Northwest Grand Loop | 7-Day Qinghai-Dunhuang Travel Guide

🔥 Taking advantage of the off-season, I've reorganized the Northwest travel guide! ✅ No detours in the itinerary, food recommendations, scenic spot reservations, transportation, and accommodations—all packed with details. If you're planning to visit the Northwest between June and August, the 7-day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is a must! Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and lakes all in one trip, perfect for stunning photos. Plus, enjoy grilled skewers and hand-grabbed rice. Check out the guide below 👇 -- Average temperature (June-August): 10°C–25°C Spring and summer clothing combinations are recommended, but due to the large temperature difference on the plateau, it's best to bring a jacket for mornings and evenings 🙋 Tips: Gansu has a lower altitude, and its temperature is 4–10°C higher than Qinghai. -- 📈 Itinerary: D1⃣ Xining—Sun and Moon Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka D2⃣ Chaka—Small Chaidamu Lake—Chaerhan Salt Lake—Big Chaidamu D3⃣ Big Chaidamu—U-shaped Highway—Water Yadan—Big Chaidamu D4⃣ Big Chaidamu—Emerald Lake—Black Mountain—Dunhuang D5⃣ Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake—Dunhuang D6⃣ Dunhuang—Son of the Earth—Rainbow Danxia—Zhangye D7⃣ Zhangye—Qilian Grassland—Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields—Xining -- 🔥 Highlighted Attractions 🏞 📌 Qinghai Lake 🌊: The largest inland saltwater lake in China, with crystal-clear blue waters. It's an ideal spot for enjoying natural scenery and observing bird migrations. 📌 Chaka Salt Lake 🌈: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," its surface reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a dreamlike experience. 📌 Zhangye Rainbow Danxia 🌄: Vibrant and layered, resembling a spilled palette of colors on the earth. It's one of Gansu's iconic attractions. 📌 Jiayuguan 🏰: The westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall, historically known as the "Throat of Hexi." It was a key transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road. 📌 Dunhuang Mogao Caves 🕍: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving exquisite murals and sculptures that offer insights into ancient Buddhist art. -- 【Travel Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】 1⃣ The Northwest has a dry climate and strong UV rays, so stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun! 2⃣ Qinghai and Gansu cuisine is heavy in flavor, mainly salty and spicy, with a focus on noodles. Stir-fried dishes often have Sichuan-style flavors. 3⃣ The typical route has mild altitude sickness, usually around 2,500–3,000 meters, so there's no need to worry. 4⃣ Xining is often chosen as the starting point, with convenient flights and trains from across the country. 5⃣ Many attractions require walking, so wear comfortable sneakers. 6⃣ Avoid bathing or intense physical activity 🏃‍♂ when you first arrive in the Northwest to prevent altitude sickness. 7⃣ The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack summer clothes 👗 along with a windbreaker and warm jacket. 8⃣ Bring some snacks for the journey, as the vast area means meal times can be irregular. 9⃣ Transportation options in the Northwest are limited to self-driving, car rentals, shared rides, or group tours. Public transportation is not convenient due to the region's vastness. -- Food Recommendations 🍽 Qinghai 🌶: Cold noodles 🍜, hand-grabbed lamb 🍖, Qinghai yogurt 🥛 Gansu 🥟: Donkey meat yellow noodles 🥡, lamb soup 🍲—try them at local snack streets. -- 💔 Important Notes‼️‼️‼️ ✅ Bring your ID card and student ID (for half-price tickets at attractions). ✅ The high altitude may cause mild altitude sickness for some; carry glucose and altitude sickness medication. ✅ Wear sneakers or boots to avoid sand getting in. ✅ Respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of dietary differences and prepare stomach remedies if needed.