In-Depth Travel Guide for the Gan-Qing Loop｜9 Days Exploring the Most Stunning Hidden Gems of Northwest China

Join me to unlock the ultimate romance of the Great Northwest!✨
This 9-day deep travel plan takes you to Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, 315 U-shaped Highway, Water Yadan, Eboliang Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Rainbow Mountains... witness the most breathtaking natural wonders of Northwest China!

🚗 Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake
Morning: Depart from Xining → pass by Riyue Mountain (perfect for photos) → Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake
Afternoon: Cycling/boat tour by Qinghai Lake (Ticket: 90 RMB)
Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in Heimahe Town💫 Recommended to try yak meat hotpot

🚗 Day 2: Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake
Early morning: Sunrise at Qinghai Lake (absolutely stunning!)
Morning: Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (Location: Wulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture)
Afternoon: Check in at the "Mirror of the Sky"📸 Essential: shoe covers & sunscreen
Evening: Stay in a starry sky room in Chaka Town🌌

🚗 Day 3: Chaka → Dachaidan Emerald Lake
Morning: Cross the Qaidam Basin (great highway scenery shots!)
Afternoon: Visit Emerald Lake (Ticket: 50 RMB) with ever-changing water colors💚💙

🚗 Day 4: Dachaidan → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan
Morning: Check out Qinghai’s most beautiful "Route 66" (photography safety first⚠️)
Afternoon: Explore Water Yadan (Ticket: 60 RMB) – a wonder of half lake, half desert🔮

🚗 Day 5: Water Yadan → Oil Town → Eboliang
Morning: Explore the abandoned oil town (super cyberpunk vibe)
Afternoon: Eboliang Mars-like landform (recommended to cross by off-road vehicle🚙)

🚗 Day 6: Lenghu → Dunhuang
Afternoon: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (Ticket: 110 RMB) Camel ride to watch the sunset
Evening: Visit Dunhuang Night Market (must-try grilled lamb skewers🍢)

🚗 Day 7: Dunhuang
All day: Mogao Caves (tickets must be booked 1 month in advance) deeply experience millennium-old mural art🎨

🚗 Day 8: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
Afternoon: Visit the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven (Ticket: 110 RMB) feel the heroic spirit of the frontier🏰

🚗 Day 9: Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains
Afternoon: Best photo time at Zhangye Rainbow Mountains: 4-6pm🌈
Evening: Stay at a unique guesthouse in the scenic area

🚗 Day 10: Zhangye → Qilian Mountains → Xining
All day: Cross the snow line of the Qilian Mountains⛰️ Stunning scenery all along the way!

✨ Travel Tips:
1️⃣ Sunscreen + hydration! The UV rays in the Northwest are very strong🌞
2️⃣ Prepare clothes for big temperature differences🧥
3️⃣ Bring some cash for emergencies💰
4️⃣ Remember to register drones in advance for filming📷