3 days 2 nights, complete guide to the lesser-known secret of Longyangxia in Qinghai

Desert on the left, emerald lake on the right, listen to the Yellow River roar from the cliff Life is vast, and so should be your freedom This is not the Norwegian fjords, this is Longyangxia on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Itinerary plan👉🏻 Day1️⃣: Xining → Longyang Grand Canyon (cliff plank road + boat exploration) → check in at Hongliu Manor Day2️⃣: Longyang Lake Desert → Longyangxia Dam → Earth Forest Geological Park → Dangjia Temple Day3️⃣: Lakeside sunrise → salmon feast → return trip 📸 Must-visit spots ✅ Longyang Grand Canyon | Dual perspectives to unlock the "Colorado of China" - Cliff sightseeing: 8 km cliff plank road overlooking the canyon, Yellow River emerald green like jade! The best photo spot is the "Pillar of Heaven" viewing platform, with a stunning 600-meter drop, and wild ibexes occasionally appear 🐑~ (arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds) - Boat exploration: take a boat deep into the 33 km canyon, see the strange rocks "Four Holy Men on a Pilgrimage" and "Game Peak," the narrowest part is only 60 meters! Choose the upper deck for photos, remember to bring a windbreaker ✅ Longyang Lake × Desert | "Half water, half flame" Take a 1-hour boat ride to the uninhabited desert area on the west bank, golden sand dunes + deep blue lake in one frame! Great for desert photography, collecting colorful pebbles, the scene where sand meets lake is absolutely stunning ✅ Longyangxia Dam: climb the viewing platform to see the "First Dam of the Yellow River" (178 meters high), feel the marvel of human engineering, with mighty water mist during flood season! ✅ Earth Forest Geological Park | China’s Colorado 50 km of continuous earth forest! Hike the plank road to check in at "Divine Camel Asking Buddha" and "Natural Bridge," recommended to visit after 4 PM when the light gilds the red colors, creating a magical effect ✅ Dangjia Temple | Millennium-old temple on the cliff A Tibetan Nyingma sect temple, with solemn red, white, and gold Tibetan-style architecture. 📸 Take photos from the hill behind the temple of the "Padmasambhava statue + panoramic view of Longyang Lake," full of sacred vibes! 🍣 Salmon freedom Longyangxia is the hometown of domestic salmon. Raised in 2600-meter snow-fed waters, a paradise for sashimi lovers Highly recommend having a "whole salmon feast" in Longyangxia to unlock various ways to enjoy salmon and experience the joy of salmon freedom 🏡 Stay | Hongliu Manor lakeside guesthouse ✨ Same as featured in Running Man! Filming location in 2020, facing Longyang Lake, choose the "lake view standard room," open the window to emerald waves~ -Tips: Remember to book early during peak season 💡 Practical tips 🚗 Transportation: 2 hours self-drive from Xining (Jingzang Expressway → Xidao Road), or take a bus from Xining Bus Station to Longyangxia Town (3 hours / limited schedules) 🎫 Tickets: Canyon + boat ¥180, Earth Forest ¥80, Dangjia Temple free ⚠️ Altitude 2700 meters+, bring oxygen canisters to prevent altitude sickness, large temperature differences on the plateau! Bring a thick jacket even in summer