https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/dunhuang-8-129388519
Matthew CarmichaelUnited States

Northwest Grand Loop Travel Guide

Travel Guide for the Northwest Grand Loop🚗🌄 When you embark on the Northwest Grand Loop, you will experience the unique natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage of Northwest China📜. This is a safe and comprehensive beautiful scenic avenue that covers the highlights of Qinghai and Gansu, with a total length of about 2,000-3,000 kilometers. Are you ready? Let’s go together! First stop: Xining🏞️ Starting from Xining, you can first visit the Ta'er Monastery🏰, which is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Buddha statues, Buddhist culture and embroidery murals are shocking. Then we headed to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland lake in China. The lake is vast and boundless, like a sapphire inlaid on the plateau. By the lake, you can ride a bike around the lake 🚴‍♀️ and feel the gentle breeze from the lake, or you can take a boat tour around the lake 🛳️ and get close to this mysterious water. Second stop: Chaka Salt Lake🌅 After crossing the Rubber Mountain at an altitude of 3,000 meters, we arrived at Chaka Salt Lake, which is known as the "Mirror of the Sky"🌌. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, as if you are in a dream world. Here, you can take unique reflection images 📸 and leave unforgettable memories. The third stop: Da Qaidam and U-shaped road 🛣️ Entering the Qaidam Basin, the Emerald Lake in Da Qaidam is like emerald inlaid on the earth 💎, colorful and beautiful. Afterwards, you will drive on the most beautiful U-shaped road on National Highway G315. The road goes straight into the sky, giving people a strong visual impact. It is known as the Chinese version of Route 66🛣️. But be sure to pay attention to the passing vehicles ⚠️, safety first! Fourth stop: Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes🎨 Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes is a treasure of ancient Chinese art🎭. The murals and sculptures here all show the wisdom and talent of the ancient people. Here, you can feel the sedimentation and inheritance of thousands of years of culture, as if traveling through time and space and returning to that glorious era. The fifth stop: Zhangye Colorful Danxia🌈 Zhangye Colorful Danxia has attracted the attention of countless tourists with its unique colors and shapes👀. The Danxia landform is colorful, showing different magnificent scenery as the sun's light changes. Here, you can appreciate the wonders of nature and marvel at its magic and greatness. The sixth stop: Qilian Mountain Grassland🐎 Qilian Mountain Grassland is one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China🏞️. Here, you can see herds of cattle and sheep under the blue sky and white clouds, riding horses and waving whips, enjoying the vastness and freedom of the grassland. Tips💡: 1. The climate in the northwest region is changeable, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. Remember to bring a coat and other seasonal clothing🧥. 2. Sunscreen and sunglasses 🕶️ are must-haves. The northwest sun is scorching, so sun protection is very important. 3. Tickets for popular attractions such as Mogao Grottoes should be booked in advance to avoid a wasted trip. 4. Respect local culture and customs🙏 to avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. The Northwest Grand Loop, a route full of mystery and charm🛣️. It is not only a tourist route, but also a journey of spiritual baptism and growth🌱. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery 🏞️, taste authentic food 🍜, and feel the strong cultural atmosphere 🎭. Come and start your journey along the Northwest Grand Loop!
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*Created by local travelers and translated by AI.
Posted: Feb 19, 2025
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Mogao Grottoes

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Dunhuang
No.2 of Best Things to Do in Dunhuang
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