In-Depth Travel Guide for the Gan-Qing Loop｜9 Days Exploring the Most Stunning Hidden Gems of Northwest China

Join me to unlock the ultimate romance of the Great Northwest!✨ This 9-day deep travel plan takes you to Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, 315 U-shaped Highway, Water Yadan, Eboliang Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Rainbow Mountains... witness the most breathtaking natural wonders of Northwest China! 🚗 Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake Morning: Depart from Xining → pass by Riyue Mountain (perfect for photos) → Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake Afternoon: Cycling/boat tour by Qinghai Lake (Ticket: 90 RMB) Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in Heimahe Town💫 Recommended to try yak meat hotpot 🚗 Day 2: Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Early morning: Sunrise at Qinghai Lake (absolutely stunning!) Morning: Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (Location: Wulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) Afternoon: Check in at the "Mirror of the Sky"📸 Essential: shoe covers & sunscreen Evening: Stay in a starry sky room in Chaka Town🌌 🚗 Day 3: Chaka → Dachaidan Emerald Lake Morning: Cross the Qaidam Basin (great highway scenery shots!) Afternoon: Visit Emerald Lake (Ticket: 50 RMB) with ever-changing water colors💚💙 🚗 Day 4: Dachaidan → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan Morning: Check out Qinghai’s most beautiful "Route 66" (photography safety first⚠️) Afternoon: Explore Water Yadan (Ticket: 60 RMB) – a wonder of half lake, half desert🔮 🚗 Day 5: Water Yadan → Oil Town → Eboliang Morning: Explore the abandoned oil town (super cyberpunk vibe) Afternoon: Eboliang Mars-like landform (recommended to cross by off-road vehicle🚙) 🚗 Day 6: Lenghu → Dunhuang Afternoon: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (Ticket: 110 RMB) Camel ride to watch the sunset Evening: Visit Dunhuang Night Market (must-try grilled lamb skewers🍢) 🚗 Day 7: Dunhuang All day: Mogao Caves (tickets must be booked 1 month in advance) deeply experience millennium-old mural art🎨 🚗 Day 8: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan Afternoon: Visit the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven (Ticket: 110 RMB) feel the heroic spirit of the frontier🏰 🚗 Day 9: Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains Afternoon: Best photo time at Zhangye Rainbow Mountains: 4-6pm🌈 Evening: Stay at a unique guesthouse in the scenic area 🚗 Day 10: Zhangye → Qilian Mountains → Xining All day: Cross the snow line of the Qilian Mountains⛰️ Stunning scenery all along the way! ✨ Travel Tips: 1️⃣ Sunscreen + hydration! The UV rays in the Northwest are very strong🌞 2️⃣ Prepare clothes for big temperature differences🧥 3️⃣ Bring some cash for emergencies💰 4️⃣ Remember to register drones in advance for filming📷