Father and daughter bravely explore the world together, conquering the Qinghai-Gansu loop!

↖️As soon as summer vacation started, I took Phoebe on a "Qinghai-Gansu Loop Adventure." Considering the complex road conditions in the northwest, I chose a chartered car tour. No need to drive or plan the route myself, I could relax and spend quality time with her. Finally, I could truly enjoy father-daughter time!

🧳 Actually, before every self-driving trip, I used to feel anxious for days because of all the preparations—planning the route in advance, packing a bunch of "just in case" items. The worst part was driving while Phoebe shouted from the back seat, "Dad, look!" I didn’t dare to turn my head, afraid of missing an exit, and missed many moments to interact with my child. This time, the chartered car eased my anxiety. The driver-guide took care of everything, no rushing or worrying about time, so I could enjoy every moment of the journey with my daughter~

Route:
1. Xining → Qinghai Lake → Dachaidan
2. Dachaidan → Tosu Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Golmud
3. Golmud → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Eboliang → Lenghu
4. Lenghu → Petroleum Ruins → Heidushan → Dunhuang
5. One day in Dunhuang
6. Dunhuang → Guazhou Art Corridor → Jiayuguan → Zhangye
7. Zhangye → Matisi Temple → Biandukou → Xining

Tips
✅ Mogao Caves require advance reservation; photography is prohibited inside the caves
✅ Bring glucose oral solution to prevent altitude sickness
✅ Strong UV rays in the northwest, remember sun protection (physical sun protection is preferred for children)

💡 The driver-guide was very responsible throughout the trip, picking us up at the hotel early every morning. He even prepared a child’s neck pillow for Phoebe in the car. At Qinghai Lake, he took us along a herder’s trail into the scenic area, saving us from queuing. On the way back from Mingsha Mountain, Phoebe felt car sick. The driver immediately pulled over, took out a small bottle of Huoxiang Zhengqi liquid and a wet towel from the bag, and quickly relieved her discomfort. In the past, I had to drive and take care of her at the same time, which was chaotic. This time, I could handle it calmly.

💕 What touched me most was that this trip gave Phoebe many photos, each full of freedom and happiness. We could stop anytime at beautiful spots, and the driver-guide never got impatient even if we took longer to shoot. He often taught Phoebe poses, saying things like, "Run with a smile, it looks great," or "Open your arms and look around." Seeing these photos, this old father smiled with satisfaction. I believe when she grows up and looks back, this will be a precious and beautiful memory~

At the end of the trip, Phoebe quietly said to me, "Dad, I had so much fun these days. You didn’t have to drive, so you could play with me all the time."
The chartered car tour truly fulfilled my original intention of traveling with my daughter—wholehearted companionship, creating beautiful memories that belong to us~