Qinghai Travel Guide: How to Plan a 7-Day Loop? Locals Share Money-Saving Tips

7-Day Qinghai Loop Survival Guide: Insider Tips for Exploring Northwest China

Day 1: Acclimatize in Xining
Spend your first day adjusting to altitude. Visit Dongguan Mosque and Qinghai Provincial Museum. Stay in Chengxi District for 30% cheaper accommodation than scenic spots.

Day 2: Budget-Friendly Qinghai Lake
Skip the 151 Scenic Area (¥90 ticket) and use local herder paths (¥10-20). July-August offers stunning rapeseed flowers but doubles accommodation prices - book 1 month early.

Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake Photography Tips
Enter before 9am to avoid crowds. Wear bright colors for better photos. Skip the ¥50 one-way sightseeing train - it's just 20 minutes walk to main areas.

Day 4: Highway 315 Safety Notes
Be extremely careful when photographing the U-shaped road (best spot at 780km marker). Fuel stations are scarce - refuel in Delingha.

Day 5: Watery Yadan Savings
¥60 ticket + ¥60 shuttle, but you can walk 3km to viewpoints. Bring snacks - food inside is overpriced.

Day 6: Mogao Grottoes Must-Knows
Book 30 days ahead in peak season. "Emergency tickets" only cover 4 caves. Visit after 4pm for fewer crowds and better lighting.

Day 7: Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains
Colors are most vibrant after rain. Enter at 4pm and stay until sunset. Viewpoint #4 offers best sunset views (bring windproof jacket).

Money-Saving Tips:
1. Carpooling saves 40% vs private car (6 people ideal)
2. Book July-August stays early - September prices drop 50%
3. Carry student/guide IDs for discounts
4. Order "number of diners minus one" dishes - portions are huge

Altitude Sickness Prevention:
No hair washing/bathing on Day 1
Bring glucose oral solution
Oxygen tanks cost ¥80 at sites (¥30 in city)

Important Reminders:
Wear shoe covers in all salt lakes
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
Carry ¥1000 emergency cash