7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Travel Itinerary

7 Days and 6 Nights Qinghai-Gansu Travel Guide｜Save this no-backtracking itinerary and pack some practical outfit tips in your suitcase. Get ready to capture stunning photos that will wow your friends on social media! --- ✅ Pre-Trip Checklist 🔺 Check the weather: Rainy days may affect your plans, so bring an umbrella. 🔺 Plan your itinerary: Map out your travel route in advance. 🔺 Book hotels: Reserve accommodations early for better prices. 🔺 Book flights/train tickets: Most trips start from Xining, with direct flights to Xining Caojiabao Airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Lanzhou, which often offers cheaper fares. 🔺 Before leaving: Turn off water, electricity, and gas; lock doors and windows; and take out the trash. --- Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Chaka Salt Lake 7-Day Loop: Day 1: Xining---Sun and Moon Mountain---Qinghai Lake (Heimahe)---Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka---Chaka Salt Lake---Golmud (Overnight) Day 3: Golmud---U-shaped Highway---Water Yadan---Dachaidan Emerald Lake (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan---Black Mountain---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 Mountains Grassland---Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)---Xining (End of trip) --- Qinghai-Gansu Attractions Collection: 💛 Xining: Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, Dongguan Mosque 💜 Chaka: Chaka Salt Lake, Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area 💙 Dachaidan: Emerald Lake, South Eight Immortals Yadan Landform, Small Chaidan Lake 💚 Dunhuang: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake, Yangguan Pass, Shazhou Night Market 🧡 Zhangye: Rainbow Mountains, Binggou Danxia, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, Giant Buddha Temple ⚠️ Northwest Travel Tips: 🔺 Book tickets in advance: Mogao Caves have limited entry; same-day tickets are hard to get. 🔺 Beware of fake tickets: Only buy from official sources; avoid scalpers. 🔺 Be cautious with camel rides: Confirm duration and price to avoid mid-ride price hikes. 🔺 Bargain hard: Prices for local specialties are often inflated; start by halving the price. 🔺 Avoid cheap tours: They often include shopping traps; choose reputable pure travel tours. 🔺 Carry enough small change: Public toilets charge 1-2 RMB, and some areas lack signal. 🔺 Avoid overpriced meals: Check menu prices before dining near scenic spots. 🔺 Protect against sun and sand: Sunglasses and scarves are essential; sand in your eyes can be painful. 🔺 Don’t photograph herders’ sheep: You may be charged; observe from a distance. --- 💡 Pro Tips from Experience: ⚠️ Don’t panic about altitude sickness! Drink Rhodiola tea beforehand, stay hydrated, and avoid frequent showers. ⚠️ Big temperature differences between day and night! Bring a windbreaker and light down jacket. ⚠️ Carry chocolate & dark chocolate to prevent low blood sugar.