The Great Northwest, we’re here!

Having completed the 10-day #Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, I've compiled a simple guide.

1. We recommend landing in Lanzhou for cheaper airfare, and you can also visit the newly completed Terminal 2 and the Gansu Provincial Museum.
2. For the Grand Loop route, we recommend joining a small group for a flexible itinerary, eliminating the need for accommodation and transportation concerns (hotels in the greater northwest do not accept foreign guests).
3. The driving time between scenic spots in the Qinghai section starts at 4 hours, so it's recommended to bring motion sickness medication.
4. Altitude sickness can occur at altitudes above 3,000 meters, so be prepared with medication and oxygen tanks. These are readily available in Xining and other towns in the Qinghai section.
5. I traveled on the Grand Loop route in July, and temperatures reached a high of 39 degrees Celsius and a low of 14 degrees Celsius. Please prepare a windbreaker and sunscreen.
6. During peak season, Mogao Grottoes tickets should be purchased a month in advance, otherwise you'll only be able to buy emergency tickets.

10-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hong Kong - Lanzhou
Day 2: Lanzhou - Xining
Day 3: Xining - Sun Moon Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake
Day 4: Chaka - Emerald Lake - Qarhan Salt Lake - Golmud
Day 5: Hongya Martian Landform Scenic Area - Highway 315 - Water Yadan
Day 6: Xitaijinai Lake - Lenghu Town - Yanzhi Mountain - Heidu Mountain - Lenghu Oil Town - Dunhuang
Day 7: Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain - Crescent Moon Lake
Day 8: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth/Boundless - Jiayuguan (Distant View) - Zhangye Colorful Danxia
Day 9: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan - Xining - Lanzhou
Day 10: Lanzhou - Hong Kong