Hand-drawn Summer Vacation Travel Guide to Northwest China

🎓 Check it out! A graduation gift from Northwest China 👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏻 Graduation season is approaching—grab your friends and embark on a spontaneous graduation trip! - 🧳 Essential Packing List ▫️ Outfits: Red/white long dress (for Salt Lake), denim set (for highways), traditional Chinese attire (for Dunhuang), thick jacket (for 15°C+ temperature differences between day and night) ▫️ Essentials: Windproof face mask (a must for sandstorms), foldable bucket (for washing feet at Emerald Lake), waterproof phone pouch (to protect against sand at Mingsha Mountain) -------------------- 🚙🚙🚙 Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Salt Lake-Yadan Seven-Day Loop: Day 1: Xining---Riyue Mountain---Qinghai Lake (Heimahe)---Chaka Salt Lake (overnight) Day 2: Chaka---Chaerhan Salt Lake---Golmud (overnight) Day 3: Golmud---U-shaped Highway---Dongtai Jiner Lake---Water Yadan---Emerald Lake (overnight) Day 4: Emerald Lake---Heidushan---Petroleum Town---Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang---Mogao Caves (best to book tickets for around 9 AM)---Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring---Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City---via Jiayuguan---Zhangye Rainbow Mountains---Zhangye (overnight) Day 7: Zhangye---Qilian Mountain Grasslands---Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)---Xining (end of trip) ------------------- 📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots D1: Qinghai Lake · Cycling Paradise Avoid the main entrance! Heimahe sunrise is stunning, with July's rapeseed fields and snow-capped mountains in the background. Run in a white dress for a dreamy Japanese movie vibe. D2: U-shaped Highway · Post-apocalyptic Vibes At the 766th marker on National Highway 315, the slope is the steepest! Best to shoot before 10 AM for dramatic light and shadow effects. Pair with biker gear and sunglasses for a chic look! 🕶️ (⚠️ Safety first! Traffic police strictly monitor illegal parking.) D3: Heidushan · Mars Landing A free hidden gem near Lenghu Town! Wear silver or bright orange outdoor gear, and use a drone to capture the black-and-white mountain ranges from above—it feels like walking on the moon. 🌑 D4: Mingsha Mountain · Desert Starry Night Enter after 8 PM to avoid crowds. Climb to the top of the dunes to stargaze and enjoy the Crescent Spring lights. Even an iPhone's night mode can capture the starry sky! 🌌 D5: Rainbow Mountains · Hot Air Balloon Sunset The "Hongxia Terrace" at Viewing Platform 4 offers the most vibrant colors! After rain, the layers are breathtaking at dusk. Wear a black silhouette dress for a perfect backlit shot. ------------------------ 🚫 Avoiding Pitfalls 1️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake overcrowded? 👉🏻 Opt for the "Sky No. 1" new scenic area! Fewer people, cleaner views. Rent a transparent boat for floating photos and avoid the harsh midday sun. 2️⃣ Mogao Caves tickets hard to get? 👉🏻 Book A-class tickets on the official website 30 days in advance! Includes 8 caves and a digital movie. Photography is prohibited inside, but you can buy a souvenir booklet. 3️⃣ Petroleum Town too boring? 👉🏻 Check out the abandoned bus and tank from the movie "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe." Wear cargo pants and combat boots for a cyberpunk vibe. 4️⃣ Altitude sickness warning! 👉🏻 Delingha/Dachaidan are over 3,000 meters above sea level. Avoid washing your hair on the first night! Bring glucose solution—it works wonders. ---------------------- 💡 Tips: ‼ Chaka Salt Lake is best visited early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds. Avoid the strong midday sun and keep warm as it's windy by the lake. ‼ The sunset at Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring is stunning. Check the sunset time in advance and bring a camera along with a phone sandproof pouch. ‼ Zhangye Rainbow Mountains require hiking to viewing platforms. Wear non-slip sneakers and carry enough water and energy bars. ‼ Mogao Caves tickets must be booked 30 days in advance. Always carry your ID/student card for discounts. -----------------