Qinghai-Gansu loop line, Qarhan Salt Lake, Heidushan and Dunhuang in-depth tour. Qinghai-Gansu 7-Day Loop: Chaerhan Salt Lake, Heidu Mountain, Dunhuang Danxia In-depth Tour

Tour Overview This 7-day loop trip starts from Xining, passing through classic attractions such as Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Heidu Mountain, Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, and Colorful Danxia, ​​and finally returns to Xining. The itinerary covers natural scenery and cultural history, suitable for in-depth travel enthusiasts. Daily itinerary details D1: Xining - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town (stay overnight) - Laji Mountain: 3,820 meters above sea level, it is the dividing line between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. You can enjoy the scenery of plateau meadows and snow-capped mountains along the way. - Qinghai Lake: China's largest inland lake, with azure blue water. Cycling or walking around the lake is a great experience. - Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky", it is recommended to arrive in the afternoon when the light is best and suitable for taking reflection photos. - Note: Qinghai Lake is at a high altitude, so please be careful to protect yourself from the cold and sun. Chaka Salt Lake has strong winds, so it is recommended to wear a windproof jacket. D2: Chaka Town - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Golmud (overnight) - Chaerhan Salt Lake: the largest salt lake in Asia, with magnificent salt pan landscape, suitable for aerial photography. The lake water is turquoise, just like "green apple soda". - Travel suggestions: You can experience snorkeling or cycling in the salt lake, but be careful to protect your skin and avoid direct contact with salt water. - Note: The ultraviolet rays in the salt lake are strong, so you need to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen; it is recommended to wear waterproof shoes or slippers. D3: Golmud - Water Yadan - 315U Highway - Yadan Landforms Along the Way - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (stay overnight) - Yadan on the water: The Yadan landform blends with the lake water, creating a unique scenery and suitable for taking photos. - Highway 315U: Known as the "Chinese version of Route 66", it has magnificent Gobi scenery along the way and is suitable for shooting highway blockbusters. - Emerald Lake: The lake water is emerald green like jade, suitable for aerial photography, and the light is best in the evening. - Notes: There are few supply points along the way, so you need to prepare water and food in advance; Emerald Lake is windy, so keep warm. D4: Da Qaidam - Gobi scenery along the way - Heidu Mountain - Dunhuang (stay overnight) - Heidu Mountain: The unique black mountain forms a sharp contrast with the Gobi Desert, making it suitable for taking dark-style photos. - Gobi Desert: You can enjoy the vast Gobi Desert along the way and feel the desolation and grandeur of the northwest. - Note: There is strong wind and sand in Heidu Mountain, so it is recommended to wear windproof clothing and a hat or headscarf. D5: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake - Dunhuang (overnight) - Mogao Grottoes: A world cultural heritage site. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and pay attention to protecting the cultural relics when visiting. - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: a wonder where the desert and springs coexist. You can experience camel riding or sandboarding. - Note: Taking photos is prohibited in Mogao Grottoes; the ultraviolet rays in Mingsha Mountain are strong, so you need to take sun protection. D6: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Colorful Danxia - Zhangye (stay overnight) - Son of the Earth: A giant sculpture that symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, perfect for taking photos and checking in. - Colorful Danxia: The colorful Danxia landform has the best light in the evening, which is suitable for photographing the sunset. - Note: You need to take a sightseeing bus in the Colorful Danxia Scenic Area, so please take care of your belongings. D7: Zhangye-Qilian Grassland-Menyuan-Xining (end) - Qilian Grassland: The grassland and snow-capped mountains complement each other and are suitable for horseback riding or taking photos. - Menyuan: When rape flowers are in full bloom in July, the sea of ​​flowers covering thousands of acres is extremely spectacular. - Note: There are many tourists during the rapeseed flower season in Menyuan, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours. Scenic spot travel suggestions 1. Chaka Salt Lake: It is recommended to wear bright-colored clothes for better photography; avoid wearing high heels as the ground of the salt lake is hard. 2. Qarhan Salt Lake: Aerial photography is excellent, so it is recommended to bring a drone; be careful to protect electronic equipment to avoid erosion by salt water. 3. Yadan on the water: You can choose to take a cruise to appreciate the Yadan landform up close. 4. Mogao Grottoes: Book your tickets 30 days in advance during peak season. Follow the tour guide during your visit to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture. Precautions 1. Altitude sickness: Some areas in Qinghai are at high altitudes. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance. 2. Sun protection and cold protection: The ultraviolet rays in the northwest are strong and the temperature difference between day and night is large, so you need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and warm clothes. 3. Food hygiene: Dining conditions along the way are limited, so it is recommended to bring some dry food and water. 4. Environmental awareness: littering is prohibited in the scenic area to protect the natural environment. Dressing Tips 1. Chaka Salt Lake: Wear a bright-colored long skirt (such as red or yellow) with a shawl or scarf, which is windproof and beautiful. 2. Qarhan Salt Lake: Casual wear + waterproof shoes for easy walking in the salt lake. 3. Heidushan: Dark-colored clothing (such as black and gray) echoes the mountain. 4. Dunhuang: Light and breathable clothing, suitable for desert activities. Summarize This 7-day circular itinerary covers the highlights of Qinghai and Gansu, featuring both magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural history. As a driver-guide, you can flexibly adjust the itinerary according to the needs of tourists to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. I hope this guide can provide a reference for your chartered car service!