Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop | Ultimate Attraction Guide

| Ultimate Attraction Guide. Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop | Ultimate Attraction Guide
The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is breathtakingly beautiful! One trip lets you experience lakes, grasslands, deserts, Danxia landforms, and salt lakes—all in one go. Save this attraction guide!

🌊 Qinghai Lake: China's largest inland saltwater lake, truly deserving its title as the "Blue Gem of the Plateau"! From July to August, the rapeseed flower fields bloom, creating a stunning contrast of golden yellow and deep blue—so beautiful it leaves you speechless.
Best viewing spot: The Dongzhongyang Sheep Farm offers fewer crowds and spectacular views, perfect for photos!
💰 Ticket: 90 CNY for Erlangjian Scenic Area, but some free viewing spots are equally amazing.

🌅 Chaka Salt Lake: The "Mirror of the Sky" lives up to its name! The lake's surface reflects the sky and clouds like a mirror, making you feel like you're in a dream.
Best viewing spot: The deeper parts of the lake, where the salt layers are thicker and reflections clearer.
💰 Ticket: 60 CNY, with a one-way train ride costing 50 CNY.

💚 Dachaidan Emerald Lake: A hidden gem among salt lakes. Under sunlight, the water shimmers in shades of blue, green, and yellow, like scattered pieces of jade.
Best viewing spot: Different angles reveal different colors.
🕙 Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours.
💰 Ticket: 60 CNY in peak season, 30 CNY in off-season, with parking around 10 CNY.

🪐 Watery Yardang: The world's only Yardang landform on water. The golden sunset over the earth mounds and lake creates an otherworldly, breathtaking scene.
Best viewing spot: Scenic overlooks and lakeside areas.
💰 Ticket: Around 120 CNY.

🐫 Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake: A miraculous coexistence of desert and spring. Ride camels at sunset, then camp under a starry sky at night.
Best viewing spot: Overlooking Crescent Lake from Mingsha Mountain.
🕙 Recommended visit time: Late afternoon to avoid heat and catch the sunset.
💰 Ticket: 110 CNY, with camel rides around 100 CNY.

🏯 Mogao Caves: A treasure trove of art, with millennia-old murals and statues steeped in history. Book ahead and take a guided tour to fully appreciate this ancient wonder.
💰 Ticket: Type A (238 CNY, book 30 days in advance) includes 8 caves and a digital film; Type B (100 CNY) covers 4 caves.

🌈 Rainbow Danxia: Like a palette spilled by the gods. From the overlooks, the colorful mountain ranges stretch endlessly—every shot is wallpaper-worthy.
Best viewing spot: Overlook for stunning sunset views.
💰 Ticket: Around 93 CNY.

🐏 Qilian Grasslands: Rightfully called the "Little Switzerland of the East"! Vast grasslands meet snow-capped mountains, with herds of cattle and horses—like stepping into a fairy tale.
Best viewing spot: Scenic spots along the road; pull over safely for photos.
💰 Ticket: Free.

Plan ahead, book tickets and accommodations early, and pack sun protection and warm clothes for this dreamy journey through the Great Northwest!

Post by 青海环湖国旅 | Jul 11, 2025

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