2025 Haixi Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

🌟 Must-visit attractions 1. Core Area of Water Yardang ⏰️ Best photography time: 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM Special landscape: Yardang landforms reflecting in lake water Hidden tip: Drone photography requires advance registration 2. West Taiji Nair Lake Dual-colored lake with a road passing through Tip: Bring a polarizing filter for better viewing 🌸 Best season: June-September when colors are most distinct 3. Eye of Yardang Heart-shaped salt lake hideaway ⏰️ Approximately 30-minute walk to reach Most beautiful at sunset 4. Stargazing Campsite One of the best stargazing spots in Northwest China Best time for Milky Way photography: beginning and end of lunar month Prepare warm clothing for cold night temperatures 🍽️ Food recommendations nearby 1. Scenic Area Restaurants Offers simple meals and local specialties Recommended: Highland yak noodles Average cost: about 💰40 yuan per person 2. Dachaidan Town Food 🍝 Recommended restaurant: Yibula Special Kang Pot Must-try: Lamb Kang Pot with naan bread About 2 hours' drive from the scenic area 3. Bring your own food Pack high-calorie snacks Bring plenty of drinking water 🥤 Self-heating meals recommended 🏨 Accommodation Guide 1. RV Campsite in Scenic Area Special feature: Direct view of Yardang landscape Facilities: Public bathrooms and showers 💰 Price: 800-1200 yuan per night 2. Hotels at Scenic Area Entrance 🏠 Recommended: Water Yardang Grand Hotel Relatively complete facilities 💰 Price: 600-900 yuan per night 3. Dachaidan Town Accommodation More affordable options Recommended: Pai Hotel Far from scenic area, plan ahead 🌸 🚗 Transportation Tips 1. Self-driving Routes From Xining via Delingha: about 8 hours ⏰️ From Golmud: about 3 hours Few gas stations along the way, fill up in advance 2. Car Charter Services 🚗 Recommended departure from Xining or Golmud Price: about 1000-1500 yuan per day Includes driver and guide for convenience 3. 🚗 Public Transportation Buses from Xining to Dachaidan Then charter a car from Dachaidan Time-consuming, not recommended ⚠️ Important Notes ✅️1. Climate Reminder Large temperature difference between day and night, bring layers Strong UV radiation, use sun protection Windy and sandy, face masks recommended ✅️2. Safety Information Don't venture alone into undeveloped areas Follow designated routes in the scenic area Watch out for wildlife ✅️3. Environmental Requirements Take all trash with you Don't damage Yardang landforms Protect the fragile ecosystem

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is truly a perfect self-drive route, easily manageable in almost any type of vehicle. Along the way, you'll encounter mountains, grasslands, lakes, salt lakes, Gobi Desert, deserts, Yadan landforms, Danxia landforms, snow-capped mountains, historical sites, and delicious food. The journey is incredibly rich and diverse, and even after the trip, the most beautiful scenery feels like it was on the road itself. Every day, the stunning views along the way slowed us down, tempting us to stop for photos and fly our drone. We went at the peak season at the end of July, but there were still some routes where we were completely alone, driving through endless Gobi or grasslands, feeling utterly free. The afterglow is intense, and I highly recommend a self-drive trip. The only downside might be the long hours of driving each day. 📅Itinerary: Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Charhan Salt Lake—Highway 315 U-shaped Road—Water Yadan—Heidu Mountain—Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park—Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon—Zuerken—Menyuan Rape Flower Fields 🚗Self-drive tips: Most roads are suitable for any vehicle, but the Eboliang Mars Highway near Mangya requires a car with higher ground clearance. Since we had a sedan, we chose not to go there. Some less-traveled routes might also have slightly worse road conditions. Always prioritize safety. ⛱️Must-see attractions: You can choose attractions based on your preferences, but the most beautiful scenery is truly on the road. Throughout the trip, we visited three salt lakes and various other attractions, but looking back, the best memories are from driving through the grasslands, along the lakes, and across the Gobi. 🏨Accommodation guide: It's fine during the off-season, but during peak season, it's recommended to plan your route and book accommodations in advance on Trip.com. The guesthouses and accommodations near Lenghu Town and Qinghai Lake might have slightly poorer conditions. There are many more options once you reach Dunhuang. 💗Other tips: We were on a ten-day self-drive tour, following the planned itinerary strictly for the first few days, and then making daily plans as we went. I recommend at least seven days for this trip, otherwise, the driving will wear you out. Even with a ten-day itinerary, we missed out on many things, such as tickets to the Mogao Caves and horseback riding at Shandan Horse Ranch. The rape flowers were also at the end of their season, which was a pity. But these are motivations for another trip around the loop. Also, the lamb in Dunhuang is particularly delicious, especially at a restaurant called Shouzhua Yangrou Yijue (手抓羊肉一觉). The Shazhou Night Market is a bit pricey, but the food is indeed delicious, and it's all concentrated in one place, making it convenient for tourists to try a variety of dishes.

A six-day travel guide from Xining, Qinghai to Dunhuang Mogao Caves is here! Essential routes and must-see attractions, all in one place. Save it now! 🚗Itinerary: D1: Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake The first stop is Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake, to experience the magnificent scenery of the plateau lake. D2: Chaka Salt Lake -> Dachaidan Emerald Lake Travel through the "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake, then head to Dachaidan Emerald Lake to experience the magical colors of nature. D3: Ussute Water Yadan Geopark -> Dongtai Jinel Lake -> Nanbaxian Devil City Explore the unique landforms of Water Yadan, swim in the clear waters of Dongtai Jinel Lake, and finally visit Nanbaxian Devil City to experience the mystery and magnificence of the desert. D4: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring -> Mogao Caves Conquer Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Moon Spring, and then visit the Mogao Caves to appreciate the splendor of thousands of years of Buddhist art. D5: Son of the Earth -> Beyond Limits -> Might of Emperor Wu of Han -> Jiayuguan Pass Immerse yourself in the deep affection of the Son of the Earth, experience the artistic innovation of Beyond Limits, follow the historical footsteps of the Might of Emperor Wu of Han, and finally ascend Jiayuguan Pass to look back at the glory of the ancient Silk Road. D6: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park At Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, admire the colorful Danxia landforms and conclude an unforgettable trip to Northwest China. 🌈 Travel tips: - Specialty prices: Xining's dried beef is mellow and delicious, about 80 yuan/500g, suitable for gifts or personal consumption 🥩. - Local customs: Dunhuang Mogao Caves is a Buddhist holy site. Please be quiet and respectful during your visit 🙏. - February climate: The temperature in Dunhuang in February is moderate, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring a down jacket to stay warm 🧣. 🎉Hope you have a wonderful and memorable trip to Xining, Qinghai and Dunhuang Mogao Caves!

Winter vacation is coming. Are you planning to visit Chaerhan Salt Lake? This 6-day travel guide will take you on a journey through the Northwest Great Ring Road! -------- 🚗Route suggestions: DAY 1: Departure 🛫——Xining 🏙️ Start your Qinghai journey and arrive in Xining to rest and adjust, ready to explore the plateau scenery. DAY 2: Riyue Mountain 🏔️——Chaka Salt Lake 🌊 Conquer the majestic Riyue Mountain, then visit the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake and experience the charm of the "Sky Mirror." DAY 3: China's Route 66 🛣️——Dongtai Jinel Lake 💧——Usute Water Yadan Geopark 🏞️——Yadan landforms Drive on China's Route 66, enjoy the beauty of Dongtai Jinel Lake, then visit the Water Yadan and experience the wonders of nature. DAY 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake 🌲——Chaerhan Salt Lake 🌊 Stroll along the Dachaidan Emerald Lake, admire the emerald-like lake water, then head to the spectacular Chaerhan Salt Lake to experience the unique landscape of the salt lake. DAY 5: Qinghai Lake 🌊——Jinyintan Grassland 🌾 Tour around Qinghai Lake, appreciate the magnificence of the plateau lake, then head to Jinyintan Grassland to experience the vastness of the grassland and the harmony of nature. DAY 6: Xining 🛬——Departure 🏠 End your Qinghai journey, filled with memories, depart from Xining, and return to your sweet home. -------- Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 **Clothing**: It's warm during the day in February at the salt lake, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant. It is recommended to bring a jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Sunscreen clothing is also essential! 🎩 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin; selfie sticks to capture beautiful moments; and power banks to ensure your electronic devices don't run out of battery. 🆔 **Documents**: Don't forget to bring your ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates to save money. Also, bring cash in case the signal is poor. -------- Chaerhan Salt Lake tour, experience the charm of nature, leave unforgettable memories, and come back next time to explore more wonders of the salt lake!

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

Traveling during the Lunar New Year? This 5-day itinerary to Dunhuang, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake will let you experience the beauty and mystery of Northwest China. Don't miss out! -- 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining Check into your hotel and get ready for an exciting journey! Day 2: Riyue Mountain - Erlangjian Scenic Area - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake Cross Riyue Mountain, explore Erlangjian, enjoy Qinghai Lake, and finally, get lost in the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake. Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area - Dangjin Mountain Experience the unique charm of Emerald Lake, then head to Dangjin Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 4: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Mingsha Mountain - Mogao Caves Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Spring, and visit the thousand-year-old art treasures of the Mogao Caves. Day 5: Leave Dunhuang and end your journey Return home with fond memories and look forward to seeing you again! 👋 -- Must-see attractions: - 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A miracle in the desert! Climb the sand dunes, overlook Crescent Spring, and marvel at the wonders of nature. - 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt here is whiter than snow, and the lake reflects the blue sky like a mirror. Wear bright clothes and take stunning photos! - 🎭 Mogao Caves: More than just murals and Buddha statues, the dome theater will take you back in time to experience the rich Buddhist culture. -- Travel essentials: 🧳 👕 Clothing: Bring a thick coat and long pants to keep warm and protect against the wind, as well as stylish and comfortable clothes like hoodies and denim jackets. 👟 Shoes: Boots are suitable for sandy areas and the Yadan landform, sneakers for everyday wear, and sandals for Mingsha Mountain. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must to protect against the sun and look stylish. Bring an umbrella to protect against the high-altitude UV rays. 💳 Documents and money: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential. Don't forget them! 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medicine are also recommended, just in case. 📱 Electronics: Phone, charger, and camera to record your wonderful journey! 🍞 Food and water: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy during the trip. It's important! -- 🚗 The beauty of Dunhuang, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the magic of Chaka Salt Lake are waiting for you to explore. We hope your trip to Northwest China is full of surprises!

The Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop is definitely a scenic route you cannot miss in your lifetime. 8 days and 7 nights to explore the breathtaking landscapes on Earth! 📸✨ 🌺Essential items: 🆔Documents: ID card, student ID, etc. 🧥Clothing: windbreaker, down jacket, etc. 📱Electronics: mobile phone, camera, power bank, etc. 🤧Medicines: cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc. 🕶Others: sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. ⚠️Special notes: 1⃣Thermos, as the water quality in the northwest is hard, drink more water 2⃣Respect the customs of minorities 3⃣Pay attention to temperature changes 👉Itinerary: 💎Day 1: Xining 💎Day 2: Riyue Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake 📸Stunning scenery 💎Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake 📷Sky reflection 💎Day 4: U-shaped road, Water Yadan 📸Spectacular views 💎Day 5: Nanbaxian Devil City, Dunhuang 🕰️Historical sites 💎Day 6: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain 📷Desert landscape 💎Day 7: Guazhou, Jiayuguan, Rainbow Mountains 📸Colorful scenery 💎Day 8: Qilian Grassland 📷Vast grassland 📸Photo suggestions: landmark buildings, natural wonders

💦If someone asked me, what is the most unforgettable moment during my trip to the mainland? I would say: Daxiadan Emerald Lake. I can still clearly remember the boundless feeling. 💦Emerald Lake, also known as Shuicui Lake, is part of the former ocean of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The crustal movement left the seawater on this raised plateau, forming a turquoise lake of various depths, which is extremely beautiful. I walked and stopped the whole afternoon, and refused to leave until I squatted on the ground waiting to take pictures of the sunset 🌇. I just want to use my eyes to press the shutter, no words needed #Emerald Lake#Northwest

We spent about a week in Qinghai, mostly at Qinghai lake as we visited local horse racing there. I liked Chaka lake better than Qinghai lake (as I still don't understand why Qinghai lake entry tickets are so overpriced) We came to Chaka in the evening by bus from Qinghai lake and stayed in a hotel. In the early morning I walked about 3-4km to the Scenic area witnessing wildlife such as hares and ducks. At the entrance I requested information in English and there was an English speaking employee to give details which were quite helpful. The path in the area is about 5km long, there are some cafés at the beginning and special shoes and fancy dresses rental somewhere in the middle. Visiting Chaka was one of the highlights of this summer! There are 2 Scenic areas, I've been to one only (should have visited both) It's not easy to find a taxi in the area, so the English speaking employee helped to arrange it in the evening #chakasaltlake #chaka

Chaka Lake is a must to visit. We took a bus and a slow train to the lake . People use to walk all the way to the lake in the past. Glad we don’t have too. It is known as “Mirror of the Sky in China”. “Chaka” means “Salt Lake” in Tibetan. As the name, Chaka Lake is a famous natural crystal salt lake in Qaidam Basin, able to meet all Chinese’s need to salt for 75 years. The lake reflects wonderful images , but it depends on where and how you take your pictures. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to caption the reflection from the lake. However, we had a great time.

Getting There - You can drive yourself, get a taxi or go with a tour group. You drive for kilometers on end mext to the big salt lake. We went a tour group so we had a bus that took us to the scenic area. It's pretty easy to locate when you are in the area. Attractions - The whole Chaka Salt lake are breathtaking! Just spectacular! You can take the train to the middle of the lake, there you can walk in the lake, do a photoshoot, eat a salty ice-cream, just take in the beautiful scenery, you can decide if you want to take the train back to the entrance/exit or you can walk back. Hotels - There are hotels 5-10 minutes drive from the salt lake. Food & Restaurants - There are shops to buy food and drinks. There's also a few small restaurants. Shopping - There are shops to buy....salt😋, souvenirs, food, something to drink and the blue ice-cream that you have to try! It has a salty taste but not overbearing, it's sooo good #silkroad #awesomepic #summervacation #naturalwonders #chakasaltlake

Chaka Salt Lake aka “Mirror of the Sky” truly lives up to its name 🪞 I wanted to share some shots from this magical place in Xining province which I’ve been sitting on for a while (honestly far too long) The journey to get here was hectic but boy was it worth it for the view 🤩 Fun fact: The Chinese name of this lake is 茶卡盐湖 or Chá kǎ yánhú. “Chaka” means salt lake in Tibetan while “yanhu” means salt lake in Chinese So this marvel of nature is actually named “Salt Lake Salt Lake” Go figure! 🚫Don’t go on a windy day or you won’t be able to see the mirror effect🚫 #travellater #chinatravel #xining #chakasaltlake #solotravel #solofemaletravel

Chaka Salt Lake, located in Wulan County, Qinghai, was rated as "the first of 55 places to visit in a lifetime"😚ヾ Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is spectacular and beautiful. The most famous thing is the view of the sky reflected on the lake, as if time has stood still and there is only the sky, the lake, and you. 😘༄ It is very nice to take pictures there. If you wait for the sunset, it will be extremely beautiful. It is worth recommending! ՞😃՞ #goodoutdoors #12月去边 #外游 #goodnewyearsendplace

Getting There - From Xining, there is a train to and from Chaka Lake. Only one train leaving from xining to chaka at 8am. The train returns 5:10pm. (Chaka to Xining). The train is not packed as Chaka is the only stop. (There is one stop before the lake also called Chaka, but it is for people that work in the are.) The train takes about 4:20 minutes. Attractions - Chaka salt lake Hotels - a day trip is more than enough Entrance fee: 80 yuan (Does not include train. The walk to the lake is much more quiet than the train and short.) Food & Restaurants - Dicos, Huizu cuisine, lots of beef noodles, Shopping - I mailed a postcard abroad. Some souvenir shops. Chaka lake was one of the better tourist experiences as a foreigner living in China. Very easy to get to from Xining, few people on the train. The staff on the train and park entrance did not make a big deal about encountering a foreigner. If you have traveled by train as a foreigner being in China during covid you will be surprised how smoothly it was to get on the train and into the park. For the train you will need the health code with green arrow, stamp showing when you entered China, phone number, vaccine record (phone one with health code is ok). Highly recommended as an easy day trip with not too much walking. Use the bathroom in the information/ticket office.

#salt #lake #qinghaitravel #qinghai #summervacation

Qinghai in China is a great option for summer as the weather is milder due to higher altitude. Especially Chaka Salt Lake is worth to experience when you are looking for a more extraordinary adventure. You fly in to Xining and take a car from there for around 4hrs❣ #summervacation#urbanexplorer

📍 Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province, China 青海茶卡盐湖 📸 August 2019 🧂Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province, China is a salt lake. The admission fee is 50 yuan (about 8,300 won) for adults, and the shuttle bus ticket is 20 yuan per person. Since Chaka Salt Lake is so large, you can take a shuttle bus to get around. If there were no clouds, you could take reflection photos like the Uyuni Salt Flats in South America, but unfortunately, it was a cloudy day when I went. It was fun to walk on the salt lake and feel the soles of my feet squeak~!! Qinghai Province, China has such beautiful natural scenery, so you should definitely visit it, and if you travel to Qinghai Province, be sure to visit Chaka Salt Lake 茶卡盐湖. #China travel #lake scenery #Qinghai Province, China #salt lake #Chaka salt lake #Chaka salt lake

For my birthday, my boyfriend brings me to this beautiful natural place 🎊 This salt lake is also called “Mirror of the sky” for the reflective shots you can take. My advice is to just walk around and enjoy the views on the lake and the snowy mountains around ! You will not be disappointed 👌😉 Bring your best camera and outfits to take incredible shots of the salt lake, the snowy mountains and yourself for your next profile pics 📸 Tips 1: Stay until sunset 🌅😎 the views are unbeatable Tips 2: if you want to relax🧘‍♂️, there is also a Spa located in the site for salt bath and other relaxing spa activities with salt #happylaborday #travelguide #landscapes #beautifulnature #chinatravel #scenicspotphotoguide

Chaka Salt Lake is a natural, crystallised saline lake in Qinghai Province. It’s a vast and expansive landscape, with salt lake sections stretching as far as the eye can see - it’s said to be the largest salt mine in the world! There’s nothing like the feeling of salt between your toes...but this section of the Chaka Salt Lake was a little more painful than the others. The further you walk, the bigger (and sharper...) the pieces got. But, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures while here because it truly is beautiful! Can you capture the famous mirror-like photos? ⠀ 📍Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

#goout After entering the Sky Mirror Scenic Area of ​​Chaka Salt Lake, you can take a small train to the center of the lake. After that, everyone can step into the lake barefoot or rent a pair of shoe covers to find an angle to shoot the beautiful scenery of the sky and people reflected in the water. If there are blue sky and white clouds, it will definitely be more beautiful.

#awesomepic 🦸‍♂️The legendary mirror of the sky is the Uyuni salt marsh, which is located near the small town of Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia. It is the largest salt marsh in the world. The Uyuni salt marsh in Bolivia is the largest salt marsh in the world. The scenery and peaceful surroundings make it a dream place for many travel enthusiasts. Tea card, praised by the donkey friends as the sky of China, compared to Bolivia, the beauty here is more intoxicating green. It's still a quiet place that is rarely touched. As quiet as a virgin, stands quietly on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau like a city in the sky. Entering the tea card, your heart will be much quieter. #awesomepic

The 29th day of my journey. We drove to the Sugan Lake, even for the locals, it's not a familiar place. I saw the mirror of sky here, out of my expectation!

The beauty of the tea card is stronger than the memory. Whether it is the first few times, it is full of excitement and ecstasy. At the moment of arrival, I still feel that everything is worth it. The day with you seems to live in a dream because it is a nightmare so there will be "infinitely good" possible um.../ Hh/ This must be my favorite season I received a lot of lots of warm greetings

Qinghai Emerald Lake The depth of the Qaidam Basin, the plateau salt lake at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, like a gem falling into the human world, come here to appreciate it from the perspective of God, one by one The salt lake is like a piece of emerald embedded in the earth. The green is presented here to the fullest, deep or shallow, or thick or light...

Get up early in the sunrise of the tea card Salt Lake, there are not many people in the scenic area, and the black paint, all the way to go away! You can enter the park at 5:30 in the morning, wait for sunrise, wait for the sunrise, fly the aerial camera self-timer! Casually pat is the mirror of the sky! No girl shoots, then shoot yourself more, after all, its handsome, Aunts who passed by, all of them are competing to take a group photo! When I am going to leave, there are not many people in the depths of the scenic spot, But when I go back, my horse! People crowded into the sea! horror! terrible! When I was out of the park, it was the 65th. So many people like me like me! Tea Lake Salt Lake is not very beautiful, but! ! Today's focus is not on the tea card salt lake!

--- ### ✨Part1: These 5 scenes maxed out my Qinghai-Gansu loop memories! 1️⃣ Cycling by Qinghai Lake 🌾🚴♀️ Pedaling at dawn through golden rapeseed flowers against dazzling blue waters - snapped 50 wallpaper-worthy shots! 2️⃣ Mirror selfies at Chaka Salt Lake 💃📸 Barefoot on the mirror-like salt crust - my reflection photos blew up social media! "Is this a fairy filter?" (Nope!) 3️⃣ Camel sunset at Mingsha Mountain 🌅🐫 Swaying atop dunes on camelback as honey-hued twilight gilded even our hair 4️⃣ Mogao Cave fresco awe 🎨✨ Staring at millennium-old flying apsaras - their fluttering ribbons seemed alive! Cultural shock lingers... 5️⃣ Mars cosplay at Zhangye Danxia 👽📸 Silver jacket + rainbow mountains = "Are you on Mars?!" - location requests flooded my DMs! --- ### ✨Part2: Lazy travelers' cheat code - comfy carpool freedom ✅ 4WD mini-group tours 🚗💨 2-8 people, stop-and-shoot freedom - drivers know secret photo spots! ✅ Full-service travel photography 👗📷 Desert goddess outfits + red dress salt lake shoots - 3-day feed had everyone asking for links ✅ Stargazing in desert tents 🏕️✨ Hotpot under the Milky Way + 2-night Dunhuang stays (no repacking!) - lazy perfection! ✅ Nap through long rides 😴💤 Eye masks + neck pillows + 24/7 trip butler = sleeping through 5-hour transfers (Click below for this itinerary 👉) --- ### ✨Part3: 3000km blood/sweat pro tips Qinghai Lake 🌄 6am herder's path (free! Horseback sunrise > touristy poses) U-shaped Highway 🛣️📸 Workwear + biker shades = ultimate road movie shots (watch for trucks!) Mingsha Mountain 🏜️ Enter at 5pm - skip scorching heat, catch 8pm tangerine sunset Emerald Lake 💎 $5 drone rental for transparent boat shots - mint-blue waters own social media! Dunhuang Night Market 🥟🍜 Flaky scallion beef pies + endless apricot juice! Share donkey noodles (trust me...)

✨Part 1: These 5 Heart-Stirring Moments Made Me Yearn for the Qinghai-Gansu Loop! 🌊 Cycling by Qinghai Lake with the wind in my hair, the golden rapeseed flowers blending with the azure waters created a view so mesmerizing I couldn't look away—every phone snap looked like a professional shot! 💎 Walking barefoot on Chaka Salt Lake's "Mirror of the Sky," my reflection selfies instantly stole the spotlight on my social feed～ 🏜️ Riding a camel up Mingsha Mountain at sunset, watching the golden glow dust the dunes—even my eyelashes sparkled… 🎨 Standing before the murals of Mogao Grottoes, feeling the colors of thousand-year-old stories flow through my fingertips—my cultural DNA was thoroughly awakened! 🌈 Wearing an astronaut suit at Zhangye Danxia, I unlocked interstellar travel mode on the spot! My comments section was flooded with "Is this AI-generated?" 😂 ✨Part 2: Lazy-Traveler Approved! My Carpool Guide & Real Experience 🚗 2-8 person off-road mini-groups with flexible stops—10x easier than self-driving! Plus, our driver doubled as a hidden photo spot radar 👌 📸 Complimentary travel photography + styling had me covered! Desert fairy & red dress shots at the salt lake—9 retouched pics guaranteed 3 days of unique posts～ 🛏️ Cozying up in a desert tent, hotpotting lamb while waiting for the Milky Way—staying 2 nights in Dunhuang without repacking was pure bliss! 💁 24/7 butler response + survival kit (eye mask, earplugs, power bank) made long rides a breeze～ Tap below ✨Part 3: 3,000km Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide 🌅 Qinghai Lake at 6am via herder paths (free entry verified!)—chasing sunrise on horseback beats posed shots for cinematic feels～ 🚗 U-shaped highway + workwear shades = instant road movie vibes! ⚠️ But always stay roadside for safety! 🏜️ Enter Mingsha Mountain at 5pm to dodge scorching sun and catch tangerine-sunset skies by 9pm 🌇 📸 Spend ¥30 to drone-film a glass boat on Emerald Lake—Tiffany-blue waters will dominate your likes! 🍢 Dunhuang Night Market: Crispy sand onion beef pies + endless apricot juice combat grease! Share the donkey meat noodles (unlike me who waddled out stuffed😭) 🎫 Last call for flight bookings! My suitcase’s packed with UV cloaks and salt lake battle-dresses—just waiting for your "GO!" 👉

Hey guys 👋! Before my Northwest Grand Loop trip, I read tons of xhs guides, asked for recommendations from fellow travelers, added many contacts, and nearly fried my brain comparing options. Thankfully, I gambled on a moderately priced tour that covered all the spots I wanted to visit. Surprisingly, all that prep paid off – the experience was amazing! Here's my real spending breakdown: ① Attractions: 💖 Chaka Salt Lake & Emerald Lake: Wearing dresses for photos was magical, especially long skirts – the water's green hue looked straight out of anime. 💖 Rainbow Danxia: Like God spilled a paint palette! With hot air balloons, it felt like Turkey – nature's craftsmanship is incredible. 💖 Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake: My absolute favorite! First time seeing deserts – thrilling! Tried sand sliding and camel rides, even camped overnight. So fun! 💖 Mogao Caves: Breathtakingly magnificent! The Dunhuang night market snacks were great too – highly recommend the scallion beef pancake and spicy chicken feet. 2️⃣ Expenses 💰 Meals: ¥800 (Our guide took us to local eateries, saving us from outrageous scenic spot prices) 💰 Tour package: ¥2.8k (Covered almost everything except lunches/dinners) 💰 Local transport: ~¥200 💰 Accommodation: ¥0 💰 Tickets: ¥0 💰 Camel ride & sand sliding: ¥40 3️⃣ Tour Experience This was a local Northwest pure-play small group tour, mostly young travelers. For someone bad at planning like me, group tours are perfect – covering transport, lodging, insurance (excluding lunch/dinner), letting me eat what I want. Just 8 people (all similar age) in a comfy business van 🛻. Reasonably priced with free travel photography – better value than self-driving! 5️⃣ Tips ✨1. At Mingsha Mountain, there are two sand sliding spots. You can slide midway through camel rides – the camels wait, and the total distance is longer if you slide. ✨2. Pack for all seasons – fleece-lined windbreakers at night, T-shirts/dresses by day. ✨3. I didn't take altitude meds beforehand and had no issues. Don't stress too much about altitude sickness, but bring motion sickness and cold meds! ✨4. Long daily drives – avoid tours where three people cram in back seats. Our small group had individual seats – so comfortable! ✨5. Summer clothes are fine, but windbreakers/thick jackets are musts. Qinghai Lake has huge day-night temperature swings – layer carefully to avoid colds! Hope my late-night notes help future Northwest travelers!