Summer Travel Guide: 7-Day Pure Adventure in Qinghai and Gansu

Planning a summer trip to Qinghai and Gansu? Great news! These two destinations are close to each other, so why choose one when you can explore both? Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your adventure. Preparation Checklist ♥️ ✅ Documents: Carry some cash, ID card, student ID, and other discount-related documents. ✅ Electronics: Power bank, charging cables, headphones 🎧, camera. ✅ Clothing: Regular summer outfits, photo-friendly attire, sun-protective clothing, comfortable flat shoes, and a warm jacket. ✅ Skincare: Basic toiletries and hydrating products. ✅ Medications: Cold medicine, digestive medicine, mosquito repellent, motion sickness pills, and altitude sickness medicine. 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining --- Riyue Mountain --- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) --- Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight stay) Day 2: Chaka --- Qarhan Salt Lake --- Golmud (Overnight stay) Day 3: Golmud --- U-shaped Highway --- Water Yadan --- Dachaidan Emerald Lake (Overnight stay) Day 4: Dachaidan --- Heidushan --- Oil Town --- Dunhuang City (Overnight stay) Day 5: Dunhuang --- Mogao Caves (Best to book tickets for around 9 AM) --- Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake --- Dunhuang City (Overnight stay) Day 6: Dunhuang City --- Passing Jiayuguan --- Zhangye Danxia Landform --- Zhangye (Overnight stay) Day 7: Zhangye --- Qilian Mountain Grassland --- Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant view) --- Xining (End of trip) Must-Visit Attractions 🔥 💯 Qinghai Lake: Known as the "Blue Jewel of the Plateau," its shimmering blue waters are stunning. Visit in July-August to see the blooming rapeseed flowers. 💯 Chaka Salt Lake: Dubbed the "Mirror of the Sky," wear shoe covers if you plan to step into the water. 💯 Emerald Lake: Crystal-clear waters resembling a green emerald. Be sure to explore the innermost areas. 💯 Water Yadan: Unique Yadan landforms resembling castles eroded by water, surrounded by beautiful blue waters. 💯 Mogao Caves: The largest and most diverse collection of Buddhist art in existence. 💯 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: A breathtaking desert oasis where you can enjoy the sunset and camel rides. 💯 Zhangye Danxia Landform: Often referred to as "God's palette," with hot air balloons available in July-August. 💯 Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea: The best time to visit is mid-July to early August. Travel Tips ❗️❗️👀 1⃣ Qinghai's UV rays are intense, so high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential. 2⃣ Avoid strenuous activities upon arrival at high altitudes. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of warm water to adapt faster. 3⃣ All lake waters are corrosive; wear shoe covers when stepping into the water. 4⃣ Mingsha Mountain tickets allow for re-entry. In summer, avoid visiting at noon due to the heat. Opt for sunrise viewing, camel rides, photography in the afternoon, and sunset in the evening. 5⃣ Mogao Caves: Tickets are divided into full-price and emergency tickets. During peak season, book at least a month in advance. 6⃣ Menyuan Flower Sea: No need to visit the viewing platform; the roadside offers plenty of great photo spots, some even better than the platform. Tips: Attractions in Qinghai and Gansu are scattered, and transportation mainly relies on long-distance buses or local carpooling and private car rentals. Solo travel can be exhausting ⚠️