Explore the Ultimate 7-Day Pure Travel Guide for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

If you're looking for a must-visit destination during your vacation, the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in Northwest China is the place to go! Desert 🏜️ starry skies, Emerald Salt Lake 🏞️, Rainbow Danxia 🌄... every spot is worth seeing. 👉 Many attractions in Northwest China are far apart, and transportation can be inconvenient. It's recommended to join a local pure travel group or opt for carpooling or private car rental for a more flexible and relaxed journey. 🧳 Essential Packing List 🔖 Documents: Student ID and other discount cards (save wherever you can!) 📱 Electronics: Phone, power bank, camera (clear your memory space!) 🧴 Essentials: Toiletries, high SPF sunscreen, hydrating face masks (the UV rays in Northwest China are intense!) 👗 Clothing: A light jacket is a must! The temperature difference between day and night is extreme. 🏜️ 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Itinerary 🎁 (Emerald Lake · Qarhan Salt Lake · Black Mountain · Dunhuang · Zhangye) 🔵 Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town 🔵 Day 2: Chaka - Crossing the Qaidam Basin - Qarhan Salt Lake - Golmud 🔵 Day 3: Golmud - U-shaped Highway - Dongtai Jinel Lake - Water Yadan - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan 🔵 Day 4: Dachaidan - Oil Town - Black Mountain - Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang 🔵 Day 5: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang 🔵 Day 6: Dunhuang - The Earth’s Son/Boundaryless - Passing Jiayuguan - Zhangye Rainbow Danxia - Zhangye 🔵 Day 7: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (mid-July) - Xining 🏜️ Famous Attractions in Qinghai-Gansu 📌 1. Qinghai Lake: The largest inland lake in China, with stunning lake views and blooming rapeseed flowers in July and August. 📌 Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," its surface reflects the sky beautifully. 📌 Emerald Lake: The lake's green and blue waters resemble gemstones embedded in the earth. 📌 Zhangye Rainbow Danxia: Vibrant colors and layered formations, breathtaking at sunset. 📌 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: A unique desert spectacle where sand dunes coexist with a crescent-shaped spring. 📌 Mogao Caves: A treasure trove of Buddhist art, featuring exquisite murals and sculptures. 📌 Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers: In mid to late July, vast golden flower fields stretch for miles. Travel Tips for Qinghai-Gansu 🔎 The UV rays are strong, and the temperature difference between day and night is significant. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun and adjust clothing accordingly. 🔎 Some hotels and guesthouses may not provide toiletries, so it's better to bring your own. 🔎 Prepare 1-2 fully charged power banks before your trip. Taking photos drains battery quickly, and charging stations may not always be available. 🔎 When exploring the desert, keep your valuables and camera equipment safe to avoid damage from shifting sands. 🔎 Water Yadan is stunning, but the full view can't be seen from outside. Opt for the sightseeing bus to reach the best spots for panoramic views. ⚠ Northwest Travel Precautions 1⃣ Bring your own toiletries for better hygiene. 2⃣ Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! It's crucial! 3⃣ Stock up on snacks and water 🚰 before entering uninhabited areas. 4⃣ Don’t panic about altitude sickness! Avoid strenuous activities and adapt gradually.