Summary of my 7 days and 6 nights Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop tour

Summary of my 7 days and 6 nights Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop tour Because my child had the high school entrance exam this year, we booked the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop tour early and left the day after the exam. Booked more than a month in advance, just over 5,000 yuan per person, including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation, first-entry tickets, and most meals. On June 24th, the first day, we flew from Tianjin to Xining and checked into the Sapphire Hotel, no meals included. Our group of seven went to eat roasted lamb ribs at the Old Town; the lamb ribs and clay pot dishes were delicious and a must-try. On June 25th, the second day, we had a hotel buffet breakfast early, departed at 7:30 am for Qinghai Lake. We took a small train, costing 120 yuan per person, which goes to the lake’s heart island and is quite scenic. Lunch was a group meal. In the afternoon, we went to Chaka Salt Lake, took a small train for 108 yuan per person to the terminal station. The group ticket included free shoe covers. We took lots of photos; there was an offer for a free 6-inch photo, but the actual photo was very small, so we spent 20 yuan to buy a larger photo. We took pictures at the salt sculptures and then took a shuttle bus out. Bought two cultural and creative ice creams for 15 yuan each, and received two bags of salt for free with the ticket. Dinner was a group meal. Overnight at Delingha Jin World Hotel. On June 26th, the third day, we got up early to visit Emerald Lake, took a small train for 60 yuan, went to the terminal station and took the complimentary aerial video. Then we had free time. Lunch was a group meal. We headed to Dunhuang and checked into Dunhuang Wansheng International Hotel. Dinner was on our own. We went to see "See Dunhuang Again" (a show) at our own expense, then strolled around the night market. On June 27th, the fourth day, early morning at Mingsha Mountain, rode camels for 130 yuan, and the kids drove off-road vehicles into the no-man’s land. Climbed to the top to see Crescent Lake. Lunch was at our own expense, just grabbed a quick bite because it was very hot. In the afternoon, we visited Mogao Caves. Dinner was at our own expense near the Mingsha Mountain entrance, the food was quite good but a bit pricey. We also did a travel photo shoot for 199 yuan, 15 raw photos with 5 retouched. Stayed another night in Dunhuang. On June 28th, the fifth day, early morning headed to Jiayuguan, group lunch, then visited the Hanging Great Wall. Dinner was at our own expense. Stayed at Jiayuguan Nuojin International Hotel, dinner at own expense, ate at Baofuji. On June 29th, the sixth day, early morning went to Zhangye Danxia Landform in Gansu, visited viewing platforms 1, 2, and 4. Group lunch. Then took the high-speed train to Lanzhou, checked into Lanzhou Olympic Ruyi Huaxi Hotel. Dinner at own expense; we ate at Gamazi Barbecue (12th branch). On June 30th, had breakfast early, driver picked us up at 8 am to the airport, returned to Tianjin. End of the 7 days and 6 nights trip. Suggestion: take Rhodiola for a few days in advance to prevent altitude sickness. My child and I took it and had no reaction even when bathing at the highest altitude in Delingha. Go in summer with good sun protection and bring plenty of beautiful dresses for photos. The hotels throughout the trip were excellent. Overall, very satisfied with this itinerary, great value, especially if booked early. Now the prices have already increased.