Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop | Experience the Northwest's Many Charms

| Experience the Northwest's Many Charms. Before You Go - Documents: ID card, student ID (if any), and other discount cards. - Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Qinghai is large. Bring a thick coat, such as a windbreaker, even in summer. You can bring a brightly colored long dress for photos. Bring enough warm clothes in winter, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, snow boots, etc. - Skincare: The ultraviolet rays are strong in high-altitude areas, so prepare high SPF sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizing masks, hand cream, etc. - Medicine: Anti-altitude sickness medicine (such as Rhodiola), cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. Route Planning Classic 7-Day Loop - Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Daotang River - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town - Riyue Mountain: The boundary between the loess and the grassland, where you can learn about the story of Princess Wencheng. - Daotang River: The only river in China that flows from east to west, with a touching legend. - Qinghai Lake: The largest saltwater lake in China, with blue water and grasslands. You can cycle or take a boat. - Day 2: Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan - Chaka Salt Lake: "Mirror of the Sky". Visit on a sunny day, and keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. You can take a small train to explore the lake. - Emerald Lake: Composed of several salt lakes, the lake water is as green as emerald. It is free and not crowded. - Day 3: Dachaidan - National Highway 315 - Dongtai Jinel Lake - Water Yadan - Xitai Jinel Lake - Mangya - National Highway 315: Along the way, you will see unique Yadan landforms. The highway stretches straight to the horizon, making for beautiful photos. - Dongtai Jinel Lake: The lake water is Tiffany blue, with white crystals on the shore. It is a beautiful hidden gem. - Water Yadan: The world's only water Yadan landform, with Yadan and lake water complementing each other. The sunset is beautiful. - Xitai Jinel Lake: A two-color lake, with a road dividing the lake in half. The water on both sides is different colors. - Day 4: Mangya - Mangya Emerald Lake - Aiken Spring - Huatugou - Mangya Emerald Lake: Large area, various shapes, green and blue water, beautiful reflections. - Aiken Spring: "Devil's Eye", with a strong sulfur smell. Aerial photography with a drone is recommended. - Day 5: Huatugou - Eboliang - Lenghu Oil Town - Dunhuang - Eboliang: The core area of the Yadan landform, with unique landforms like an alien world. A professional guide is needed. - Lenghu Oil Town: A town that rose and fell with oil, and a filming location for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe". The abandoned buildings are full of vicissitudes. - Day 6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang Night Market - Mogao Caves: Book tickets online in advance, and follow a guide to learn about the murals and history. Photography is prohibited. - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: You can ride camels and slide down the sand dunes. Watch the sunset in the evening, and protect your camera from sand. - Dunhuang Night Market: Taste local food and buy souvenirs. - Day 7: Dunhuang - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia - Guazhou: Stop to buy melons, which are sweet and come in many varieties. - Jiayuguan: The first pass under heaven, where you can feel the majesty of an ancient military fortress. - Zhangye Danxia: The most beautiful at sunset. Take a sightseeing bus to visit different viewing platforms. The colorful landscape is like an oil painting. Transportation - Self-driving: Suitable for group travel, convenient for stopping to enjoy the scenery, but long-distance driving is tiring. Familiarize yourself with the route in advance. - Car rental: Find a regular car rental company or driver. It is worry-free, and the driver is familiar with the road conditions and attractions. - Public transportation: Public transportation is inconvenient for some attractions, requiring multiple transfers and taking time and effort. Food Recommendations - Hand-grabbed mutton: Tender and juicy, with a delicious flavor. It is even more delicious with dipping sauce. - Qinghai yogurt: Thick and sweet, can be served with honey or sugar. - Baked mutton: Fragrant and crispy, served with potatoes, onions, and other ingredients. Spicy and delicious. - Liangpi: Smooth and refreshing, with rich seasonings. It is an appetizing snack. Notes - Respect local religious beliefs and customs, such as dressing appropriately when entering temples. - Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas to prevent altitude sickness. - Some attractions are at high altitudes and low temperatures, so adjust your clothing accordingly. - Check the weather in advance, and avoid dangerous roads in bad weather.