No More Tourist Traps! The Ultimate Guide to Qinghai-Gansu Mini Loop

Calling all adventure seekers! The Qinghai-Gansu Mini Loop lets you experience the majestic beauty and gentle charm of Northwest China in one go. This guide covers must-visit attractions, food recommendations, transportation, accommodation, and practical tips to help you avoid all pitfalls and travel with confidence!

Itinerary

Day 1: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake

Morning: Arrive in Xining, take a short rest, then head to Qinghai Lake. Stroll along the lakeshore to admire the sparkling waters or go horseback riding to experience the vast grasslands.
Afternoon: Visit Chaka Salt Lake to witness the breathtaking "Mirror of the Sky" scenery. Best time to enter is during sunset when the soft light makes for perfect photos.
Evening: Stay in Chaka Town and try local delicacies like lamb hotpot and yak yogurt.

Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan

Morning: Return to Chaka Salt Lake for sunrise views, then proceed to Emerald Lake where the waters display stunning shades of jade green and azure blue.
Afternoon: After exploring Emerald Lake, head to Dachaidan Town while enjoying unique Gobi Desert landscapes along the way.
Evening: Stay overnight in Dachaidan with various hotel and homestay options available.

Day 3: Dachaidan - Watery Yardang - Dunhuang

Morning: Visit Watery Yardang, the world's only Yardang landform on water. Take a sightseeing bus or speedboat for up-close views of this spectacular landscape.
Afternoon: Depart for Dunhuang while admiring magnificent desert scenery en route.
Evening: Explore Shazhou Night Market and try local specialties like donkey meat noodles and apricot peel water.

Day 4: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake

Morning: Visit Mogao Caves, the world's largest and richest Buddhist art treasure trove. Book tickets in advance and choose suitable visiting times.
Afternoon: Experience camel rides and sandboarding at Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake, marveling at the desert oasis. Optional overnight desert camping for stargazing.

Day 5: Dunhuang - Rainbow Mountains - Zhangye

Morning: Travel to Rainbow Mountains where colorful rock formations create a stunning natural palette. Best visited at sunset.
Afternoon: Continue to Zhangye city after exploring the mountains.
Evening: Stay in Zhangye and try local dishes like fried cannon noodles and fish-shaped noodles.

Day 6: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Xining

Morning: Visit Qilian Grassland for horseback riding and archery activities.
Afternoon: Return to Xining, concluding your wonderful Qinghai-Gansu Mini Loop journey.

Food Recommendations

- Lamb Hotpot: Qinghai specialty featuring tender lamb with potatoes and onions in rich broth.
- Yak Yogurt: Thick, sweet-and-sour yogurt packed with nutrients.
- Donkey Meat Noodles: Dunhuang specialty with thin noodles served with donkey meat and special sauce.
- Apricot Peel Water: Northwest China's signature thirst-quencher made from dried apricots.
- Fried Cannon Noodles: Zhangye's unique pasta shaped like firecrackers, served with bean sprouts and vegetables in spicy sauce.

Transportation & Accommodation

- Transportation: As attractions are scattered, consider chartered or shared vehicles for flexible scheduling and better sightseeing. Self-drivers should check road conditions and weather in advance.
- Accommodation: Xining, Dunhuang, and Zhangye offer various hotels and homestays. Smaller towns like Chaka and Dachaidan have limited options, so book early.

Important Notes

- Altitude Sickness: Some Qinghai areas are high-altitude. Take preventive measures like taking Rhodiola rosea supplements beforehand and avoiding strenuous exercise. If symptoms occur, rest and take medication if needed.
- Sun Protection: Strong UV radiation requires sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
- Warm Clothing: Large temperature differences between day and night necessitate warm jackets.
- Cultural Respect: Qinghai and Gansu are multi-ethnic regions - respect local religious beliefs and customs.