6-Day 5-Night Qinghai-Gansu Loop Itinerary Without Detours

🌈Ladies, the vast and magnificent Northwest is truly captivating! If you're visiting the Northwest for the first time, check out this 6-day 5-night comprehensive guide + tips to avoid pitfalls. It will help you explore the region effortlessly and enjoyably. Save this for reference! 👁️‍🗨️Transportation Guide ▪️By Air: You can fly directly to Xining Caojiabao Airport or first fly to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and then take a high-speed train to Xining. The train ride from Lanzhou to Xining is convenient and takes about 1.5–2 hours. ▪️Local Transportation: Northwest attractions are scattered and often hundreds of kilometers apart. Public transportation is limited and infrequent. To fully enjoy the Northwest, consider these two travel options: ▪️Car Rental: You can control the pace of your trip and stop anytime for stunning views. However, it’s relatively expensive and best suited for travelers seeking a deep and flexible experience. 🚫 Avoid Pitfalls: Self-driving may seem appealing, but the road conditions in the Northwest are complex and variable. Long drives can be exhausting and may cause you to miss the scenery outside, negatively impacting your travel experience. It’s not recommended for beginners. 🚗Quick Itinerary Overview: Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town Day 2: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan Day 3: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidushan → Oil Town → Dunhuang Day 4: Dunhuang City → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Dunhuang Day 5: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Fields → Xining 🏠Accommodation Suggestions Xining: Stay near Zhongguang Square or Dashizi Commercial Area for convenient shopping and transportation. The area around Mojia Street is lively with lots of food options. Haihu New District has modern facilities and hotels near Wanda Plaza. Qinghai Lake: Accommodation prices are higher during peak season, usually starting at 400–500 RMB. Book in advance. Chaka Salt Lake: Chaka Town is a few kilometers from the salt lake and is a great spot for watching sunsets and sunrises. Dunhuang: Choose accommodations in the city center or near Shazhou Night Market for easy access to food and shopping. Alternatively, experience Crescent Moon Town or desert camping near Mingsha Mountain for stargazing, BBQ, and bonfire parties. Zhangye: Stay near the Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area for convenient access to watch the sunrise the next day. ✊Opt for a local small group tour for a hassle-free experience: ✊No shopping stops, purely sightseeing. ✊Knowledgeable guides familiar with the Northwest will help you discover hidden gems and even teach you the best photo spots. ✊Comfortable SUVs allow flexible stops and eliminate the need to wake up early for buses—perfect for lazy travelers. ✊The itinerary is well-planned, ensuring you have fun without feeling exhausted. Ideal for trips with parents, friends, or kids!