Ultimate Guide to the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is absolutely worth trying✨! Who can truly understand the romance of the Northwest? This dreamy blend of nature and culture will instantly cure your blues 🥰! Save this guide and grab your friends to embark on this adventure! - 📦 Pre-Trip Preparation Documents 📄: Don’t forget your ID card! Students should bring their student IDs for discounts at some attractions; also carry any other discount cards (e.g., senior citizen card, disability card). Electronics 📱: Fully charge your phone and bring a power bank and charger; photography enthusiasts should prepare their cameras, drones, fully charged batteries, and memory cards; headphones are handy for listening to music or watching shows during the journey. Essentials 🧴: Bring your own clean toiletries; choose hydrating skincare products as the Northwest climate is dry; carry portable tissues and wet wipes for convenience. 💊 Medications: Besides digestive aids 💊, prepare cold 💊 and motion sickness 💊 medications just in case; women should pack their usual sanitary products. Other 🎒: Bring a lightweight backpack for carrying water and small items during outings; also pack a portable water bottle for hot water anytime. - 🗓️ Travel Seasons ✅ June - August 🌼: Pleasant weather with blooming fields of rapeseed flowers 💐! However, it’s peak tourist season, so expect a lively atmosphere. ✅ September - October 🍂: Great autumn vibes and off-peak travel for a relaxed experience, though the rapeseed flowers at Qinghai Lake will have passed their prime. ❄️ Winter ❄️: Fewer tourists 💰 and lower costs, but some attractions may be closed, and cold weather with challenging road conditions makes it suitable for adventurous travelers. - 7-Day Treasure Route The attractions in Qinghai and Gansu are scattered, so here’s a ready-to-use itinerary 👇 💥 Day 1: Xining → Sun and Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town 💥 Day 2: Chaka → Xiaochaidan Lake → Qarhan Salt Lake → Dachaidan 💥 Day 3: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan 💥 Day 4: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidushan → Oil Town → Dunhuang 💥 Day 5: Dunhuang City → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Dunhuang 💥 Day 6: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Danxia - Zhangye 💥 Day 7: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers → Xining - 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 🔺 Qinghai Lake 🌊: The lake meets the sky, making every photo stunning. 🔺 Chaka Salt Lake 🪞: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," it’s perfect for photos, especially in a red dress. 🔺 Emerald Lake 💚: The green waters resemble jade, a hidden gem that’s visually striking. 🔺 Rainbow Danxia 🌈: Best viewed at sunset! The sunlight on the landforms makes every photo wallpaper-worthy. 🔺 Mogao Caves 🎨: The digital exhibition hall is worth visiting! Learn the history beforehand for the best on-site experience. - ❗ Tips Altitude Sickness Prevention: Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are over 3,000 meters above sea level; avoid strenuous activities and prepare altitude sickness 💊 and oxygen bottles. Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is significant! Even in summer, bring a jacket and sun protection (sunglasses, hat, SPF50+ sunscreen). Diet: The Northwest cuisine features lots of lamb and noodles, which can be heavy; pack digestive aids 💊. Other: Some areas have poor signal; download offline maps in advance; respect local customs.