Must-Read [7-Day Travel Guide for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop]

🔥 The Northwest is truly vast and stunning, spanning across Gansu and Qinghai provinces (7-day loop). Along the journey, you'll traverse lakes 🏖️, grasslands 🖼️, salt lakes 🌊, deserts 🏜️, explore the mysteries of grottoes, marvel at the grandeur of the Great Wall, admire the spectacular Danxia landforms, gaze at the snow-capped mountains 🏔️, stroll through flower fields 🌸, cross desolate wilderness 🍺, Gobi deserts, and unique Yardang landforms 🍓. Only by visiting the Northwest can you truly experience the breathtaking vastness of its landscapes. This is undoubtedly a soul-stirring journey 💗💗. ———————————————— 🤔 Travel Essentials: 🌟 Documents: ID card, student ID, driver's license 🌟 Electronics: charging cables, power bank ⚡, headphones 🎧, selfie stick, charger 🌟 Skincare: lip balm, hand cream, sunscreen, moisturizer, face masks ---------- Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Salt Lake-Yardang Seven-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining --- Riyue Mountain --- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) --- Chaka Salt Lake (overnight) Day 2: Chaka --- Qarhan Salt Lake --- Golmud (overnight) Day 3: Golmud --- U-shaped Highway --- Water Yardang --- Dachaidan Emerald Lake (overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan --- Heidushan --- Oil Town --- Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang --- Mogao Caves (best to book tickets for around 9 AM) --- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake --- Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City --- via Jiayuguan --- Zhangye Rainbow Danxia --- Zhangye (overnight) Day 7: Zhangye --- Qilian Mountain Grasslands --- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) --- Xining (end) -------------------- 🥣 Food Recommendations: 😋 Hand-grabbed lamb: tender and juicy, not greasy 🥰 😋 Old yogurt: a local specialty, available everywhere in Qinghai 🥰 😋 Donkey meat yellow noodles: a specialty of Dunhuang, served separately 🥰 😋 "Dog Pee": thin pancakes fried with rapeseed oil, sprinkled with sugar for better taste 🥰 😋 Qinghai Three Stews: made with potatoes, lamb tendons, and meatballs 🥰 --- ‼️💥 Notes: During the trip, please keep the following in mind: The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so it's recommended to switch to a down jacket. Despite the temperature variations, the scenery is breathtaking! 🔴 --- 【Outfit Suggestions】↘️↘️↘️ 🔸 Choose a hat with a wide brim that can be secured! 🧢 🔸 Ensure that your sun-protective sleeves fully cover your fingers! 🧤 🔸 Use disposable masks 😷 to avoid smudging makeup or causing inconvenience due to sweat. 🔸 When wearing sandals 👟, make sure to wear socks to protect against sunburn and retain moisture! 🔸 Upon arriving at high-altitude areas, avoid strenuous activities and walk slowly. 🔸 Due to the dry climate, remember to drink water frequently in small amounts. 🔸 The UV rays in high-altitude areas are strong 🕶️, so take proper protective measures. 🔸 Additionally, the weather in high-altitude areas is unpredictable, so keep warm and bring necessary cold-weather clothing 🧥. 🔸 If possible, bring a camera 📷, as many scenic spots offer stunning photo opportunities 💗💗. --- 🌟 Tips for Qinghai-Gansu Travel: ❌ Avoid low-cost tours; they often lead to pitfalls. ❌ Mogao Caves ticket booking! Only buy Class A tickets! Class B tickets (emergency tickets) only allow access to 4 caves and do not offer time selection. ❌ Prioritize physical sun protection over chemical sun protection; a sun hat + cooling sleeves are a must 😭. ❌ Respect local customs! When visiting Ta'er Monastery or mosques, avoid exposing shoulders or legs, and do not touch Tibetan children's heads. At Hui restaurants, refer to "pork" as "big meat." ❌ Book accommodations in advance! Last-minute bookings can cost 50% more.