Sharing my 8-day itinerary & tips to avoid common mistakes. Day 1: Wuxi → Xining. Accommodation: Xining Hotel (4-star but the room was super small, couldn't even open my suitcase 😅)

Sharing my 8-day itinerary & tips to avoid common mistakes 👇

🚌 Day 1: Wuxi → Xining
Accommodation: Xining Hotel (4-star but the room was super small, couldn't even open my suitcase 😅)

🏔️ Day 2: Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake
⚠️ Pitfall Alert: The Riyue Mountain ticket is essentially a toll; you can't pass without paying. I recommend skipping it directly ❌
Accommodation: Chaka Town
Qinghai Lake is truly stunning! For Chaka Salt Lake, I suggest going at sunset; the lighting angle is best for photos 📸. When the wind is calm, you can capture amazing mirror reflections.

💎 Day 3: Qarhan Salt Lake → Da Qaidam
(Mandatory small vehicle fee)
Accommodation: Da Qaidam
Qarhan Salt Lake is more magnificent than Chaka and has fewer tourists. Highly recommended!

🛣️ Day 4: U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Emerald Lake
Accommodation: Da Qaidam
The U-shaped Highway is incredibly impressive for photos, but you can't stop. The co-pilot can take pictures 🚗

🏜️ Day 5: Hei Du Shan → Dunhuang
Accommodation: Dunhuang
Hei Du Shan is as mysterious as the moon's surface, great value!

🎨 Day 6: Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring
Accommodation: Dunhuang
You must book Mogao Grottoes in advance!
The sunset at Mingsha Mountain is breathtaking 🌅, and there's a "concert" with thousands of people.

🎭 Day 7: Son of the Earth → Wujie → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
Accommodation: Zhangye
The small vehicle service at Zhangye Danxia is also a mandatory expense, but it's definitely worth it!

🌿 Day 8: Qilian Mountain Grassland → Xining → Home
The grassland scenery is incredibly healing! You can ride horses and cuddle lambs.

⚠️ Practical Tips:
👗 Clothes: The temperature difference is significant, bring more warm clothing. The plateau sun is strong, so pay attention to sun protection!
🍜 Food: Beef and lamb are super delicious! Instant noodles at Xining Airport are only 5 yuan, a fair price 👍
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels in the Northwest generally have average conditions, be prepared.
🚗 Travel: The driving time is super long! The road conditions are bumpy! Even non-mandatory scenic area shuttle services are all-in, truly a "pay-to-play" trip 💰