6-8 Month Qinghai-Gansu Loop | 2025 Ultimate Guide

First time visiting the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop! Don't mess up the travel sequence! Here's a detailed guide I spent a whole day preparing. Go for it, everyone! 😭😭 - ⚠️ Important Tips: The attractions are spread out and transportation is inconvenient, so for first-timers, it's recommended to choose a reliable local tour group. - 🎒 Packing Essentials Before Departure (Travel light as you'll be on the move daily) Documents: ID card, student ID (half-price tickets for attractions), military ID, and other discount cards; Clothing/Daily Items: Change of clothes, toiletries, thermos, portable towel; Electronics: Phone, power bank, camera/drone (perfect for aerial shots at Yadan and Danxia); Skincare: High SPF sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, face masks (dry plateau climate), consider travel-sized products; Booking Reminder: Book hotels 15 days in advance (to avoid price hikes), and grab discounted flight tickets during airline membership days 1-2 months ahead. - 🔥 Classic 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Loop (Starting and Ending in Xining) 🔵 Day 1: Xining—Sun and Moon Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka (Overnight) 🔵 Day 2: Chaka—Chahann Salt Lake—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan (Overnight) 🔵 Day 3: Dachaidan—315 U-shaped Highway—Water Yadan—Dachaidan (Overnight) 🔵 Day 4: Dachaidan—Black Mountain—Dunhuang (Overnight) 🔵 Day 5: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (Overnight) 🔵 Day 6: Dunhuang—Son of the Earth—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Rainbow Danxia—Zhangye (Overnight) 🔵 Day 7: Zhangye—Qilian Grassland—Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)—Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (Seasonal)—Xining - ⭕西北 Grand Loop Popular Attractions Ta'er Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, experience the rich religious atmosphere. Qinghai Lake: The largest saltwater lake in China, with crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery 🏞 Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," a must-visit for photography 📸 Zhangye Danxia: Colorful Danxia landforms, poetic and picturesque 🖼 Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at ancient art 🎨 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: An oasis in the desert, enjoy camel riding 🐫 ---- Tips: 1. Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake have intense UV rays, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. 2. Dunhuang desert areas have significant temperature differences between day and night, so pack windproof jackets and warm clothing. 3. The best time to view Zhangye Danxia landforms is one hour after sunrise and two hours before sunset. 4. Mogao Caves tickets need to be booked one month in advance. 5. Qinghai-Gansu region has a dry climate, drink plenty of water, and bring lip balm and moisturizing skincare products.