Must-Read: A Local's Late-Night Guide to a 6-Day, 5-Night Qinghai-Gansu Trip

Planning a trip to Northwest China? Check this out! Without proper planning, it's easy to fall into tourist traps. Here's a practical guide to Northwest China that I stayed up late to compile 📖. Follow this as a beginner, and you won't get lost! - Top Attractions Revealed Sun and Moon Mountain 🌄: This is where Princess Wencheng looked back at her homeland. It was not only the border between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo but also a significant natural geographical boundary in China. Qinghai Lake 💙: Known as the "Blue Jewel of the Plateau," it is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. Jiayuguan 🏰: A historical transportation hub on the Silk Road, full of historical significance! Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake 🌙: Shaped like a crescent moon, this is the largest spring lake in the Dunhuang area and one of China's four major desert landscapes. Oil Town 🎬: Once bustling, this mysterious town was a filming location for the movie "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe." - 👗 Outfit Tips Grasslands 🌱: White or light-colored dresses, short skirts, or denim styles are perfect for photos. Lakeside 💧: Flowing long dresses look great in photos! If you're worried about the cold, a windbreaker is also a good choice. Desert 🏜️: Strappy dresses and trendy outfits stand out! But remember, the desert has strong UV rays, so don't forget your sunscreen. Rainbow Danxia 🌈: Solid colors or Morandi-style outfits can create stunning exotic photos. - 🚗 Suggested Itineraries Qinghai-Gansu + Heidushan 6-Day Grand Loop DAY 1: Xining—Sun and Moon Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka Town (overnight) DAY 2: Chaka Town—(crossing) Qaidam Basin—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dachaidan Town (overnight) DAY 3: Dachaidan Town—Heidushan—Silk Road Heritage City—Dunhuang (overnight) DAY 4: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake—Dunhuang (overnight) DAY 5: Dunhuang—(passing) Jiayuguan Fortress—Rainbow Danxia—Zhangye (overnight) DAY 6: Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grasslands—Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields—Xining (end) - Popular Route: Qinghai Lake + Mogao Caves + Water Yadan Itinerary DAY 1: Xining—Laji Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Delingha (overnight) DAY 2: Delingha—National Highway 315 (U-shaped road)—Water Yadan—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dachaidan Town (overnight) DAY 3: Dachaidan Town—Heidushan—Yangguan Scenic Area—Dunhuang (overnight) DAY 4: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang City (overnight) DAY 5: Dunhuang—Jiayuguan Fortress—Rainbow Danxia Geological Park—Zhangye (overnight) DAY 6: Zhangye—Biandukou—Ebao—Qilian Grasslands—Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)—Xining (end) - 🏠 Accommodation Tips Near Chaka Town: Just a few kilometers from Chaka Salt Lake, it's a great spot to watch the sunset and sunrise. Most hotels here are affordable business inns. Near Dunhuang: Crescent Lake Farmhouse Guesthouse Street offers many options, as do nearby camping bases. Staying near Shazhou Night Market is also convenient. Near Danxia Town: A small town near the entrance of Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Scenic Area, within walking distance of the site. Near Zhangye City: Centered around Drum Tower, there are numerous hotels along the four main streets and the ring road, offering plenty of choices. - 💡 Northwest Travel Tips Car Rental for Self-Driving 🚗: Be sure to check the car's condition and confirm your route. Signal reception can be poor along the loop, so download offline maps in advance and avoid driving while tired. Cycling Around the Lake 🚲: Many sections are on national highways with fast-moving vehicles. Pay extra attention to traffic safety, especially large trucks. Cycling is generally not recommended during rainy or nighttime conditions for safety reasons. Grassland Exploration 🌱: Avoid wandering randomly on the grasslands, as many areas have marshes. Don't take risks trying to get close to lakes; safety is paramount. Photography at Chaka Salt Lake 📷: The best time for photos is during sunset in the afternoon, so don't miss this perfect opportunity!