7-Day Essential Tour of the Northwest Loop

Ultra-Practical Travel Guide for a 7-Day, 6-Night Northwest China Adventure

You must visit Northwest China at least once in your lifetime! This guide helps you capture all the stunning landscapes of the region—bookmark it now if you're preparing for your trip!

Itinerary

Day 1: Xining → Kumbum Monastery → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake
Arrive in Xining in the morning and visit Kumbum Monastery to experience the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, head to Qinghai Lake to admire its azure waters set against distant snow-capped mountains. In the evening, travel to Chaka Salt Lake to witness the breathtaking "Mirror of the Sky" scenery.

Day 2: Chaka Town → U-shaped Highway on Route 315 → Watery Yardang → Dachaidan
Capture stunning road-trip photos on the U-shaped Highway—but stay safe while snapping pics! In the afternoon, arrive at Watery Yardang, where the yardang landforms and lake create a surreal and spectacular vista. The sunset here is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 3: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Hei Dushan → Dunhuang
Emerald Lake's waters resemble sparkling green gemstones, making it perfect for drone photography. Next, visit Hei Dushan, where the unique terrain feels like stepping onto the lunar surface. Arrive in Dunhuang in the evening and explore the lively Shazhou Night Market to sample local delicacies.

Day 4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake
Book your Mogao Caves tickets in advance and follow the guide to marvel at the millennia-old murals. In the afternoon, head to the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake—ride camels, try sandboarding, and admire the desert's "crescent moon" wonder. The sunset views are especially romantic.

Day 5: Dunhuang → The Child of Earth → Jiayuguan Pass → Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains
Visit the awe-inspiring sculpture "The Child of Earth," then climb the Jiayuguan Pass to feel the weight of history. In the evening, witness the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia, where the hills glow with vibrant colors at sunset. Viewing Platform No. 4 offers the best sunset vantage point.

Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Mountain Grasslands → Gangshika Snow Mountain → Xining
Gallop across the Qilian Mountain Grasslands and enjoy the poetic scenery of "wind sweeping over the grass, revealing cattle and sheep." Gaze at the majestic Gangshika Snow Mountain before returning to Xining to conclude your delightful journey.

Food Recommendations

Don’t miss Xining’s Liangpi (cold noodles) and Tianpei (fermented sweet rice); Qinghai Lake’s Kangguo Lamb; Dunhuang’s donkey meat noodles and apricot juice; or Zhangye’s beef rice and Cuoyu noodles.

Important Notes

1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Prepare anti-altitude medication in advance and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival.

2. Sun Protection: The UV rays are strong—pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and UV-protective clothing.

3. Clothing: Temperatures vary greatly between day and night; even in summer, bring a thick jacket.

4. Ticket Reservations: Mogao Caves tickets must be booked one month in advance. Other popular attractions also recommend early booking.