Travel Checklist for the Year of the Snake | A Trip to Gansu and Qinghai is a Must.

For those planning to visit the Northwest in 2025, check out this comprehensive travel guide to avoid common pitfalls! Don't miss out, it can help you avoid many traps ✅ Travel Preparation: ✨Documents: ID card, student ID, discount certificates; ✨Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, earphones, power bank; ✨Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, arm sleeves, sunglasses, etc.; ✨Skincare: Hydrating face masks, toner and lotion, lip balm, moisturizing spray, facial cleanser; ✈️Transportation Guide 1⃣️By Plane [Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport] 👉😁1. Zhongchuan Airport to Lanzhou West Station: 17 RMB, about 50 minutes by city rail 👉2. Lanzhou West Station to Xining Station: 58 RMB, about 1 hour by high-speed rail 👉3. Zhongchuan Airport to Xining Station: Direct airport bus, 100 RMB, about 2.5 hours 2⃣️By Plane [Xining Caojiabao Airport] 👉1. Caojiabao Airport is 30 kilometers from the city center 👉2. Caojiabao Airport to Xining city center: Airport bus, 25 RMB 👉3. Taxi: About 80 RMB, ride-hailing service about 60 RMB 🌈8 Days and 7 Nights in the Northwest: ✔️Day 1: Arrival in Xining, free activities [Overnight] ✔️Day 2: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town [Overnight] ✔️Day 3: Chaka Town - Along the Qaidam Basin - Qarhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan/Golmud [Overnight] ✔️Day 4: Dachaidan/Golmud - Water Yadan - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan [Overnight] ✔️Day 5: Dachaidan - Heidushan - Oil Town - Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang [Overnight] ✔️Day 6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake - Shazhou Night Market, free activities [Overnight] ✔️Day 7: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional: Earth Son, No Boundary) - Zhangye Danxia - Zhangye [Overnight] ✔️Day 8: Zhangye - Passing by Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Distant view of Gangshika Snow Mountain - Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (late July) - End in Xining Popular Attractions Qinghai Lake🌊: From June to August, golden rapeseed flowers and the blue lake create picturesque scenes. Chaka Salt Lake💎: From March to October, especially on sunny days, the lake reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a sky-like illusion. Emerald Lake🥰: From May to October, the green salt pools resemble emeralds, a hidden gem of nature. Mogao Caves🎨: A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its exquisite murals and statues. Book in advance for a thousand-year-old cultural experience. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake🌙: Ride camels to watch the sunset, and stargaze on the dunes at night for a romantic and awe-inspiring experience. Jiayuguan🏰: The westernmost pass of the Great Wall, feel the history by touching the ancient walls. Zhangye Danxia🌈: From June to September, the unique Danxia landform is colorful under the sun, showcasing nature's top-notch palette. Qilian Grassland🟩: From July to August, the lush grassland is filled with cattle and horses, and you can join the lively grassland festivities. 💥💥TIPS: Warm Reminder: The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has high altitude, strong UV radiation, and large temperature differences between day and night. The climate is relatively dry, so be prepared for warmth, skin hydration, and UV protection. Essential items include warm clothing, long sleeves and pants, hats, Martin boots, sunglasses, shawls, U-shaped pillows, power banks, sunscreen, lip balm, toner and lotion, hand cream, moisturizing spray, umbrellas, headache medicine, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, small oxygen tanks, and your personal health green code.