No military training, no leave! A guide to the Qinghai-Gansu reverse loop during National Day.

The office was incredibly busy until the very last minute of National Day. Before the holiday, I made a last-minute plan for a seven-day trip to Northwest China. No leave required, no special forces involved, and child-friendly!
🚩Enter Zhangye → Exit Xining. There were very few people in the other direction! For comfort, I skipped the Qilian Grasslands this time.😭
📍 Day 1: Zhangye → Jiuquan✅ Key attraction: Colorful Danxia
You can share a VIP ticket with others; it's very cost-effective (I didn't get one).
🛏️ Jiuquan Hotel (established star hotel)
📍 Day 2: Jiuquan → Dunhuang✅ Key attractions: Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Moon Lake, and Shazhou Night Market
There's a concert for 10,000 people at Crescent Moon Lake in the evening. Although the Shazhou Night Market can be crowded, it's highly recommended! ✅ Highlights along the way: Jiayuguan Gate Tower and Guazhou Sculptures
The modern sculptures are incredibly crowded, so there's no need to visit them if you're not interested.
💣If you want to take photos during your trip, make sure to book in advance. 🛏️Dunhuang Sand Island Luxury Camp (Desert RV Camp, high premium for National Day, experience > comfort)
📍 Day 3: Dunhuang → Haixi ✅ Core Activity: Mogao Grottoes
Scramble for tickets 30 days in advance on the official WeChat account! Regular tickets include emergency tickets if you can't get them! Photography is prohibited inside the caves, but there are replica caves in the digital center, perfect for photo ops and check-in~
⚠️Highly recommend setting aside budget and time to visit the special caves! They're truly unique!
🛏️ Da Qaidam Wantai Hotel (Center of the county town, clean, and equipped with an oxygen concentrator)
📍 Day 4: Haixi ✅ Core Activity: Qarhan Salt Lake ✅ Highlights Along the Way: U-shaped Highway, Yadan Landforms, and Blood of the Earth (visit Dongtai if you have time). Don't take photos in the middle of the U-shaped highway! The Blood of the Earth looks just like the river to the naked eye, so don't miss out if you don't have a drone! 🛏️ Accommodation: Da Qaidam Light and Shadow Luxury Tent! High prices + freezing cold tents + sewer backflow! I wanted to escape overnight!
📍 Day 5: Haixi ✅ Highlights: Daxiadan
I still recommend taking the train; walking is exhausting. ✅ Stop along the way: Chaka Salt Lake (since you're already there)
The restrooms are clean, so don't bother visiting if it's not on your route... Be sure to check your shoe covers for holes!
🛏️ Chaka Huacheng Hotel (I don't remember the exact location, but it was quite clean)
📍 Day 6: Haixi → Qinghai Lake ✅ Highlights: Qinghai Lake ✅ Highlights: Horseback riding on the grasslands (cheap), taking photos with prayer flags
The weather was terrible that day, so I went back to the hotel and lay down. Late that night, the sky cleared up, and the stargazing was stunning!
🛏️ Qinghai Lake Grand Metropark Hotel (open the window to see the lake, perfect for stargazing.)
📍 Day 7: Qinghai Lake → Xining ✅ Highlights: Laji Mountain
Very few people, stunning scenery! The value beats Sun Moon Mountain!
🚘An SUV is recommended. Avoid taking small roads! You might break down!
👚Essential items: Sunglasses, a hat, and a light down jacket (temperatures fluctuate significantly between day and night).
🧭Safety tips: Some roads have weak signal strength, so download an offline map in advance. Gas stations are far apart, so refuel promptly!