Northwest Loop 7-Day Tour | Local Guide You Must Read

Planning to visit Northwest China between May and September? This loop route is a must! It combines snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, gobi landscapes, and Danxia landforms, featuring the healing blue of Qinghai Lake and the cultural epic of Dunhuang. It's truly China's most breathtaking scenic corridor! --- 💼 Summer Travel Essentials for Qinghai and Gansu: 🔸 Important Documents: ID cards, discount certificates, vehicle documents 🔸 Skincare Kit: High-altitude sun protection trio (sunglasses/ SPF 50+ sunscreen/ repair masks) 🔸 Clothing Tips: Layered onion-style dressing 🧅 (day-night temperature difference of over 20°C!) 🔸 Photography Gear: Wide-angle lens is essential; consider bringing a sandproof camera cover 🔸 Health Essentials: Portable oxygen cans, digestive medications -- 🚗【Northwest Transportation Guide】 ✈ Flights: Xining Caojiabao Airport (direct flights to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.) Dunhuang Mogao Airport (ideal for returning from the loop's endpoint) 🚄 Trains: Lanzhou/Xining serve as starting points for the Northwest Grand Loop, with convenient high-speed rail options -- Recommended Itinerary 🤙 👉👉👉 Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Water Yadan-Chaka Salt Lake 7-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining ---- Riyue Mountain ---- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ---- Chaka Salt Lake (overnight stay) Day 2: Chaka ---- Qarhan Salt Lake ---- Golmud (overnight stay) Day 3: Golmud ---- U-shaped Highway ---- Dongtai Jinel Lake ---- Water Yadan ---- Dachaidan Emerald Lake (overnight stay) Day 4: Dachaidan ---- Black Mountain ---- Silk Road Heritage City ---- Dunhuang (overnight stay) Day 5: Dunhuang ---- Mogao Caves (best to book tickets for around 9 AM) ---- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ---- Shazhou Night Market ---- Dunhuang (overnight stay) Day 6: Dunhuang ---- via Jiayuguan ---- Zhangye Rainbow Danxia ---- Zhangye (overnight stay) Day 7: Zhangye ---- Biandukou ---- Qilian Mountain Grassland ---- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) ---- Xining (end of trip) -- 🦋 Northwest Attractions Collection 💜 Qinghai Lake: Erlangjian Scenic Area, West Ring Road 💙 Chaka Salt Lake: Mirror of the Sky, small train, salt sculptures 💚 Dachaidan: Emerald Lake, Black Mountain, Water Yadan 🧡 Dunhuang: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake, Shazhou Night Market 💖 Jiayuguan: Jiayuguan Fortress, Hanging Wall, Son of the Earth 💙 Zhangye: Rainbow Danxia, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Zhangye Grand Buddha Temple 💚 Qilian Mountain: Qilian Grassland, Zhuo'er Mountain, Gangshika Snow Peak -- ⚠【Northwest Travel Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】 1⃣ Altitude Sickness Alert: Qinghai Lake/Dachaidan altitude exceeds 3000m; avoid strenuous activities and prepare glucose and oxygen bottles 2⃣ Extreme Temperature Differences: Experience four seasons in one day; bring light down jackets, sun-protective clothing, and sunglasses 3⃣ Sun Protection Trio: SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, ice sleeves; UV rays can cause severe sunburn 4⃣ Long Driving Hours: Daily driving ranges from 4-6 hours; bring neck pillows, snacks, and power banks 5⃣ Mogao Caves Booking: Type A tickets must be booked 30 days in advance on the official website! Last-minute visits during peak season may only allow access to emergency caves 6⃣ Food Precautions: Diet is mainly beef and lamb, with limited and expensive vegetables; bring vitamin tablets and digestive medications 📸【Photography Tips for Stunning Shots】 Chaka Salt Lake: Wear bright long dresses; best lighting is at 9 AM or 5 PM U-shaped Highway: Use a telephoto lens for compression effects; avoid vehicles in the frame Emerald Lake: Transparent boat aerial shots + sunset silhouette Mingsha Mountain: Red dress + camel caravan background; climb the mountain 2 hours before sunset --