Northwest Eight Days and Seven Nights: A No-Detour Itinerary

😡 How can people come to the Northwest without doing any research beforehand... I might actually cry! Here's a detailed Northwest travel guide 📒, along with some tips for traveling to the Northwest recently ❤️. These are heartfelt suggestions—please make sure to plan ahead before visiting the Northwest 🌈. - 🧳 Travel Preparations ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID, military ID, journalist ID, and other documents that may offer discounts. ✔️ Clothing: The Northwest has significant temperature differences between morning and evening. If you're visiting now, bring a windbreaker or down jacket. If it's warmer, a jacket will suffice. ✔️ Electronics: Drone, power bank, headphones, chargers, etc. ✔️ Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, etc. ✔️ Others: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, disposable bed sheets, disposable toilet seat covers, etc. - 🏯 Transportation 🔎 Local attractions are scattered, and public transportation in Qinghai is inconvenient. 🔎 Carpooling or renting a car: If you have a small group, carpool; for larger groups, rent a car. A reliable driver-guide can help you avoid many pitfalls. 🔎 Group tours: Require less planning but come with pre-arranged itineraries. - 🚗 Our Route: D1: From various locations to Xining [Overnight] D2: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town [Overnight] D3: Chaka Town - Along the Qaidam Basin - Qarhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan/Golmud [Overnight] D4: Dachaidan - Highway 315 - Water Yadan - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan [Overnight] D5: Dachaidan - Heidushan - Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang [Overnight] D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake - Dunhuang [Overnight] D7: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional: The Son of the Earth, Boundless) - Rainbow Danxia - Zhangye [Overnight] D8: Zhangye - Via Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Distant view of Gangshika Snow Mountain - Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (late July) - End in Xining -- First-Time Visitors to the Northwest/Attraction Guide Chaka Salt Lake: China's "Mirror of the Sky." Qinghai Lake: The largest inland lake in China. Riyue Mountain: Known as "Red Ridge" in ancient times due to its reddish terrain. Mogao Caves: A world art treasure, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, the "Oriental Louvre." Mingsha Mountain: Experience the vast and desolate Northwest desert. Jiayuguan: One of China's three great Great Wall wonders. Rainbow Danxia: One of China's most beautiful seven Danxia landforms. - 🙋‍♀ Tips and General Advice: ‼️ Pack enough warm clothing. ‼️ Bring sunscreen and other sun protection. ‼️ Prepare common medications. ‼️ Stay hydrated. ‼️ Respect local ethnic customs. ‼️ Be cautious with food choices. ‼️ Avoid purchasing overpriced items. ‼️ Understand local transportation conditions. ‼️ Book accommodations in advance. ‼️ Wear suitable shoes. ‼️ Avoid overexertion. ‼️ Learn about local culture and history. ‼️ Be mindful of altitude sickness. - 🍜 Northwest Specialty Foods: 🔹 Qinghai Yak Yogurt: Rich and creamy, highly nutritious 🥛. 🔹 Hand-grabbed Lamb: Tender and juicy, with no gamey taste—absolutely delicious 🍖. 🔹 Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: Chewy noodles paired with flavorful donkey meat. 🔹 Liangpi: A sour and spicy appetizer that's a must-try 🍜. 🔹 Sweet Fermented Grains: A refreshing drink with a rich aroma of alcohol and sweetness.