Northwest Trip

D1: Xining - Laji Mountain - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Delingha (Stay) D2: Delingha - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Stay) D3: Dachaidan - 315U-shaped Highway - Heidu Mountain - Dunhuang Night Market - Dunhuang (Stay) D4: Dunhuang Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (Stay) D5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional) - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (Stay) D6: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Xining (Return)

Green Treasure: The vitality and energy of Chaerhan Salt Lake

Green｜Chaerhan Salt Lake Green, as a color, is located in the middle of the spectrum, with a wavelength range of 517-570 nanometers. In nature, green is widely present, such as in leaves, grasslands, oases, etc. In human culture, green is usually associated with concepts like life, health, vitality, nature, peace, etc. Chaerhan Salt Lake is located in Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It is the largest salt lake in China and the second largest in the world. The area of Chaerhan Salt Lake is about 5856 square kilometers, and its altitude is about 2670 meters. Chaerhan Salt Lake is an inland lake, with its water mainly coming from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains and groundwater. The salt content of the lake water is extremely high, reaching 32%, making Chaerhan Salt Lake one of the most important salt chemical bases in China. The green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may be related to the microorganisms, minerals, and light in the lake water. Under sunlight, the microorganisms and minerals in the lake water may appear green. In addition, the green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may also be affected by the surrounding ecological environment, such as grasslands, oases, etc.

Chaerhan Salt-Lake in Qinghai Province

The Chaerhan Salt Lake is located 60 kilometers away from the northern Golmud city, more than 110 kilometers away from the southern Chaidamu. The salt lake is more than 160 kilometers long from east to west and 20-40 kilometers wide from south to north. The thickness of the salt lake is 2-20 meters. The Chaerhan Salt Lake is located in the desert; the weather is dry and hot. With the long-time sunburn and windburn it's necessary to bring sun protection. 🏴 Tourists can rent cars to get to the Chaerhan Salt Lake along the No. 215 National Highway. Hotels or travel agencies might also organized tours. Adventurours without driving license can try to hitchhike. 🎫 Entrance including bus to the final destination inside the lake: 100元/80元 students ✨ You can also rent bikes (if they're not broken) or drones at the final destination. #dessert#hiking#roadtrip#summervacation

[Qalhan Salt Lake in Qinghai] Zarhan Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in China and one of the most famous salt lakes in the world. The picture taken in my picture is the Wanzhang Salt Bridge, which is a road made of salt and extends into the lake. Its hardness is comparable to that of the asphalt road. We can see from the sky that there are white crystals on both sides of the salt bridge. The lake is transparent and green. The scenery here is picturesque. The sunny Chaerhan Salt Lake has also become a good place for photography. Note: Sun protection measures should be prepared. It is recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses. You can drive in by yourself. In principle, only visiting documents are allowed to enter. You need to communicate in advance.

Chaka Salt Lake

Chaka Salt Lake, located in the western part of Qinghai Province in China, is the largest salt lake in the country. It is as famous as the Chaka Salt Lake and is situated in the southern part of the Qaidam Basin, spanning across the Golmud City and Dulan County. Chaka Salt Lake is formed by the convergence of Dabusun Lake and other salt pools such as South Hobson, North Hobson, and Senie, covering a total area of 5,856 square kilometers. Several endorheic rivers, including the Golmud River and the Qaidam River, flow into the lake. Due to continuous evaporation, a hard salt crust has formed on the lake, on which the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are directly built. Chaka Salt Lake contains abundant reserves of inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride, with total reserves exceeding 50 billion tons, making it one of China's mining bases. It features the famous 'Salt Bridge' that spans thousands of meters.

Less known than the Chaka Salt Lake, it is the largest 'Mirror of the Sky' in China

Speaking of 'Sky Realm', the nearby place might be the Chaka Salt Lake, the distant place might be the Uyuni Salt Flat But in fact, in Qinghai there is a salt lake that is second only to the Uyuni Salt Flat and is 56 times larger than the Chaka Salt Lake. It is the largest salt lake in China and also the second largest salt lake in the world with an area of 5865 square kilometers which is equivalent to the area of 3 Shenzhen cities The Qarhan Salt Lake has a huge reserve of salt, it is said that it could build a salt bridge between the Earth and the Moon with a width of 6 meters and a thickness of 3 meters. It is also known as the most valuable lake in the world The colors and layers of the Qarhan Salt Lake are extremely rich as if it has been coated with thick paint. In different seasons and times green, yellow, blue, white colors alternate, giving the Qarhan Salt Lake layer upon layer of enchanting veils Qarhan Salt Lake is located in the Qaidam Basin, an almost undeveloped fairyland... Coexisting with the majestic Kunlun Snow Mountains and the vast Gobi Desert, it is both magnificent and elegant $Ticket: 80 (ticket + round-trip bus) divided into off-season and peak season Driving: Currently, private cars are not allowed to drive to the salt lake, you need to stop at the distribution center, buy a ticket, and take the bus to get there, which takes about 20 minutes.

Qinghai Qarhan Salt Lake.

Qarhan Salt Lake Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge: In fact, it is a wide avenue paved with salt built on the salt lake. It has neither piers nor railings, and the entire road surface is flat and smooth, as level as a grindstone. It looks almost the same as the asphalt roads in the city. The terrain around the salt lake is flat and the desert is boundless, but the scenery is unique. When the weather is fine, the vast lake surface is like a huge treasure mirror, emitting a silver glow, steaming with heat, and sparkling with waves, truly resembling an ocean of blue waves. The lake also produces pearl salt, known as the "largest salt lake," with each grain as pure white as snow and as clean as jade. Glass salt, also known as crystal salt, mostly appears in block form, transparent like glass. Freshly unearthed glass salt comes in colors such as yellow, orange, blue, pink, and milky white.

China is very beautiful, with seventy percent of its beauty in the northwest.

The widely circulated saying "China is very beautiful, with seventy percent of its beauty in the northwest" raises the question: where does the renowned beauty of Qinghai lie? Its beauty lies in the grandeur of its mountains and rivers, the elegance of its landscapes, the harmony of its culture, the purity of its blue skies and white clouds, the vastness of its snow-capped mountains and grasslands, the pristine lakes and rivers, the desolation of its Gobi deserts, the magnificence of its Danxia landforms, the uniqueness of its glaciers and permafrost. Its beauty lies in its long-standing historical, ethnic, red, and ecological cultures, its beauty lies in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qilian Mountain National Park, and the Great Wall Long March National Cultural Park, where new chapters are written and brilliance is displayed. From mountains and rivers to lakes, from the Gobi to deserts, from plateaus to grasslands, it is both lonely and prosperous, desolate yet full of vitality. This is the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. 🛬【Itinerary】: Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Seven-Day Tour (Chaka Salt Lake + Water Yadan) Day 1: Depart from Xining → Sun and Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake (overnight) Day 2: Chaka Town → Keluke Lake → Cross the Qaidam Basin → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan (overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan → Chaka Salt Lake → 315 U-shaped Road → Water Yadan → Nanhaixian Ghost City → Dachaidan (overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan → Oil Town → Yangguan → Dunhuang (overnight/camping in the desert optional) Day 5: Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang (overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang → Guazhou → Jiayuguan Fortress → Zhangye Danxia Landform → Qicai Town (overnight) Day 7: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Mountain Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower → Xining (overnight) ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: "Chaka Salt Lake" Chaka Salt Lake is similar to Chaka Salt Lake, but Chaka Salt Lake is particularly dependent on the weather. When the weather is bad, it doesn't look very good, just a vast expanse of white. When the weather is good, there are blue skies and white clouds above, and windmills and snow-capped mountains in the background, which is one of the reasons it became famous. However, compared to Chaka Salt Lake, the weather has less impact on Chaka Salt Lake. Chaka Salt Lake is a salt lake nurtured by nature for billions of years. Walking by the lake, you can feel the crystal-clear, ever-changing magical salt flowers. There is a 32-kilometer-long salt bridge on the salt lake. Although it is just an ordinary road, it is made entirely of salt, so it is also known as the "Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge". 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Hand-Grasped Lamb; Hand-Grasped Lamb is a traditional food loved by the Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, and Uighur ethnic groups in Northwest China. It is said to have a history of nearly a thousand years and got its name because it was originally eaten by hand. As the name suggests, it needs to be eaten by hand, tearing, or cutting with a Tibetan knife. Although this unique way of eating lamb is no longer necessary with the development of the times, the name has been passed down to this day. The meat is red and white, fatty but not greasy, oily and tender, and very delicious. The meat is so tasty that even those who don't usually like lamb can give it a try, as it doesn't have a strong lamb smell. 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: "Desert Camping" When you arrive in Dunhuang, you must experience desert camping. Activities include sand sliding, watching the sunset in the desert, desert motorcycling, singing and talent performances to set the mood, large bonfire parties, fireworks, iron flower performances, and unlimited hot pot, beer, and drinks. At night, you can also go to the heart of the desert to watch the starry sky and the Milky Way. Nowadays, everyone lives in cities and hasn't seen a sky full of stars for a long time, so experiencing desert camping will be an unforgettable night. 🚌【Transportation Tips】: In the northwest, the distances between attractions are too far for city buses. There are route buses, but taking them is very troublesome and inconvenient as they don't go directly to the destinations. Therefore, the main ways to travel the northwest grand loop are self-driving, joining a tour group, or chartering a car. Personally, I recommend joining a tour group or chartering a car because, with self-driving, you are unfamiliar with the road conditions, and the long distances on the plateau can easily cause fatigue. Nowadays, there are many pure-play small groups, especially recommended for 1-2 people traveling. Since it is a pure-play small group, there are at most 8 people in a car, not too many, but the atmosphere will be very lively. Another option is to charter a car, which offers high flexibility, allowing you to plan your itinerary according to your preferences. You can play along the way, with professional drivers who are familiar with the routes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip, avoiding many detours and pitfalls. 🧡【Tips】: 1. It is recommended to take Rhodiola, Highland Red, or other medications to prevent altitude sickness one or two weeks in advance. 2. Drink plenty of water when you first arrive at the plateau, avoid strenuous exercise and emotional excitement, do not overeat, and go to bed early to stay energetic for the trip. 3. Make sure you are in good health before traveling to the plateau. Although most areas are around 3,000 meters above sea level and most people have no reaction, it is still called a plateau, so respect it... hahaha (Safety is always the top priority when traveling). 4. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an area with a high concentration of ethnic minorities, so please respect local customs. 5. When engaging in free activities in scenic areas, pay attention to safety, follow the rules of the scenic area, and travel civilly.

If you take the Z6811 to Tibet, you will see

21:50 Depart from Xining Station, arrive at Lhasa Station at 19:56 the next day · 21:50 Xining (altitude 2261 meters) Nothing to see at night, just sleep 😴 Guanjiao Tunnel, 4000 meters in length Qinghai Lake (altitude 3260 meters) Chaerhan Salt Lake . Next day: 5:00 1⃣️ Golmud (altitude 2829 meters) change locomotive 7:12 2⃣️ Kunlun Pass (altitude 4767 meters) left window 8:03 3⃣️ Hoh Xil (altitude 4500 meters) windows on both sides, Tibetan antelopes can be seen 9:38 4⃣️ Fenghuoshan (altitude 4905 meters) the train will broadcast an introduction 10:37 5⃣️ Tuotuo River (altitude 4300-4600 meters) Tuotuo River is one of the sources of the Yangtze River, after the melting of ice and snow on the mountains, it forms the Jinsha River 10:55 6⃣️ Tongtian River (altitude 4705 meters) right window 11:30 7⃣️ Source of the Three Rivers (altitude 4800 meters) left window 12:01 8⃣️ Tanggula Mountains (altitude 6621 meters) left window The train will slow down, and you can see the main peak of the Tanggula Mountains, Geladandong Peak, at an altitude of 6621 meters 13:50 9⃣️ Cuona Lake (altitude 4594 meters) right window The lakeside is bordered by a patchwork of green and yellow grasslands, and the grasslands are dotted with yaks 15:45 🔟 Qiangtang Grassland (altitude 4513 meters) left window Pure natural grassland! Gobi, grassland, lakes, mountains... 17:25 1⃣️0⃣️ Yangbajing (altitude 4300 meters) Although you can't feel the comfort of the geothermal hot springs up close while sitting on the train, you can still see the steam rising from the ground towards the sky from afar. 19:47 1⃣️1⃣️ Lhasa River (altitude 3580 meters) The last iconic sight before arriving at Lhasa Railway Station is the Lhasa River. After crossing the east-west flowing Lhasa River Bridge, it will come to a steady stop at Lhasa Railway Station on the south side of Lhasa. 19:56 1⃣️2⃣️ Lhasa (altitude 4300 meters) · The whole journey is 1960 kilometers

The significance of the live map comes from the Chaka Salt Lake

Hi, buddies! Let me tell you a gorgeous little secret, that is the Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai! 🌄 No bragging, the scenery here is so breathtaking that it's like God accidentally spilled his apple juice, sprinkling it on this land. When the sunlight hits, the lake shimmers, and the green apple color of the water is simply eye-catching, perfect for photography! 📸 🚗 Travel Tips: To visit here, it's recommended to drive or rent a car. If you happen to be on the Northwest Grand Loop, it's even more convenient. Departing from Golmud, it takes only an hour to reach this earthly paradise. There are also buses within the scenic area, and after about half an hour's ride, you'll arrive at the photography holy land! 📷 Photography Tips: Want to take beautiful photos? Swings, white pianos, starry sky houses, and glass boats are all great props! But remember, some of them charge a fee. Also, wear a fairy-like dress, and you'll definitely become the focus of this beautiful scenery! 👗 💃 Outfit Suggestions: Since you're at the salt lake, of course, you should dress beautifully! But be careful, the area is full of green apple green, so try to avoid wearing red and yellow clothes, as they might stand out too much. 🌞 Weather Reminder: Be sure to come on a sunny day! The color of the lake water is most beautiful under the sun. Of course, don't forget about sun protection, prepare your straw hat and sunglasses, and enjoy this beautiful journey! 😎

Qinghai Travel Route Recommendation

Whether you are heading to Xinjiang, Tibet, Dunhuang, or Lhasa, Qinghai is a must-pass place for people traveling to the west. Most of the land there is Gobi and snow-capped mountains, not suitable for human habitation. However, Qinghai's cultural and geographical resources are very rich, and it is still a paradise for climbers and the brave. Qinghai is a fusion of Xinjiang and Tibet, known as the "Roof of the World." The eastern part of Qinghai is known as the "Key to the Heavenly River," "Throat of Haizang," "Barrier of the Golden City," "Rush of the Western Regions," and "Throat of the Jade Pass," highlighting its important geographical location. Latest Qinghai-Gansu Loop Seven-Day Tour: Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaerhan Salt Lake—Water Yadan—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dunhuang Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Zhangye Danxia The itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Xining·Qinghai Lake·Chaka Salt Lake Day 2: Crossing Qaidam·Chaerhan Salt Lake·Golmud Day 3: Golmud·G315 National Highway (U-shaped Road)·Water Yadan·Qinghai Yadan·Dachaidan Day 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake·Petroleum Town·Dunhuang Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves in the morning·Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in the afternoon·Dunhuang Day 6: Dunhuang·Guazhou taste Hami melon·Jiayuguan Pass·Colorful Danxia·Zhangye Day 7: Zhangye·Biandukou Scenic Area·Qilian Grassland·Menyuan·Dabanshan distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak·Xining Highlights of the itinerary: ① Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Yadan landform, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Zhangye Colorful... A panoramic tour of Gansu and Qinghai, leaving no regrets. ② The itinerary is known for its diversity of scenic and cultural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, lakes, Gobi, Yadan landforms, Danxia colorful hills, herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, and other natural landscapes.

Amazing! The dreamy journey and detailed guide to Chaka Salt Lake

🍏Chaka Salt Lake is simply stunning! It's like being dazzled by beauty. Under the sunlight, the lake water is exceptionally clear, resembling God's accidentally spilled apple juice🍏, a real feast for the eyes. Taking photos here is super photogenic🤩! 💃Here comes the travel guide👇🏻 1️⃣Transportation🚗: Highly recommend self-driving, but of course, there are also car rentals and buses🚌 available. We took the Northwest Grand Loop and stayed in Golmud, about an hour's drive from Chaka Salt Lake. 2️⃣Scenic spot info: After entering the gate, you need to take a bus🚌 for about half an hour. After getting off, walk towards the left where you'll find a sightseeing car. Take it to the last stop, and then it's best to explore from the inside out! 3️⃣Photo spots📷: Inside, there are swings, a white piano, a starry sky house (glass boats are chargeable), and more. 4️⃣Dressing tips: Wearing a fairy-like dress for photos will be even more stunning! 5️⃣Things to note👇🏻 1. Chaka Salt Lake is all about apple green, with no red or yellow. 2. No need for shoe covers, just wear your own shoes. 3. Be sure to pick a sunny day to go, as the water color is only super beautiful when illuminated by the sun, and be sure to do good sun protection, with a straw hat and sunglasses all prepared.

Northwest China Travel | Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Big Loop 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Guide

When you think of the Northwest, what comes to mind❓ Gobi deserts or the Loess Plateau? Then you must come and see ✨ Here, there are high mountain lakes, desert sunsets, forests and flowers, snowy mountains and salt lakes, and in addition to the beautiful scenery, there is the millennium heritage of the Silk Road Dunhuang. This classic 6⃣️-day big loop will take you through clear mountains and wide waters, feeling the vastness and romance of the great Northwest~ . 🚘Itinerary at a glance D①Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake-Chaka Town D②Chaka-Qaidam Basin-Emerald Lake-Dachaidan D③Dachaidan-Qinghai Yadan-Gobi Highway-Petroleum Town-Dunhuang D④Dunhuang-Mogao Caves-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring-Dunhuang D⑤Dunhuang Guazhou-Jiayuguan-Zhangye Danxia-Zhangye D⑥Zhangye-Qilian Grassland-Menyuan-Daban Mountain Viewing Platform-Xining . 🌈Attraction Guide ⛳Qinghai Lake: A highland lake as clear as a sapphire Tips: Walking along the lake, you can see the statue of the Western Queen Mother in the middle of the lake, and going forward to the heart of the lake, you can take a large cruise ship and enjoy some water activities🛳️ . ⛳Chaka Salt Lake: A natural crystalline salt lake, a pure light-colored lake Tips: The Mirror of the Sky is a natural landscape where you can check in at the salt lake and play in the water, while Sky No.1 is a man-made attraction where you can experience many amusement projects✔️ Both scenic areas require a ride from the visitor center to the entrance, then choose one to play . ⛳Chaerhan Salt Lake: A vast salt lake as green as jade Tips: The straw umbrellas, swings, road signs, and shallow shores in the scenic area are all popular photo spots📷 Aerial photography on the white road can capture different colors of lake water on both sides . ⛳Dachaidan Emerald Lake: A salt lake scenic area composed of small lakes of different sizes and colors Tips: Lake No.1 is crowded, with food carts nearby, Lake No.4 is heart-shaped and requires aerial photography to see the shape, Lake No.5 has salt paths in the water where you can walk and take photos . ⛳Mogao Caves: A palace of art with splendidly painted murals Tips: Cave No.17 with the Sutra Preservation Tower is a signature check-in spot, Cave No.96 is the nine-story Buddha, and the emergency visit includes Caves No.96, 148, 130, 100🔅 . 🍀Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A crescent-shaped spring surrounded by desert Tips: The desert is very hot during the day, usually entering the park after 17:00, you can climb the sand dunes from the artificial wooden walkway, and prepare shoe covers before going to the scenic area (or wear slippers) . ⛳Zhangye Danxia: A Danxia landform with interlacing colors and hilly appearance Tips: The scenic tour goes from Viewing Platform No.1 to No.4, pay attention to the visiting order of each gate⭕ . 🍀Considerate Tips 1⃣️Normal tickets for the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang need to be booked one month in advance, and it may not be possible to book during peak season, so you can choose an emergency visit ticket (4 caves + scenic shuttle) 2⃣️Desert camping is in ordinary small tents, and washing facilities are not very convenient, you can choose to stay in a hotel in Dunhuang

The Chaka Salt Lake is simply stunning, a trip to the secret realm of the sky

🌴Located in the northern part of Golmud city in Qinghai Province, about 60 kilometers away from the downtown area, Chaka Salt Lake is an important salt production base in Qinghai. Visitors mainly come to enjoy the scenery of the salt lake, take photos, and there are also facilities such as the Salt Lake Museum and the Wanzhang Eye Bridge in the factory area for tourists to visit and enjoy✨🎉. 🎉🎉Visiting Chaka Salt Lake is mostly done by chartering a car from Golmud or driving along the Qinghai-Tibet line and passing by here. The salt factory covers a large area, and it takes several kilometers to drive from the main gate to the lakeside, so you need to drive into the salt factory for sightseeing. In principle, the salt factory only allows vehicles with visitation credentials to register and enter, so when chartering a car in Golmud, try to confirm whether you can drive into the factory area, otherwise, you may be charged a so-called 'entrance ticket🎫' by the security at the gate.

Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Tour Carpooling and Free Travel.

Qinghai-Dunhuang Grand Loop Seven Days and Six Nights Self-Drive Tour Route Recommendation Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chahann Salt Lake—Water Yadan—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Zhangye Danxia Seven Days and Six Nights Travel with a Professional Guide The itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Xining · Qinghai Lake · Chaka Salt Lake Day 2: Crossing Qaidam · Chahann Salt Lake · Golmud Day 3: Golmud · G315 National Highway (U-shaped Road) · Water Yadan · Qinghai Yadan · Dachaidan Day 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake · Oil Town · Dunhuang Day 5: Morning Visit to Mogao Grottoes · Afternoon Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring · Dunhuang Day 6: Dunhuang · Guazhou Tasting Hami Melon · Jiayuguan Fortress · Colorful Danxia · Zhangye Day 7: Zhangye · Biandukou Scenic Area · Qilian Grassland · Menyuan · Daban Mountain Distant View of Gangshika Snow Peak · Xining ---Highlights of the Trip--- ① Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Yadan Landform, Chahann Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Landform... A panoramic tour of Gansu and Qinghai, leaving no regrets. ② The itinerary is known for its diversity of scenic and cultural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, lakes, deserts, gobi, Yadan landforms, Danxia colorful hills, herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, and other natural landscapes. ③ Along the way, you can walk, play, and photograph, with environmental protection and mutual assistance, deep pure play, no shopping throughout the trip, led by professional guides, combining leisure outdoor, photography, and in-depth travel methods, suitable for all ages. ④ The northwest region is home to a large number of ethnic minorities, with unique cultural characteristics that blend Han, Tibetan, and Islamic cultures, and various northwest delicacies, allowing you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Write down some words to record my dreamlike journey to the Northwest

5.17 is the last day of the Qinghai-Tibet loop. After saying goodbye to the driver, I knew that sometimes farewells in life can be very difficult. In just seven days, I saw many landscapes I had never seen before. The mountains, rivers, and lakes in nature added a stroke of rich color to my memories. The weather was good on the day of departure. Along the way, there were herds of yaks and sheep. Nearby were grasslands not yet fully green, and in the distance, there were rolling snow-capped mountains. I also encountered several devout pilgrims. The wind was strong at Qinghai Lake, but the water was very blue. Along the way, I also enjoyed delicious yak hotpot, small plate chicken, and some unnamed wild vegetables. We crossed the Rubber Mountain at an altitude of 3817 meters, the first pass of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It rained on the way to Chaka. I had lost hope, but when the car stopped at the entrance of the scenic area, it suddenly cleared up. The salt lake was transparent. When the sky and the lake reflected each other, I understood what is meant by 'Mirror of the Sky'. The next day, we passed through Delingha in the Haizi Poetry and arrived at the Chaka Salt Lake. When I saw it, I felt its beauty was almost unreal. The breeze stirred up layers of blue waves. It was like an emerald that had fallen to earth. Driving on the 315 national road, I saw the Yardang landform that I learned about in high school geography. Different from the grasslands I had seen before, its beauty was a powerful presence in the desert. We passed by Dongtaijiner Lake, which was not included in the itinerary, but the driver took us there anyway. When I approached it, I marveled at its beauty. The lake water was light blue and clear to the bottom. It truly deserves the title of China's 'Maldives'. On the way back, the driver found a back road to take us through the no-man's land. It was both tense and exciting. When we stood on the earth mounds of the Yardang landform, the wind was strong, and the view was vast. It seemed as if the entire land of the Northwest was in my eyes. Crossing the Dangjin Mountains at the junction of three provinces, we arrived in Dunhuang. In the evening, we went to the Shazhou Night Market, where I ate the anticipated beef pie with sand onions and drank delicious apricot peel tea. The next morning, we went to the Mogao Caves. Seeing is believing, and I was amazed at the craftsmanship of the ancient painters. As someone who studies art, it was a visual shock. The colors and lines were all exquisitely beautiful. The weather at the Mingsha Mountain was not good in the evening. I climbed barefoot for a long time and was already out of breath before reaching the top. The sandstorm was too strong, and I had to stagger down. Fortunately, I saw the long-awaited Crescent Lake and took some sand back home in a fridge magnet. During the days in Gansu, it was never sunny, but the colors of the Rainbow Danxia were still beautiful. It's just a pity that I didn't see it on a clear day. Time quickly came to the last day. Finally, I arrived at the Qilian Mountain grassland. The sky was not kind, and it started to drizzle, but that day I hugged a lamb, tried archery, drank a cup of warm butter tea, enjoyed yak meat hotpot, and listened to the songs of the Tibetan people. Everything was beautiful. When we crossed the Daban Mountain Tunnel, the highest in Asia, it also signaled the end of this journey. I have wanted to visit the Northwest for a long time, and this time I finally got my wish. On the way home, I cried. This was the first time I felt upset after a trip ended. The landscapes and people I encountered along the way were rich and wonderful. I think this is a journey I will never forget in my life. The Northwest is like a colorful dream, and I hope it will forever be in my heart.

You can find the Chaka Salt Lake travel guide without leaving the country

The significance of live photos! It seems you've visited Chaka Salt Lake, and were breathless from its beauty 🍏 The clarity under the sunlight is just like God spilled apple juice 🍏 So stunning, the photos must be breathtaking 🤩 💁‍♀️【Travel Tips】👇🏻 1️⃣ About transportation🚗: It is recommended to drive yourself, but there are also car rentals and buses🚌 available. It takes about an hour to reach Chaka Salt Lake from Golmud. 2️⃣ About the scenic area: After entering the gate, you need to take a sightseeing bus🚌, which takes about half an hour, and then get off at the last stop to explore from the inside out! 3️⃣ About photography📷: Swings, white pianos, starry sky houses, and more... everything you could want! (Glass boat may require an additional fee) 4️⃣ Dressing tips: Match with a fairy-like dress for even better photo effects! 5️⃣ Precautions⚠️👇🏻 1. Chaka Salt Lake is apple green in color, with no red or yellow. 2. There's no need for shoe covers, just wear your own shoes to enter the scenic area. 3. Be sure to visit on a sunny day, as the water's color is especially beautiful under the sunlight. Also, remember to protect yourself from the sun with a straw hat and sunglasses.

Chaka Salt Lake | God ordered a cup of green grape bubble tea

Let's head to the mysterious Eye of the Qinghai Salt Lake—🎈Chaka Salt Lake🎈! Not only does it boast an emerald-like green apple hue⭐️, but it's also a paradise for photography enthusiasts✨📷. 1️⃣Tickets -🍭Adults 100 yuan + includes shuttle bus service - 🍭Students 80 yuan (students must bring their student ID, university students enjoy this price on-site), includes shuttle bus - 🍭There is a discounted ticket price for seniors over 60, 60 yuan for those aged 60-69 plus shuttle bus - 🍭The sightseeing vehicle inside the salt lake requires an additional fee: one-way 15 yuan, round-trip 30 yuan 2️⃣Recommended Time 💕Opening hours: 8:00-6:30 💕Visiting duration: About 4 hours, summer (July-September) is more comfortable for a visit. 3️⃣Tips -🍭 Non-self-driving tourists are recommended to join a tour group, as it's easier to carpool to Chaka and might be difficult to find a return ride. -🍭The environment has strong ultraviolet rays, please wear sunglasses🕶️, a wide-brimmed hat, and a sunblock mask to prevent sunburn. - 🍭Pay attention to safety, the saltwater in the lake is toxic☠️, stay away and do not touch it. - 🍭Do not walk barefoot in the saltwater, try to avoid direct contact with the salt lake substances to prevent accidental injury. Don't forget, around Chaka Salt Lake there are these popular photo spots waiting for you: straw umbrellas, salt lake signs, pure white roads, capturing the beautiful moments of your Qinghai salt journey📸. Do your homework before setting off, plan your time and budget, and I wish you a journey filled with wonderful memories in this world of salt!🧱🌄

The enchanting Chaka Salt Lake! It's so breathtakingly beautiful!

👋🏻 If you have a special fondness for salt lakes, then Chaka Salt Lake will definitely captivate your heart! 💖 💚 Chaka Salt Lake, with its vast expanse, is astonishing! 😲 It's like a huge mirror, pure white as snow, and its area is as big as 55 Chaka Salt Lakes! It's the second largest salt lake in the world and the largest in China! 👏🏻 📍 Its coordinates are in Chaka Town, Golmud City, Qinghai Province~ 🕓 The opening hours are 8:00-20:00, and the 🎫 ticket price is 100 yuan per person. 🗓️ The best time to visit is from June to October each year, when the climate is pleasant, and the sunshine is just right, allowing you to take in the beautiful lake water and surrounding scenery 😎. Especially in autumn, when the lake dries up and forms a red salt crust, the sight is truly spectacular! ✨ ✈️ As for transportation, first take a high-speed train/train/plane to Xining, and then drive or charter a car to Chaka Salt Lake (there is no public transportation here 😯). It is highly recommended to take a trip around the Qinghai-Gansu loop, where you can enjoy the plateau, snow-capped mountains, lakes, Yardang landforms, grasslands, deserts... The scenery is simply colorful, like God spilled a palette of paints 🎨! ✨ Here come the main attractions ✨ 💚 The Salt Bridge, which is a natural highway made of salt, is 32km long and 15-18 meters thick. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire salt lake! 🤩 💚 Fantasy Island, on the small island in the center of the salt lake, there are various shapes of pianos 🎹, swings, exposed salt flowers, and other landscapes, which are super beautiful for taking pictures 📷. There is also a starry sky room on the island where you can experience the beautiful scenery of the stars and lake light reflecting off each other at night 🌌! 💚 The Ship of Salt, the iconic landscape of Chaka Salt Lake, the shape of the ship is made of salt crystals, like a huge ship sailing on the salt lake 🚢, super eye-catching! 👀 🔖 Precautions 📋 📌 The sunlight reflection on the salt lake is very strong, be sure to protect your skin and eyes 👁️! 📌 Do not step on or damage the salt crust at will, we must cherish this natural wonder! 🙏 📌 Chaka Salt Lake is located at an altitude of 2670 meters, so you may experience altitude sickness. Be sure to rest adequately and stay hydrated 💧! 🚙 Recommended itinerary 🚙 D1: Xining → Qilian Grassland → Zhuo'er Mountain → Qilian County D2: Qilian → Sui-Qi Highway → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Jiayuguan City D3: Jiayuguan → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town D5: Dachaidan → Water Yadan → U-shaped Highway → Golmud City D6: Golmud City → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town D7: Chaka Town → Nanshan Panorama → Qinghai Lake → Xining 💖 Come and experience the charm of Chaka Salt Lake! It will definitely make you linger and forget to return! 💖

The Moments are going crazy | It's not abroad | It's the great Northwest!!

When it comes to the great Northwest, the first thing that comes to mind is the arid and rainless Gobi Desert. Then, in such an extremely arid desert area, numerous colorful lakes are born. It's hard to describe the feeling of driving for hours, crossing hundreds of kilometers of Gobi, and then suddenly a boundless expanse of azure sea appears before your eyes. ~ 🚘4-day 3-night travel route Day1⃣️ Land at Xining Airport ➡️ Qinghai Lake ➡️ Stay in Chaka Town Day2⃣️ Chaka Salt Lake ➡️ Dachaidan Emerald Lake ➡️ Stay in Dachaidan Town Day3⃣️ Qarhan Salt Lake ➡️ Water Yadan ➡️ Stay in Water Yadan Day4⃣️ Dongtaijiner Lake ➡️ Delingha Airport ~ 📷Recommended check-in spots Water Yadan Yadan landforms are quite common, but Water Yadan is truly a unique existence, with countless large and small Yadan scattered on the blue lake surface like warships in the sea. Dachaidan Emerald Lake There are dozens of different colors here, blue like the sea, green like emerald, yellow like amber. Qarhan Salt Lake The light green lake is also boundless, really feels like coming to the seaside for a holiday. Chaka Salt Lake This is a great place to see the mirror of the sky, when the weather is clear, the water surface can reflect the sky's reflection, as if walking in the clouds. Vertical mirror surface + reflection of the lake can form 3 avatars, very interesting. Dongtaijiner Lake The Chinese version of the Maldives that disappeared for 3 years has returned, the blue-green lake water is really healing. Qinghai Lake The azure lake water, flocks of seagulls, thought I had come to some island. Really amazed by the vitality of nature, in the vast expanse next door, so many colorful lives are nurtured.

The Moments are going crazy | It's not abroad | It's the great Northwest

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When it comes to the great Northwest, the first thing that comes to mind is the arid and rainless Gobi Desert. Then, in such an extremely arid desert area, numerous colorful lakes are born. It's hard to describe the feeling when, after driving for hours and crossing hundreds of kilometers of Gobi, a boundless blue sea suddenly appears before your eyes. ~ 🚘4-day 3-night travel route Day1⃣️ Land at Xining Airport ➡️ Qinghai Lake ➡️ Stay in Chaka Town Day2⃣️ Chaka Salt Lake ➡️ Dachaidan Emerald Lake ➡️ Stay in Dachaidan Town Day3⃣️ Chaka Salt Lake ➡️ Water Yadan ➡️ Stay in Water Yadan Day4⃣️ Dongtaijiner Lake ➡️ Delingha Airport ~ 📷Recommended check-in spots 1⃣️Water Yadan Yadan landforms are quite common, but Water Yadan is truly a unique existence, with countless large and small Yadan scattered on the blue lake surface like warships in the sea. 2⃣️Dachaidan Emerald Lake There are dozens of different colors here, blue like the sea, green like emerald, yellow like amber. 3⃣️Chaka Salt Lake The light green lake is also boundless, really like going on a seaside holiday. 4⃣️Chaka Salt Lake This is a great place to see the 'Mirror of the Sky', where the water reflects the sky's reflection on a clear day, as if walking in the clouds. 5⃣️Dongtaijiner Lake The 'Maldives of China' that disappeared for 3 years has returned, and the blue-green lake water is really healing. 6⃣️Qinghai Lake The blue lake water, flocks of seagulls, you would think you've arrived at some island. ~ It's really amazing how nature's vitality has nurtured so many colorful lakes in the vast expanse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Truly the number one salt lake in Asia! This trip was totally worth it!!!

👋 Hello, fairies! Did you know? I recently went to a super beautiful place, it felt like I stepped into a dreamy world! 📍 This place is the Chaka Salt Lake! It's known as the 'Mirror of the Sky', because when you stand by the lake, the water reflects the entire sky, making you feel as if you are in a huge mirror! 🌅 The day I went there, the sunlight was just right, the lake was shimmering, and it was so beautiful that it took my breath away! Moreover, there were salt sculptures and salt flowers on the lake surface, each piece seemed like a work of art from nature, making you want to stop and appreciate them carefully. 🚗 Besides the scenery, there are lots of fun activities at Chaka Salt Lake! I tried 'salt stepping', and that feeling was really amazing, like walking in the clouds! 🍃 There, I also met a group of like-minded friends, we explored together, took photos, and left behind many wonderful memories. 💖 Overall, Chaka Salt Lake is a place that's definitely worth visiting! If you also love nature and beautiful scenery, then you must not miss this place!

China's largest salt lake

Chaerhan Salt Lake, located in the western part of Qinghai Province, is the largest salt lake in China. It is as famous as Chaka Salt Lake and is situated in the southern part of the Qaidam Basin, spanning across the city of Golmud and Dulan County. Chaerhan Salt Lake is formed by the convergence of several salt pools, including Dabusun Lake, South Hobson, North Hobson, and Senie, covering a total area of 5,856 square kilometers. Several endorheic rivers such as the Golmud River and the Qaidam River flow into the lake. Due to constant evaporation, a hard salt crust has formed on the lake, and both the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are built directly on this salt crust. Chaerhan Salt Lake contains an abundance of inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride, with total reserves exceeding 50 billion tons, making it one of China's mining bases. It features the famous 'Salt Bridge' that stretches for miles. 'Chaerhan Salt Lake' is a Mongolian term meaning 'salt marsh' or 'world of salt'. The salt lake is the lowest and most central area of the Qaidam Basin, and it is also the largest soluble potash and magnesium salt deposit in China, a famous inland salt lake in the world, the second-largest salt lake in the world, and the king of Asian salt lakes. Taking photos at Chaerhan is really great 👀 Travel Tips Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, but car rental and buses are also options. About photography: Inside, there are swings, a white piano, and a starry sky house ( Be sure to visit on a sunny day for the best view of the water color, and remember to prepare for sun protection with a sun hat and sunglasses. Location Chaerhan Town, Golmud City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province

Golmud's second stop - Chaka Salt Lake

"Chaka" is Mongolian, meaning "King of Salt Lakes". The salt lake is formed by the sedimentation of ancient seabed minerals. Once Qinghai was a vast ocean, but as the earth's crust changed, the terrain around the sea area kept rising until the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was formed, and the seabed minerals became today's dry salt lake - Chaka Salt Lake. Chaka Salt Lake is the lowest and most central area of the Qaidam Basin, and it is the largest soluble potash-magnesium salt deposit in China, the first in Asia, and the second largest salt lake in the world. The climate of Chaka Salt Lake is hot and dry, with long sunshine hours, and the evaporation is 2 to 3 times the precipitation. The climate has created a magical landscape, where the entire surface of the salt lake looks like freshly tilled fertile soil, with fish-scale-like ripples rolling to the horizon. Due to the concentration of brine, different salt fields have different water colors, and even the same salt field can vary, presenting different colors under the sun in the morning, noon, and evening. The Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Qinghai-Tibet Railway pass through the salt lake, with the roadbed entirely paved with salt, stretching 32 kilometers, known as the 'Salt Bridge of Ten Thousand Zhang' and 'Steel Rainbow'. On the high-speed train from Xining to Golmud, one can first glimpse the vastness of Chaka Salt Lake. The second stop in Golmud is to visit the Salt Lake Museum, followed by a direct bus ride to the central scenic area of the salt lake, with only 40 minutes reserved. If you are a free traveler, be sure to leave plenty of time, at least 3 hours or more, and remember to wear bright and flowing clothes for good-looking photos. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Due to our tight schedule, we took a round-trip electric car for 30 yuan. If you have a tour guide with an itinerary, remember to open the ticket at the entrance of the scenic area to waive the electric car fee. If you are short on time, it is recommended to take a one-way electric car to the deepest part first, then take photos along the way as you walk out. Business hours: April 1st to June 30th 8:30--18:30 July 1st to October 31st 8:00--20:00

Chaka Salt Lake, the most beautiful salt lake in the Great Northwest, is stunningly beautiful

✨If you love the scenery of salt lakes 👋🏻 then Chaka Salt Lake will definitely not disappoint you · 💚Chaka Salt Lake The lake is vast and white as snow It's as big as 55 Chaka Salt Lakes It is the second largest salt lake in the world and the largest in China! · 📍Location: Chaka Town, Golmud City, Qinghai Province 🕓Opening hours: 8:00-20:00 🎫Ticket price: 100 yuan per person · 🗓️Best time to visit From June to October each year, during this period the climate is mild and the sunshine is plentiful, you can enjoy the beautiful lake water and the surrounding scenery, especially in autumn, when the lake dries up and forms a red salt layer, which is very spectacular! · ✈️Travel guide Take high-speed train/train/plane to Xining first, then drive or charter a car to Chaka Salt Lake (no public transportation), it is recommended to take a trip on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, along the way there are plateaus, snow mountains, lakes, yardangs, grasslands, deserts... The scenery along the way is colorful, like God's palette overturned~ · ✨Main attractions✨ · 💚The Salt Bridge A natural road made entirely of salt, with a length of 32km and a thickness of 15-18 meters, this is the best place to view the entire salt lake, with breathtaking scenery! · 💚Dream Island Located in the center of the salt lake, the island has various shapes of pianos, swings, exposed salt flowers and other landscapes, where you can take many beautiful photos, and there are starry sky rooms on the island for experience, at night you can enjoy the starry sky and lake light · 💚The Ship of Salt The iconic landscape of Chaka Salt Lake, the shape of the ship is made of salt crystals, like a huge ship sailing on the salt lake, very attractive · 🔖Notice 📌The sunlight reflection on the salt lake is very strong, pay attention to sun protection and eye protection 📌Do not step on or damage the salt layer at will, protect this natural wonder! 📌Chaka Salt Lake is located at an altitude of 2670 meters on the plateau, there may be altitude sickness, pay attention to proper rest and hydration~ · 🚙Recommended itinerary D1: Xining → Qilian Grassland → Zhuoer Mountain → Qilian County D2: Qilian → Sui-Qi Highway → Zhangye Danxia National Geopark → Jiayuguan City D3: Jiayuguan → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town D5: Dachaidan → Water Yardang → U-shaped Highway → Golmud City D6: Golmud City → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town D7: Chaka Town → Nanshan Panorama → Qinghai Lake → Xining

Golmud Chaka Salt Lake

Have you ever seen a salt lake lying quietly under the highland sun? Vast and profound, the pure and crystalline salt lake shimmers with enchanting colors, stretching to the horizon, boundless. Against the backdrop of a dreamy blue, it appears like a mysterious fairyland, dreamlike and illusory.

the Chaka Salt Lake Guarded by the ancestor of all mountains

The 'Kunlun Mountains' reflect the sky, stretching into the boundless desert. From west to east, there are four continuous sections: Bele Beach, Dabuxun, Chaka, and Hobson, collectively known as the Chaka Salt Lake. As the heart of Qaidam, the beauty of Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake captivates everyone, and as the 'Supreme Salt Lake in China,' its fame is widespread. The lake is surrounded by the highland spectacle of salt flowers, pure white as snow and crystal clear as jade; on ordinary days, it resembles a vast and boundless emerald sea. In the evening, under the glow of the sunset, it appears as if the sky and the water merge in a mist of clouds and rosy light. At midnight, the sky is filled with little stars, each trying its best to blend its speck of light with the others. Though not as brilliant as the sun or as clear as the moon, this dreamlike light sprinkles over the lake surface, stirring in people the desire to explore in this silent and boundless space. Source: Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area

Please bring me a glass of green apple juice

📍 QingHai·Golmud·Chaka Salt Lake It is said to be the tears left by deities in the human world, as if walking into a dream, unable to distinguish whether it's salt crystals or snow...

The Pearl of the Great Northwest - A Guide to Visiting the Chaka Salt Lake!

🤩There is such a stunning salt lake in the Great Northwest - the dreamy Chaka Salt Lake! It's incredibly beautiful! 😉If you love the scenery of salt lakes, Chaka Salt Lake will definitely not disappoint you! 🌊This vast salt lake, white as snow, is comparable in size to 55 Chaka Salt Lakes, making it the second largest in the world and the largest in China without a doubt! 📍It is located in Chaka Town, Golmud City, Qinghai Province. The opening hours are 8:00-20:00, and the ticket price is 100 yuan per person. 🎈The best time to visit is from June to October every year🤗, when the climate is pleasant, the sun is abundant, and the beautiful scenery is in full view. Especially in autumn, the dried-up lake bed forms a red salt layer, which is spectacular! 🚗For transportation, first get to Xining, then drive or charter a car to Chaka Salt Lake (there is no public transportation). Why not take a trip around the Qinghai-Gansu loop, with plateaus, snow-capped mountains, lakes, yardangs, grasslands, deserts... a colorful landscape like a palette overturned by God! 👀Main attractions include: 🛣The Salt Bridge: A naturally formed salt road, 32km long and 15-18 meters thick, is an excellent place to view the salt lake. 🤩Dream Island: A small island in the center of the lake with pianos, swings, and beautiful salt flowers. The starry sky rooms on the island are a major highlight, where you can enjoy the starry sky and the lake light at night. 👉The Ship of Salt: A symbolic landscape, the boat-shaped salt crystals are like a giant wheel sailing on the salt lake. 📋Notes: ☀The sunlight reflection on the salt lake is strong, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and your eyes. 🚫Do not step on or damage the salt layer at will, and protect the natural wonder. 🤒Located in a high-altitude area, you may experience altitude sickness, so be sure to rest and hydrate appropriately. 🎊Recommended itinerary: D1: Xining → Qilian Grassland → Zhuoer Mountain → Qilian County D2: Qilian → Sui-Qi Highway → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Jiayuguan City D3: Jiayuguan → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town D5: Dachaidan → Water Yardang → U-shaped Highway → Golmud City D6: Golmud City → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town D7: Chaka Town → Nanshan Panorama → Qinghai Lake → Xining

Traveling the Qinghai-Tibet Loop during the off-season, you can avoid 80% of the pitfalls by 8 PM

September to November is the off-season in Qinghai and Gansu, with fewer people around. During this time, you can spend 8 days and 7 nights entering the Qinghai-Gansu region to deeply explore its natural beauty. Although Qinghai and Gansu are beautiful, it's still necessary to do your homework before going. Remember these 20 points to avoid 80% of the pitfalls on the Qinghai-Gansu loop: 1. The northwest region is vast, located on the plateau, and many places are still undeveloped with inconvenient transportation. It is recommended to carpool or charter a car. 2. Look for businesses with proper qualifications, be discerning, and beware of price traps. 3. The signal is not good, download maps in advance. 4. The temperature drops quickly, so it's advised to wear thick clothes. 5. When you first arrive in Qinghai, don't run or jump, and avoid extreme emotions, which can exacerbate altitude sickness. 6. Sunglasses are a must, not just for show, as the sun can be blinding. 7. The water in scenic lakes is clear but should not be consumed directly, as untreated, it contains elements harmful to the body. 8. The journey will pass through uninhabited areas, so prepare some food in advance (ham, compressed biscuits, coarse grain rice balls). 9. Hotel conditions along the way are limited, those with high accommodation standards can prepare some disposable items. 10. Normally, there won't be severe altitude sickness, but individual physical conditions vary, so it's wise to have some medicine on hand in case of emergencies. 11. Prepare strong hydrating skincare products, neglecting protection could lead to skin peeling. 12. Don't drive in unfamiliar terrain! It's really easy to get lost. 13. Don't wash your hair too often, be careful of catching a cold and triggering altitude sickness. 14. Don't stop to take photos on the roadside, as you may be charged. 15. Make sure to use the restroom, because you don't know when you'll have the next opportunity. 16. Don't trust navigation too much, ask locals for directions. 17. Sunscreen essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen spray (SPF 30 or higher), parasol, sunscreen, sun hat, etc. 18. Clothing to bring: jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, raincoat, jeans. 19. ID card, bank card, a small amount of cash, support for Alipay payments. 20. Don't take photos in the middle of the highway, don't climb mountains, don't trust strangers, safety first. Qinghai-Gansu 8-Day Loop Itinerary The best choice is a comfortable business car that allows you to stretch your legs, and you can bring luggage at will. The 8-day journey is about 2700 kilometers, so comfort is very important. D1. Xining airport/train station pick-up D2. Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka—Delingha D3. Delingha—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D4. Dachaidan—U-shaped Internet-famous road—Water Yadan—Xitaijiner Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D5. Dachaidan—Emerald Lake—Boluo Transfer Well (petroleum town)—Dunhuang D6. Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (overnight in Dunhuang) D7. Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan Fort—Zhangye Danxia—Zhangye Danxia (overnight stay) D8. Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grassland—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower—Daban Mountain—Heiquan Reservoir—Xining