Detailed 7-Day 6-Night Travel Guide for the Qinghai-Gansu Loop

🌸 The Northwest is home to countless attractions, but these 5A-rated destinations are must-visits that many travelers often overlook 😖😖 🍃 This summer, make sure to visit the Northwest to experience the boundless grasslands 🌿, the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake 🏞, the sea of rapeseed flowers 🌸 in Menyuan, and the renowned Mogao Caves... 👉 Essential Packing List ✔ Sun Protection Essentials: The high-altitude UV rays are intense! Items like arm sleeves, face masks, and sunglasses are more effective than sunscreen. ✔ Windproof Jacket: The winds by Qinghai Lake are so strong they’ll make you question life! Bring a windbreaker or lightweight down jacket. ✔ Hydration Must-Haves: The Northwest is so dry it might cause nosebleeds! Lip balm, facial mist, and face masks are essential. ✔ Photo Gear: Bright-colored dresses (red/yellow are photogenic), drones (perfect for aerial shots of the salt lake), and sand-proof phone cases. ✔ Altitude Sickness Medication: While the altitude isn’t extremely high, mild altitude sickness may occur around Qinghai Lake. ---- Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Yadan 7-Day Loop: Day 1: Xining ---- Riyue Mountain ---- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ---- Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka ---- Emerald Lake ---- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan ---- U-shaped Highway ---- Water Yadan ---- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan ---- Heidushan ---- Oil Town ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang ---- Mogao Caves (Best to book tickets for around 9 AM) ---- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City ---- via Jiayuguan ---- Zhangye Rainbow Mountains ---- Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye ---- Qilian Grasslands ---- Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View) ---- Xining (End) --- 🚗 Travel Options ✅ Self-Drive: Qinghai’s attractions are spread out, requiring thorough planning. Not recommended for inexperienced drivers. ✅ Car Rental/Shared Ride: A cost-effective and flexible option. You can stop wherever you like. Find a reliable travel agency for convenience. ✅ Group Tours: A hassle-free and affordable way to travel. No need to plan extensively, just enjoy the trip. ⛅ Transportation Tips To save time and reduce travel fatigue, flying is the best option for reaching the Northwest. Airports like Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and Xining Caojiabao Airport offer convenient connections to city centers and other destinations. ❣ If you want to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, group tours or car rentals are ideal. ⭕ Driving along the highways allows you to gradually experience the transition from plains to highlands, from lush greenery to barren landscapes, and adapt to the unique environment of the Northwest. 🔻 For instance, starting from Xining and heading towards Dunhuang, the scenery outside the window unfolds like a breathtaking movie. 🔥 Hidden Gems ① Use a drone at Emerald Lake to capture "Earth’s Heart." ② Wear a spacesuit at Ebo Liang for "Mars"-themed photos. ③ Take ethereal photos in Dunhuang inspired by the Flying Apsaras. ④ Pose with lambs in Qilian Grasslands. ⚠ Travel Tips ❗ Menyuan’s flower season is highly dependent on temperature; check real-time updates before departure. ❗ The entire route has an altitude of around 3000m; avoid strenuous activities. ❗ Zhangye Rainbow Mountains stop admitting visitors after 7:00 PM. ❗ Upon arrival in Qinghai, rest adequately, avoid smoking and drinking, and stay hydrated to quickly adapt to the high-altitude environment. 🌈 The Northwest in June and July is serene and majestic, offering a perfect opportunity to explore nature and yourself! Unlock your unique hidden gems now! ✨