【The Great Pass·Danxia·Flower Sea: A Stunning Journey from Jiayuguan to Xining】

Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea → Xining Guide (Stop 6)

📍 Highlights
1. Jiayuguan Fortress
- 🏰 "The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Climb the towers for sweeping Gobi Desert views.
- 🎫 Ticket: Combo pass 110 RMB (includes fortress, Overhanging Great Wall, and First Beacon Tower).
- ⏰ Suggested duration: 2-3 hours, perfect for photos.

2. Zhangye Rainbow Mountains
- 🌈 China’s most stunning Danxia landforms, colors intensify after rain, best at sunset.
- 🎫 Ticket: 74 RMB, Platform 4 (prime sunset spot).
- 🚁 Optional: Hot air balloon rides (weather permitting).

3. Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea
- 🌼 A golden ocean in July, stretching for miles. Peak bloom mid-July.
- 📸 Best photo spots: Yuanshan Viewing Platform, Qingshizui Town.
- 🎫 Ticket: Some platforms charge, but free roadside areas are more breathtaking.

4. Xining (Return)
- 🏙️ Journey’s end. Explore Mojia Street or Shuijing Alley for Northwest cuisine.
- ✈️ Transport: Convenient airport/high-speed rail for departure.

🚗 Transport Tips
- Jiayuguan → Zhangye: Self-drive/chartered car (~2.5 hours, 220km), with distant Qilian Mountain views.
- Zhangye → Menyuan: ~3.5 hours (200km), crossing Daban Mountain (3,940m altitude).
- Menyuan → Xining: ~2.5 hours (150km), passing Heiquan Reservoir.

🏨 Stay Recommendations
- Zhangye: Danxia Pearl Hotel (near the park, Danxia views from windows).
- Menyuan: Qingshizui Town homestays (ideal for early flower viewing).
- Xining: Budget hotels downtown (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn).

🍽️ Must-Try Foods
✔ Jiayuguan BBQ ("Glasses BBQ" is legendary).
✔ Zhangye Cuomian noodles, Juanzi chicken (Sunji Fried Cannon).
✔ Menyuan yak yogurt, hand-torn lamb.

📌 Notes
1. Sun & cold protection: Menyuan’s high altitude (2,800m+) means strong UV and big temperature swings—pack a windbreaker + sunscreen.
2. Flower season: Book July stays early to avoid crowds.
3. Danxia visit: Colors pop post-rain; soft light after 4 PM.

💡 Sample Itinerary (1-Day Version)
AM: Jiayuguan Fortress → Noon: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains → PM: Menyuan Flower Sea → Night: Arrive in Xining

✨ From mighty passes to golden seas—savor the Northwest’s grandeur! Wishing you joy on this final leg!