Northwest China Family Travel Guide: Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

🔥 Qinghai is at its peak travel season from June to August. While most parts of the country are experiencing scorching heat, Xining, known as the "Summer Capital," enjoys its most comfortable weather, making it a great destination for escaping the summer heat. 🉑️【Traveling with Kids in Northwest China: Choosing Transportation】 The recommended travel method: Car rental 💯 ✅ For family trips, renting a car is highly recommended as it offers both comfort and flexibility. ✅ Choose spacious car models for better comfort (recommended models: SUVs, seven-seater vans, off-road vehicles, etc.). This route can be quite tiring, with most of the time spent in the car. For trips with kids, selecting a comfortable vehicle is essential. 🚗【Advantages of Car Rental】 ✅ No need to worry about planning the itinerary; enjoy full-service travel. ✅ Offers freedom similar to self-driving, allowing stops and detours as desired. ✅ Option to include a drone for aerial photography, capturing memorable photos and videos. ✅ Customizable routes based on personal preferences. Recommended Reverse Route Ping Shan Lake, Yulin Grottoes, Water Yadan Eight-Day Tour Day 1: Xining → Biandukou → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye (overnight stay) Day 2: Zhangye → Ping Shan Lake Grand Canyon → Jiayuguan Day 3: Jiayuguan → Yulin Grottoes → Suoyang City → Earth Sculpture → Dunhuang (overnight stay) Day 4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves (best to book for around 9 AM) → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang City (overnight stay) Day 5: Dunhuang → Oil Town → Black Mountain → Dachaidan (overnight stay) Day 6: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway → Dongtai Jinel Lake → Water Yadan → Dachaidan Day 7: Dachaidan → Crossing Qaidam Basin → Chaka (overnight stay) Day 8: Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) → Riyue Mountain → Xining (end of trip) Benefits of Reverse Travel Starting from Xining, travel through Gansu first, then Qinghai: 👉 Xining → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang → Emerald Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake → Xining Why take this route? 1. Gansu has lower altitudes, generally around 1500–1600 meters, which helps avoid altitude sickness, making it ideal for families with kids and elderly members. 🧒【Tips for Traveling with Kids in Northwest China】 1️⃣ This route is considered an entry-level highland route with relatively low altitudes. Altitude sickness is rare, and children generally adapt to high altitudes better than adults, so there’s no need to worry excessively. 2️⃣ Regardless of the month, Qinghai experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. Be sure to bring a warm jacket. 3️⃣ Northwest cuisine is primarily beef and lamb, with spicy flavors that many kids may not enjoy. It’s advisable to pack some snacks and fruits that your children like. 4️⃣ The Northwest has strong UV rays and dry weather, so ensure proper sun protection for your kids. ㊙️【Unique Experiences】 ✅ Let your kids enjoy horseback riding on the grasslands. ✅ Camel rides in the desert 🐫 ✅ Experience the unique sound of singing sands in the desert (a private and exclusive spot, as the Mingsha Mountain scenic area no longer offers this experience). It’s truly breathtaking. ✅ Watch "Encore Dunhuang" to give kids a vivid understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the Mogao Caves. ✅ Enjoy romantic fireworks under the starry sky 🎆