A Senior's Guide to Exploring Qinghai, Xining, and Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes
by MAE WEBB
Mar 12, 2025
♂️【Comprehensive Itinerary】
Day 1️⃣: Xining → Menyuan → Qilian
📍Shanxiao·Zhenpin Hotel, No. 81 Haiyan Road (near Wanda Plaza) → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea (Yuanshan Avenue 7:00-20:00) → Qilian Grassland (open all day)
💡Tips: Stay at this smart hotel and remember to use the robot for food delivery~ The rapeseed flower sea is most beautiful in July!
Day 2️⃣: Zhangye → Jiayuguan
🚗Zhangye Shangjing Holiday Hotel (No. 5 Zhaowu East Road) → Danxia Landform (05:30-19:00 💰93 RMB) → Jiayuguan Fortress
🌟Highlights: Hotel offers foot soaking tubs + herbal bath packs! Best light for photos at Danxia after 4 PM~
Day 3️⃣: Must-visit Classics in Dunhuang
🏨Guangyuan Hotel (next to Shazhou Night Market) → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring → Mogao Caves
🌅Recommended: Camel ride at sunrise in the morning, visit Mogao Caves in the afternoon!
Day 4️⃣: Hidden Gems in Dunhuang
🖤Heidu Mountain → Petroleum Town Ruins
📸Photo tip: A must-visit for cool girls! Wearing bright colors is recommended for better photos
Day 5️⃣: Jade Lake + Popular Road
💎Dachaidan Jade Lake → U-shaped Road → Water Yadan Landform
⚠️Note: Be careful when taking photos on National Highway 315! The Yadan sunset is breathtaking~
Day 6️⃣-7️⃣: Mirror of the Sky Feast
🌊Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake → Sky No.1 Scenic Area
👗Outfit: Red dress is forever! Remember to bring waterproof shoe covers
Day 8️⃣: Cultural Finale Tour
🕌Ta'er Monastery → Return to Xining
🙏Blessing: Remember to spin the prayer wheel clockwise
✨【Top 5 Must-Visit】
1️⃣Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Camel ride to watch the desert sunset🐫
2️⃣Danxia Landform: God's palette🎨
3️⃣Chaka Salt Lake: China's version of the Mirror of the Sky☁️
4️⃣Ta'er Monastery: Sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism🕊️
5️⃣Mogao Caves: Millennium murals that amaze time🎭
💡【Practical Tips】
✓ Qinghai Lake is at 3200m altitude, beware of altitude sickness
✓ Strong UV in the northwest, SPF50+ is a must!
✓ Long drives between attractions, prepare snacks and neck pillows
✓ Book Mogao Caves tickets in Dunhuang one month in advance
Post by HenrikAndersson | Sep 7, 2025























