, the spectacular Zhangye Danxia landform, located in Linze and Sunan counties of Zhangye City, covers an area of approximately 510 square kilometers. This complex of Danxia landforms and colorful hilly landscapes has been recognized by China National Geographic as one of China's seven major Danxia landforms. The scenic area offers numerous viewing platforms for exploring and photographing. Return to Zhangye city in the evening and check in.
Day 2 Zhangye → Jiayuguan Pass, Hanging Wall Great Wall → Dunhuang
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for Jiayuguan City, where we'll admire and photograph the majestic Jiayuguan Tower. Known as the "Most Magnificent Pass Under Heaven" for its strategic location, magnificent architecture, and strategic location, it's a must-see. After a guided tour, we'll step outside and take in the entirety of the pass. The Qilian Snow Mountains loom in the distance, embodying the grandeur of the Northwest.
·afternoon
Afterwards, we'll head to the Cantilevered Great Wall, where we'll experience the culture of the ancient Silk Road and the ancient Great Wall. To enhance the defenses of Jiayuguan, a section of the wall was built north of the city. This section, nestled against the mountain's slopes, looks like it's hanging upside down, earning it the nickname "Cantilevered Wall." Visitors can experience the rich history and profound cultural heritage of this area.
We then left Jiayuguan and traveled along the Hexi Corridor to Dunhuang, a dazzling city in the northwest, where we checked in and rested. In the evening, we visited the Shazhou Night Market, a snack street in the city with a wide variety of goods and snacks.
Day 3 Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake → Dunhuang
·morning
After breakfast, the tourists depart for the Mogao Grottoes, one of China's four great grottoes. This site boasts the richest collection of Buddhist art in the world. Before reaching the core cave area, we'll screen the digital film "Millennium Mogao" and the dome film "Dream Buddha Palace" (not available with Category B tickets). This will provide a brief overview of the Mogao Grottoes before allowing us to truly experience the wonders of the caves.
Kind tips:
Since July 10, 2015, the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes have implemented a visitor restriction policy, and tickets must be booked online 30 days in advance with real name. Your registration for the "Small Car Tour · Northwest Legend" package does not include Mogao Grottoes tickets. You must make reservations through the "Mogao Grottoes Tour Reservation Network" mini-program or WeChat official account. Please book Mogao Grottoes tickets for the third day, and try to book around 9:00 AM for regular tickets.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll head to the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake scenic area. Here, visitors can enjoy camel riding, sandboarding, and the thrill of climbing Mingsha Mountain, where you'll climb one step forward and retreat half a step back. We'll also visit Crescent Lake, the world's premier desert spring, known for its "silver mountain surrounded by sand, a pool of clear water rippling with green water." After a full day of fun, we'll depart.
During the peak summer season, Mingsha Mountain hosts a "Ten Thousand People Concert" at night. Everyone sits cross-legged on the sand dune, waving flashlights and singing songs of nostalgia accompanied by the musicians. (The concert will be held daily from July 28 to August 22, 2025; it will be suspended on August 23 and 24 due to major events at the scenic spot; it will resume every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from August 25 to mid-October. The specific event schedule is subject to the scenic spot.)
You can also choose to attend the grand evening performance "See Dunhuang Again" (at your own expense) to represent Dunhuang. Please pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings during your own activities.
Day 4 Dunhuang → Emerald Lake → Delingha
All day
After breakfast, we set off for the Qaidam Basin. The vast expanse of Gobi desert and the boundless expanse of the desert are truly moving. This is the throat of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and a must-pass section of the route. The vast and sparsely populated area along the way allows us to deeply experience the rare desolation of the Northwest.
After lunch, we'll head to Da Qaidam Emerald Lake, formerly the salt lake mining area of the Da Qaidam Chemical Plant. The varied concentrations of minerals create a vibrant, vibrant scene. On clear days, the mirror-like surface of the lake reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and snow-capped peaks, creating a fairyland-like experience. We'll then proceed to Delingha for the night.
Day 5 Delingha → Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for Chaka Salt Lake, known as "Sky Realm." Like a giant mirror, its surface reflects the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds. Here, you can admire the stunning patterns of salt crystals forming on the lake's surface, transporting you to a fairytale world.
At Chaka Salt Lake, we can go down into the salt lake and pose wildly. (You can choose to take a small train directly to the heart of the salt lake, at your own expense)
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will go to the Dongger Viewing Platform on the West Ring Road of Qinghai Lake. The West Ring Road is the place where Qinghai Lake has not yet been invaded by tourists. The scenery is pristine. On the left is the grassland with herds of cattle and sheep, and on the right is the magnificent Qinghai Lake. We will stop at the Dongger Viewing Platform to let you get close to Qinghai Lake.
Then stay at Qinghai Lake;
Day 6 Qinghai Lake → Qinghai Lake Cycling → Qinghai Lake Erlang Sword → Xining
All day
After breakfast, we came to the edge of Qinghai Lake, where we specially presented everyone with an experiential cycling experience on the best section of the southern line of Qinghai Lake. There is a special cycling greenway here, which is safe and comfortable. In summer, rape flowers are everywhere, and the blue sky, white clouds and blue lake are added. The lake and mountains complement each other. This is an unprecedented cycling experience.
Then drive to the Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area, where you can experience the grandeur of Qinghai Lake up close.
After the tour, we will return to Xining City. We will first drop you off at Xining Airport and then at Xining Railway Station. Let's say goodbye with tears in our eyes!
