Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop | Experience the Northwest's Many Charms

| Experience the Northwest's Many Charms. Before You Go

- Documents: ID card, student ID (if any), and other discount cards.
- Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Qinghai is large. Bring a thick coat, such as a windbreaker, even in summer. You can bring a brightly colored long dress for photos. Bring enough warm clothes in winter, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, snow boots, etc.
- Skincare: The ultraviolet rays are strong in high-altitude areas, so prepare high SPF sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizing masks, hand cream, etc.
- Medicine: Anti-altitude sickness medicine (such as Rhodiola), cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.

Route Planning

Classic 7-Day Loop

- Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Daotang River - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town

- Riyue Mountain: The boundary between the loess and the grassland, where you can learn about the story of Princess Wencheng.
- Daotang River: The only river in China that flows from east to west, with a touching legend.
- Qinghai Lake: The largest saltwater lake in China, with blue water and grasslands. You can cycle or take a boat.
- Day 2: Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan

- Chaka Salt Lake: "Mirror of the Sky". Visit on a sunny day, and keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. You can take a small train to explore the lake.
- Emerald Lake: Composed of several salt lakes, the lake water is as green as emerald. It is free and not crowded.
- Day 3: Dachaidan - National Highway 315 - Dongtai Jinel Lake - Water Yadan - Xitai Jinel Lake - Mangya

- National Highway 315: Along the way, you will see unique Yadan landforms. The highway stretches straight to the horizon, making for beautiful photos.
- Dongtai Jinel Lake: The lake water is Tiffany blue, with white crystals on the shore. It is a beautiful hidden gem.
- Water Yadan: The world's only water Yadan landform, with Yadan and lake water complementing each other. The sunset is beautiful.
- Xitai Jinel Lake: A two-color lake, with a road dividing the lake in half. The water on both sides is different colors.
- Day 4: Mangya - Mangya Emerald Lake - Aiken Spring - Huatugou

- Mangya Emerald Lake: Large area, various shapes, green and blue water, beautiful reflections.
- Aiken Spring: "Devil's Eye", with a strong sulfur smell. Aerial photography with a drone is recommended.
- Day 5: Huatugou - Eboliang - Lenghu Oil Town - Dunhuang

- Eboliang: The core area of the Yadan landform, with unique landforms like an alien world. A professional guide is needed.
- Lenghu Oil Town: A town that rose and fell with oil, and a filming location for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe". The abandoned buildings are full of vicissitudes.
- Day 6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang Night Market

- Mogao Caves: Book tickets online in advance, and follow a guide to learn about the murals and history. Photography is prohibited.
- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: You can ride camels and slide down the sand dunes. Watch the sunset in the evening, and protect your camera from sand.
- Dunhuang Night Market: Taste local food and buy souvenirs.
- Day 7: Dunhuang - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia

- Guazhou: Stop to buy melons, which are sweet and come in many varieties.
- Jiayuguan: The first pass under heaven, where you can feel the majesty of an ancient military fortress.
- Zhangye Danxia: The most beautiful at sunset. Take a sightseeing bus to visit different viewing platforms. The colorful landscape is like an oil painting.

Transportation

- Self-driving: Suitable for group travel, convenient for stopping to enjoy the scenery, but long-distance driving is tiring. Familiarize yourself with the route in advance.
- Car rental: Find a regular car rental company or driver. It is worry-free, and the driver is familiar with the road conditions and attractions.
- Public transportation: Public transportation is inconvenient for some attractions, requiring multiple transfers and taking time and effort.

Food Recommendations

- Hand-grabbed mutton: Tender and juicy, with a delicious flavor. It is even more delicious with dipping sauce.
- Qinghai yogurt: Thick and sweet, can be served with honey or sugar.
- Baked mutton: Fragrant and crispy, served with potatoes, onions, and other ingredients. Spicy and delicious.
- Liangpi: Smooth and refreshing, with rich seasonings. It is an appetizing snack.

Notes

- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, such as dressing appropriately when entering temples.
- Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas to prevent altitude sickness.
- Some attractions are at high altitudes and low temperatures, so adjust your clothing accordingly.
- Check the weather in advance, and avoid dangerous roads in bad weather.