Northwest Travel Essentials

The romance of Northwest China lies in the azure of Qinghai Lake, the mirror-like reflection of Chaka Salt Lake, the sunset camel bells of Mingsha Mountain, and the colorful hues of Zhangye Danxia. This "Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop" connects Qinghai and Gansu, allowing you to unlock all these wonders in one trip. Packing List: ▪ Documents: ID card + student ID (Half-price tickets save money for milk tea!) 📚 ▪ Clothing: T-shirts + windbreaker (big temperature difference between day and night!) 🧥 Bright scarves/skirts for stunning photos 📸 ▪ Sun protection trio: SPF50+ sunscreen + 🕶 sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat (strong UV rays!) ▪ High-altitude essentials: Glucose oral solution + motion sickness patches 💊 (some bumpy road sections) 🚗【Transportation Guide】 Major transportation: ✈ Flying to Xining Caojiabao Airport is the most convenient. If transiting through Lanzhou, it takes 3 hours by high-speed train or bus 🚂. If you have time, you can opt for a train ride, which offers scenic views but takes longer. Local transportation: Highly recommend renting a car! 💰 Drivers are familiar with the routes and can take you to lesser-known spots. Beginners should avoid self-driving as some sections are bumpy, and long-distance driving can be exhausting. Public transportation has limited schedules, so avoid it if you're in a hurry. Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Water Yadan-Chaka Salt Lake Seven-Day Grand 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 Spring---Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City---via Jiayuguan---Zhangye Rainbow Mountains---Zhangye (overnight) Day 7: Zhangye---Qilian Mountain Grassland---Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)---Xining (end) 🌟【Must-Visit Attractions】 Qinghai Lake: The largest saltwater lake in China, surrounded by rapeseed flowers in July and August! Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," perfect for portrait photography! Wear light-colored dresses and go barefoot (shoe covers available for rent at the site). The best lighting is around 10 AM. Please protect the environment and avoid littering. Dunhuang Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site! Book A-class tickets in advance on the official website (includes 8 caves + digital movie). Listen to the guides tell the stories behind the murals—it's truly awe-inspiring! Zhangye Danxia: Colors are most vibrant after rain! Watch the sunset from Observation Deck 4. The colorful hills resemble a spilled paint palette, and drone photography captures stunning shots! 💡【Useful Tips】 🌷 The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop covers long distances, and toilets are scarce along the way. Drink less water and prepare in advance. 🌷 Some areas have high altitudes. Avoid strenuous activities and immediate bathing upon arrival to prevent altitude sickness. If symptoms occur, oxygen can help alleviate them. 🌷 When taking photos on the U-shaped Highway, ensure safety and avoid standing in the middle of the road. Vehicles pass by quickly, posing a risk. 🌷 Drone photography at Water Yadan better showcases its unique "fleet on the sea" landforms. 🌷 Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are at high altitudes with low temperatures. Even in summer, it's recommended to bring warm clothing. 🌷 Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Dress appropriately when entering temples and avoid taking random photos. Northwest Travel Tips: 1⃣ Arrive in Xining one day early to acclimate to the high-altitude climate. 2⃣ Watching the sunrise at Qinghai Lake requires an early start. The lakeside is windy, so bring a jacket. 3⃣ Wear sandals at Chaka Salt Lake; shoe covers are available for rent inside the scenic area. 4⃣ Mogao Caves tickets need to be booked 15 days in advance (A-class tickets include 8 caves). 5⃣ Desert areas have large temperature differences between day and night, so a light down jacket is essential.