Northwest 6-Day Tour: Follow This Itinerary

Northwest China! Known for its magnificent natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it’s a dream destination for many travel enthusiasts. Here’s a guide compiled by locals to help you plan your trip!

✅ Pre-Trip Essentials
🔺 Check the weather: Rainy days may affect sea-related activities.
🔺 Plan your itinerary: Map out your travel route in advance.
🔺 Book accommodations: Reserve hotels or homestays early for better deals.
🔺 Book flights/train tickets: Most trips start from Xining, with direct flights to Xining Caojiabao Airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Lanzhou, which often offers cheaper options.
🔺 Before leaving: Turn off water, electricity, and gas; secure doors and windows; and take out the trash.

✅ 6-Day Itinerary
🅾️ Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town
🅾️ Day 2: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan
🅾️ Day 3: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidushan → Oil Town → Dunhuang
🅾️ Day 4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Dunhuang
🅾️ Day 5: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Dunhuang
🅾️ Day 6: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye

❗ Avoid Pitfalls + Super Useful Tips
✅ Altitude Sickness Alert: Start drinking Rhodiola tea a week before your trip. Avoid bathing and strenuous activities upon arrival. Carry oxygen bottles; they’re very effective for headaches!
✅ Outfit Guide: Short sleeves + sun-protective clothing during the day, thick jackets or windbreakers at night. Don’t forget sunglasses, a bucket hat, and high-SPF sunscreen—UV rays are intense!
✅ Cultural Etiquette: Avoid wearing shorts or skirts in temples. Always ask locals for permission before taking photos.
✅ Ticket Reservations: Book tickets for Mogao Caves and Chaka Salt Lake in advance during peak season. For Rainbow Danxia, opt for tickets after 5 PM to catch the sunset—it’s worth it!

⚠️ Important Notes
‼️ UV rays in the Northwest are extremely strong—bring plenty of sunscreen.
‼️ Altitudes average around 3,200 meters, so altitude sickness is rare. However, it’s wise to buy glucose or oxygen bottles upon arrival.
‼️ The dry climate requires extra hydration—carry a small spray bottle for instant moisture.
‼️ Sunglasses and umbrellas are must-haves.
‼️ Distances between attractions are long, often requiring 5–6 hours of driving. Consider bringing a U-shaped neck pillow.
‼️ Pack slippers and toiletries, as some accommodations near attractions may have limited facilities.
‼️ Sun-protective clothing is essential—remove it only for photos, or you’ll risk getting sunburned.

🍜 Culinary Highlights of Qinghai and Gansu
🍖 Roasted Lamb Pot: A must-try in Dunhuang! The lamb is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and the potatoes soak up all the savory juices—finger-licking good!
🥟 "Dog Pee" Pancakes: A quirky-named Qinghai specialty that’s surprisingly delicious—crispy and perfect with milk tea!
🍜 Beef Noodle Soup: A breakfast staple in Zhangye, featuring rice-sized noodles and incredibly flavorful beef broth that warms your stomach.
🍧 Apricot Kernel Water: The ultimate palate cleanser! Sweet and tangy, you’ll want to take some home after trying it!