Sharing my 8-day itinerary & tips to avoid common mistakes. Day 1: Wuxi → Xining. Accommodation: Xining Hotel (4-star but the room was super small, couldn't even open my suitcase 😅)

Sharing my 8-day itinerary & tips to avoid common mistakes 👇 🚌 Day 1: Wuxi → Xining Accommodation: Xining Hotel (4-star but the room was super small, couldn't even open my suitcase 😅) 🏔️ Day 2: Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake ⚠️ Pitfall Alert: The Riyue Mountain ticket is essentially a toll; you can't pass without paying. I recommend skipping it directly ❌ Accommodation: Chaka Town Qinghai Lake is truly stunning! For Chaka Salt Lake, I suggest going at sunset; the lighting angle is best for photos 📸. When the wind is calm, you can capture amazing mirror reflections. 💎 Day 3: Qarhan Salt Lake → Da Qaidam (Mandatory small vehicle fee) Accommodation: Da Qaidam Qarhan Salt Lake is more magnificent than Chaka and has fewer tourists. Highly recommended! 🛣️ Day 4: U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Emerald Lake Accommodation: Da Qaidam The U-shaped Highway is incredibly impressive for photos, but you can't stop. The co-pilot can take pictures 🚗 🏜️ Day 5: Hei Du Shan → Dunhuang Accommodation: Dunhuang Hei Du Shan is as mysterious as the moon's surface, great value! 🎨 Day 6: Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Accommodation: Dunhuang You must book Mogao Grottoes in advance! The sunset at Mingsha Mountain is breathtaking 🌅, and there's a "concert" with thousands of people. 🎭 Day 7: Son of the Earth → Wujie → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Accommodation: Zhangye The small vehicle service at Zhangye Danxia is also a mandatory expense, but it's definitely worth it! 🌿 Day 8: Qilian Mountain Grassland → Xining → Home The grassland scenery is incredibly healing! You can ride horses and cuddle lambs. ⚠️ Practical Tips: 👗 Clothes: The temperature difference is significant, bring more warm clothing. The plateau sun is strong, so pay attention to sun protection! 🍜 Food: Beef and lamb are super delicious! Instant noodles at Xining Airport are only 5 yuan, a fair price 👍 🏨 Accommodation: Hotels in the Northwest generally have average conditions, be prepared. 🚗 Travel: The driving time is super long! The road conditions are bumpy! Even non-mandatory scenic area shuttle services are all-in, truly a "pay-to-play" trip 💰