2026 Aksay Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

Traveling during the Lunar New Year? This 5-day itinerary to Dunhuang, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake will let you experience the beauty and mystery of Northwest China. Don't miss out! -- 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining Check into your hotel and get ready for an exciting journey! Day 2: Riyue Mountain - Erlangjian Scenic Area - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake Cross Riyue Mountain, explore Erlangjian, enjoy Qinghai Lake, and finally, get lost in the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake. Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area - Dangjin Mountain Experience the unique charm of Emerald Lake, then head to Dangjin Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 4: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Mingsha Mountain - Mogao Caves Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Spring, and visit the thousand-year-old art treasures of the Mogao Caves. Day 5: Leave Dunhuang and end your journey Return home with fond memories and look forward to seeing you again! 👋 -- Must-see attractions: - 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A miracle in the desert! Climb the sand dunes, overlook Crescent Spring, and marvel at the wonders of nature. - 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt here is whiter than snow, and the lake reflects the blue sky like a mirror. Wear bright clothes and take stunning photos! - 🎭 Mogao Caves: More than just murals and Buddha statues, the dome theater will take you back in time to experience the rich Buddhist culture. -- Travel essentials: 🧳 👕 Clothing: Bring a thick coat and long pants to keep warm and protect against the wind, as well as stylish and comfortable clothes like hoodies and denim jackets. 👟 Shoes: Boots are suitable for sandy areas and the Yadan landform, sneakers for everyday wear, and sandals for Mingsha Mountain. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must to protect against the sun and look stylish. Bring an umbrella to protect against the high-altitude UV rays. 💳 Documents and money: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential. Don't forget them! 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medicine are also recommended, just in case. 📱 Electronics: Phone, charger, and camera to record your wonderful journey! 🍞 Food and water: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy during the trip. It's important! -- 🚗 The beauty of Dunhuang, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the magic of Chaka Salt Lake are waiting for you to explore. We hope your trip to Northwest China is full of surprises!

🌺Checked in at the Oil Town, a town full of legendary colors, and it's also the filming location of the movie 'The Nine-Tiered Demon Tower'. 🌺This place is now a film and television base. I personally think it's a great place for shooting, with ruins, unfinished buildings, etc. It feels a bit like the desert map in the game 'PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds'. 🌺Once you're here, you'll definitely be attracted by the natural scenery. The unique Danxia landform and the vast Gobi desert make you feel like you're in another world. 🌺It's about 110 kilometers from Dunhuang City to Aksei Oil Town, and it takes about 2 hours. We first played on the Qinghai side, came up from Dachaidan, and it took about four to five hours by car. ⚠️Important!! The navigation address is not 'Oil Town' but 'Boluo Transfer Well'. 🌺I got a lot of cool photos from the nearby Danxia landform. Here, you can admire the spectacular rock formations and marvel at the wonders of nature. Taking pictures here feels so good, the sense of picture is super strong, don't miss this unique town, come on a memorable trip to the Oil Town! And you can also get a bunch of cool photos!

Who really gets it, family! The winter Qinghai-Gansu loop is truly worth it! ❄️ No peak season crowds, half-price tickets, lodging at half the cost, plus you can unlock exclusive scenic spots like the frozen salt lake and snowy Danxia landforms. Every snap looks like a cinematic masterpiece~ Here’s a complete 8-day itinerary guide to follow without any pitfalls! 【Itinerary Overview】8 days and 7 nights without backtracking D1 Nationwide → Xining (Acclimate to altitude + explore and rest) D2 Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha (overnight) D3 Delingha → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dongtai Jinaier Lake → Dachaidan (overnight) D4 Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Oil Town → Dunhuang (overnight) D5 Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring → Shazhou Night Market (overnight) D6 Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Wujie → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains → Zhangye (overnight) D7 Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan → Xining (end) D8 Xining → Nationwide (return) 🔥 Daily highlights + photo tips D1 First experience in Xining｜Focus on easy acclimation ✔️ Check into a city hotel upon arrival, avoid strenuous exercise! Xining’s altitude is 2261m, drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness ✔️ In the afternoon, stroll through Mojia Street/Water Well Alley to feel the local vibe and try sweet fermented rice and yogurt ✔️ Dinner must-try: hand-pulled lamb and Ga noodles, warming and authentic, about 50 RMB per person to eat until full 💡 Tip: Winter in Xining is around -10°C, wear a thick coat and scarf, avoid showering on the first day to prevent catching a cold D2 Frozen lake views bombshell｜Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake ✔️ Qinghai Lake: basically free in winter! Blue ice stretches to the horizon, a great alternative to Lake Baikal ✨ Stand on the safe ice surface and you can hear the ice cracking “singing” ✔️ Chaka Salt Lake: half-price tickets! The small train is not running but you can walk deep into the lake center, the ice surface is cleaner, wearing red or bright clothes makes for stunning photos 💡 Best photo time: 3-5 PM for soft light, avoid harsh noon light; Chaka is windy, remember to wear windproof goggles D3 Wild highway blockbuster｜Take over the U-shaped highway + Yadan snow scenery ✔️ G315 U-shaped highway: very few cars in winter! Take photos safely from the roadside area, instantly capturing a Western world vibe, never stand in the middle of the road ⚠️ ✔️ Water Yadan: ice formations cover the Yadan landforms, vast and mysterious, drone shots are breathtaking ✔️ Dongtai Jinaier Lake: winter-exclusive icy blue secret realm, Tiffany blue ice surface is stunningly beautiful 💡 Tip: Qaidam Basin is around -15°C, use plenty of heat patches all over, protect your camera from freezing D4 Emerald Lake + ruins aesthetics｜Head to Dunhuang ✔️ Dachaidan Emerald Lake: go after sunrise! Ice salt patterns look like lace, lake water blends blue and green, so few people you can take over the entire salt pool ✔️ Oil Town: filming location for “Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe,” ruins after snow add a story vibe, wear cool stylish coats for apocalyptic shots 💡 Dinner must-try: Dunhuang donkey meat yellow noodles, then visit Shazhou Night Market for apricot skin water, refreshing and cleansing D5 Culture + romance｜Mogao Caves + Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring snow moon combo ✔️ Mogao Caves: winter A-class tickets are easy to book! Fewer people means more detailed guides, you can see more caves, remember to book on the official website 1 day in advance ⏰ ✔️ Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring: half-price tickets! Snow-covered dunes + emerald Crescent Spring, enter 1 hour before sunset for amazing backlit snow shots 💡 Optional camel ride, fewer people in winter means no waiting, better to bargain; bring a sand mask and keep your phone warm with heat patches to prevent shutdown D6 Art and mighty pass｜From the lonely sculpture to Rainbow Mountains ✔️ Son of the Earth + Wujie: snow enhances the loneliness, unobstructed photo spots, wear light-colored clothes for high-end photos ✔️ Jiayuguan: snow-covered city walls are majestic, shoot silhouettes from the tower, feels like traveling back to the ancient Silk Road ✔️ Rainbow Mountains: winter colors are lighter but lines are clear, after fresh snow the colors are more vivid, camp at viewpoint 4 for sunset D7 Snowy grassland finale｜Winter romance of the Qilian Mountains ✔️ Biandukou: snowy mountain canyon + winding road, every shot looks like a Windows desktop wallpaper ✔️ Qilian Grassland: snow-covered pastures, yaks scattered like black pearls, distant Qilian mountain peaks stretch endlessly ✔️ Menyuan: no flower sea but snow-covered fields, framed with Gangshika snow peak, wide and healing ❄️ Winter essential gear checklist (life-saving level) - Warm clothing: long down coat + fleece-lined outdoor pants + thick wool socks (3-5 pairs) + waterproof non-slip snow boots (one size bigger) + ear protector hat + touchscreen gloves - Skincare: SPF50+ sunscreen (snow doubles UV reflection) + lip balm + moisturizing spray + Vaseline (apply inside nostrils to prevent dryness and bleeding) - Others: 20,000mAh power bank + heat patches (bring plenty! Stick on body/phone) + thermos + sunglasses (prevent snow blindness) + folding chair (for photo breaks)

✨ 【Soul Route】 Jiuquan → Guazhou → Akesai → Lenghu → Mangya This is not a trip, but a pilgrimage—to desolation, to silence, to the earth’s most primal form. ✨ 【What This Road Taught Me】 Scenery is not meant to please, but to move. Read the history of the wind in the folds of the Yadan landform, Feel the temperature of the era in the ruins of Lenghu, Under the moonlight of Mangya, hear your heartbeat syncing with the pulse of the earth. This is a “walking wabi-sabi aesthetics class”— In absolute simplicity, find absolute richness within. 📸 【Reasons to Stop】 ▫️ Son of the Earth · Guazhou That giant baby lying in the desert Like humanity’s last innocence left to the earth 📍 400 meters northeast of Hongshan Slope | No doors, no walls, sleeping with the wind ▫️ Boundless · Mirage on the Gobi Pure white scaffolding stands lightly on the wilderness Like a long poem written to the void Recommended to wear black, to be the only punctuation in this painting ▫️ Lenghu Oilfield Ruins Time suddenly brakes here The ruins keep a running posture Every frame captured is a historical testament ▫️ Heidushan (Black Solitary Mountain) Only when you get close do you understand what “ink-colored silence” means Wear a bright jacket Be the only signal on this lunar surface ✨ 【Pre-Trip Notes】 1. Prepare sufficient drinking water and energy food; the most precious thing in no-man’s land is the basic unit of civilization 2. Physical sunscreen + chemical sunscreen + mental sunscreen; the highland UV rays remember every neglect 3. SUV recommended for driving; some road sections are like the earth’s wrinkles—deep and rugged 4. Follow the “onion rule” for clothing; the desert’s day-night temperature difference is the earth’s deep breath ⏳ Best season: May to October (keep a safe distance from sandstorms) 📅 Recommended duration: 2-3 days (allow your soul time to ruminate) “Some roads are not meant to reach a destination, but to let yourself get completely lost.” Black Diamond Release

Dear friends! The super hassle-free 4-day tour guide for Xining and nearby areas is here! Convenient pick-up and drop-off service, Dunhuang Feitian travel photography, drone aerial shots, desert camping upgraded to Moroccan tents, bonfire parties with beach ATV rides, unlimited sand sliding, stargazing, plus free space suit photo shoots—don’t miss out! -- Friends who see this, don’t miss it, the comprehensive guide is here ↓ -- 🌟 Itinerary: 📅 Day 1: Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake -> Chaka Salt Lake Head westward, first check in at the plateau gem Riyue Mountain, then admire the deep blue waters of Qinghai Lake, and later take a stunning sky mirror photo shoot at Chaka Salt Lake—so beautiful! 📅 Day 2: Dacaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area -> Aksai Boluo Well Film Base Explore the dreamy colors of Dacaidan Emerald Lake, like stepping into a fairy tale; then head to the Aksai Film Base to experience the cinematic charm of the desert’s solitary smoke. 📅 Day 3: Mogao Caves -> Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Feel the awe of millennia-old art at the Mogao Caves, then in the afternoon visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring to experience desert Feitian travel photography📸, with drone aerial shots capturing your beautiful moments! At night, enjoy desert camping upgraded to Moroccan tents, a bonfire party🔥 including beach ATV rides, unlimited sand sliding, plus a chance to wear a space suit for beautiful photos while gazing at the starry sky✨! 📅 Day 4: Son of the Earth -> Jiayuguan Fort -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Check in at the Son of the Earth art sculpture to feel the harmony between humans and nature; then visit the magnificent Jiayuguan Fort, followed by Zhangye Danxia to see nature’s palette🎨! 🛫 Return Day: Depart from Zhangye, heading home with a heart full of memories! -- Must-Visit Attractions: 📍 Chaka Salt Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🏠 Address: No. 9, Salt Lake Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day (recommended to visit during the day) ⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours 💡 The salt is as white as snow, reflecting the sky like a pure mirror, with a jade-like glow under the winter moonlight✨ 📍 Mogao Caves 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🏠 Address: Yangguan Avenue, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: Refer to official announcements for exact times ⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours 💡 Dome cinema and grotto art showcase a millennium of Buddhist culture, with winter snow scenes adding poetic charm🎬 📍 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🏠 Address: Mingsha Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan ⏰ Opening Hours: Refer to official announcements for exact times ⏳ Duration: 3-5 hours 💡 The desert’s eye, with magnificent sand dunes and eternally sparkling spring water, a beautiful winter scene of sand and snow coexisting🏜️ 📍 Jiayuguan Fort 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🏠 Address: Southwest corner of the intersection of Guancheng South Road and Shuangyong Road, Jiayuguan City ⏰ Opening Hours: Refer to official announcements for exact times ⏳ Duration: 2-4 hours 💡 Grand and magnificent, with interlocking city towers showcasing historical charm, winter snow scenes resemble ink paintings🏯 📍 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🏠 Address: Nantai Village, Nijia Ying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: November 1 - December 31, 08:30-17:00 ⏳ Duration: 3-5 hours 💡 Zhangye Danxia, where Danxia landforms and colorful hills intertwine; after winter snow clears, the colors are vivid and lively, like a three-dimensional painting🌈 -- 🌄 Travel Essentials: Super Practical December Travel Checklist for Xining! 🧥【Warm Clothing】December in Xining is around -10°C; fleece-lined jackets + thermal underwear are a must, plus scarf, hat, and gloves to protect your face from frostbite! 👟【Non-slip Footwear】High-top non-slip snow boots are recommended as stone paths in scenic spots can be icy and slippery; bring a pair of lightweight sneakers for more comfort when strolling in the city~ 💊【Altitude Emergency Supplies】Start taking Rhodiola 3 days in advance, bring 2 oxygen tanks (Ta’er Monastery altitude 2600m), carry cold and stomach medicine! 📸【Photography Gear】Use anti-freeze gloves for your phone (so your hands don’t freeze while taking photos), bring a 20,000mAh power bank, and capture the stunning blue ice during Qinghai Lake’s freezing period! 🕶️【Sun Protection】The plateau UV rays are extremely strong! Sunglasses + SPF50+ sunscreen + wide-brim hat, plus apply a restorative mask every night after sun exposure! 🪪【Documents】Keep your ID card on you! Student and senior cards get half-price tickets; if driving, bring your driver’s license; store electronic copies on your phone to avoid loss~ 🍫【Energy Snacks】Carry chocolate/beef jerky for quick energy between scenic spots; a thermos with hot water is more effective than milk tea! -- Friends, follow this guide for a worry-free trip with pick-up and drop-off service. Click the card below to start your relaxing journey!

📍Boluozhuanjing, Akesai Kazakh Autonomous County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province 🚌 Transportation: It is recommended to drive or hire a car, about a 3-hour drive. You can also take a bus from Dunhuang to Akesai, then transfer to a taxi to reach the town. 🎫 Tickets: Free entry (some photo spots require a fee) 🏞️ Highlights: 1️⃣ Movie Filming Location: Films such as "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe," "Seventy-Seven Days," and "No Man's Land" were shot here, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie world! Abandoned roads, old cars, and dilapidated houses... every corner is full of stories. 2️⃣ Adventure Trip: The town is surrounded by dense poplar forests and Gobi desert, perfect for outdoor adventures and photography! Be sure to bring a drone and power bank to capture stunning shots! 3️⃣ Cultural Experience: The town was once home to Mongolian and Kazakh ethnic groups, preserving unique folk customs and handicrafts. You can try local delicacies like milk tea and lamb skewers. 4️⃣ Ecological Exploration: The area around the town features vast Gobi plains, grasslands, and lakes, ideal for hiking, camping, and bird watching. Remember to bring windproof clothing and sun protection! 🎁 Shopping and Food: There are almost no shops in the town, so it’s recommended to buy necessities in Dunhuang or Akesai county town. However, the nearby Akesai grasslands offer beautiful scenery and authentic lamb skewers and milk tea. 🏨 Accommodation: There are no hotels in the town; it’s best to stay in Dunhuang or Akesai county town. Dunhuang offers a wide range of accommodations from budget to luxury. Akesai county town has simpler lodging but more affordable prices. 📌 Tips: 1. Check local weather and road conditions in advance to avoid disruptions. 2. Be careful when taking photos; do not risk climbing dangerous areas. 3. Protect the environment by not littering or damaging vegetation. 4. Since the town is remote with poor signal, inform family or friends of your itinerary in advance.

Hey guys! Don’t miss this 10-day travel guide for Haibei and nearby areas! You can check in at the spectacular Kunlun Mountain Pass, explore the mysterious Kekexili, and even have a chance to encounter the adorable plateau spirit, the Tibetan antelope. Get ready for an amazing Northwest China adventure—bookmark it now! . 🌟 Itinerary: 📒 DAY 1: Arrive in Lanzhou, the Golden City, and start your free exploration mode. Hunt for authentic Northwest cuisine and soak in the unique charm of this city. 📒 DAY 2-3: Depart from Lanzhou, traverse the green wonderland of Xianmi Forest Park, arrive at Qilian Babao Town to experience the charm of the “Little Switzerland of the East”; then gallop across the grasslands, visit the geological wonders of Linze, and spend the night in Jiuquan or Jiayuguan. 📒 DAY 4: Set off from Jiayuguan to the dreamlike sand oasis of Dunhuang, feel the mystery and grandeur of this world-renowned Buddhist city. 📒 DAY 5: Deeply explore Dunhuang, admire the flying frescoes in the Mogao Caves, enjoy the vast sand sea at Mingsha Mountain, and leave beautiful memories by Crescent Lake at dawn. 📒 DAY 6-7: Depart Dunhuang, cross the Gansu-Qinghai border at Dangjin Mountain, bravely venture into the Chaidamu Desert to Golmud; visit the Kunlun Divine Spring, Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace, check in at Kunlun Mountain Pass, enter Kekexili, and encounter the plateau spirit Tibetan antelope. 📒 DAY 8-10: Depart Golmud, pass through Dulan, arrive at Chaka Salt Lake to admire the stunning sunset where the sky and lake merge; then head to Qinghai Lake to experience the grandeur of the “Pearl of the Plateau”; finally end your trip in Xining, treasuring your travel memories. . Recommended Attractions: 🌈 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Nantai Village, Nijia Camp Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: November 1 - December 31, 08:30-17:00 ⏳ Duration: 3-5 hours 💬 Danxia landforms intertwined with colorful hills create a spectacular view you won’t want to look away from! 👀 🏯 Mogao Caves 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Yangguan Avenue, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province ⏰ Opening Hours: April 1 - November 30, 08:00-18:00 ⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours 💬 Dome cinema 🎬 + grotto art, a millennium of Buddhist culture vividly before your eyes! 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 3-5 hours 💬 The eye of the desert 👁️, with magnificent rolling dunes and ever-sparkling spring water! 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: No. 9, Salt Lake Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: November 1 - November 30, 08:00-18:00 ⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours 💬 Salt as white as snow ❄️, reflecting the sky, pure as a mirror! . Tips: 📸 Best photo spots are the Qinghai Lake cliffs and Zhuo’er Mountain, with stunning sunrise and sunset views! ❄️ November is already winter in Haibei, so down jackets + hats and scarves are essential for warmth and wind protection~ ✈️ It takes about 2.5 hours by taxi from Xining Caojiapu Airport to Haibei; booking a car in advance is more reliable! 🛍️ For local specialties, choose vacuum-packed yak jerky, priced around 60-80 RMB per jin, and remember to bargain! 🚗 If driving around the lake, check your vehicle condition carefully; some road sections have no signal, so prepare offline maps 🗺! . Don’t hesitate, the private Haibei tour guide is ready, just waiting for you to start this amazing journey!

From December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, Jiuquan City is launching thirteen tourism discount policies, and Akesai Boluo Zhuanjing Film and Television Base will simultaneously implement the "Free and Preferential Double Enjoyment" policy. As a state-owned A-level scenic spot, this site was a filming location for "The Ghouls" and features mysterious landforms. The movie's authentic scenes allow visitors to experience silence and vastness. Here, you can also encounter Kazakh herders' winter slaughtering customs, taste fresh and fragrant hand-grabbed meat, warming both body and heart. Residents registered in Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Jinchang, Wuwei in Gansu; Hami, Turpan, Bazhou in Xinjiang; Haibei Prefecture in Qinghai; and Changsha in Hunan can enter free of charge with their ID cards; residents from other cities can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets with their ID cards. Tourists can easily check in at this mysterious attraction with excellent cost performance, experience unique folk customs, and gain surprises and relaxation. Quickly invite your family and friends, bring your ID card, and set off for a leisurely roaming appointment. Visitors must carry a valid ID card to verify household registration information. As temperatures are low in winter and spring, remember to prepare warm clothing and non-slip shoes.

Tired of the city's noise and chaos🏙️ Dive headfirst into the gentle embrace of the northwest😜 Heal all your fatigue🥳 Wash away the dust from your soul On the grasslands, cattle and sheep🐏 roam leisurely, time seems to slow down👣 On the Gobi Desert, the view stretches endlessly, empty your mind😂 Let your soul receive the purest healing🌊 🛬【Itinerary】: 1️⃣: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka 2️⃣: Chaka - Xiaochaidan Lake - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan 3️⃣: Dachaidan - U-shaped Highway - Water Yadan - Dachaidan 4️⃣: Dachaidan - Emerald Lake - Heidu Mountain - Oil Town - Dunhuang 5️⃣: Dunhuang City - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang 6️⃣: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Rainbow Danxia - Zhangye 7️⃣: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers - Xining ⛺【Must-visit Attractions】: ① Qinghai Lake🌊 An inland saltwater lake, like a sapphire embedded in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ② Chaka Salt Lake💦 The lake water and salt layers form a giant mirror reflecting snow-capped mountains and flowing clouds; walking here feels like strolling on clouds ③ Chaerhan Salt Lake😃 A huge mirror gifted to Golmud by the earth, like a crystal world from a dream ④ Emerald Lake💎 A colorful salt lake secret in the Qaidam Basin, resembling pieces of jade ⑤ Water Yadan😱 A unique masterpiece of wind in the world and a miracle of water ⑥ Heidu Mountain⛰️ Feel the fierce freedom spreading across the wilderness from the top of Heidu Mountain ⑦ Mingsha Mountain🌄 Long river, setting sun, round; desert, lone smoke, straight ⑧ Rainbow Danxia⛰️ Nature’s masterpiece, like a spilled palette of colors ⑨ Qilian Grassland🐎 A good pasture beneath the Qilian Mountains, where anxiety is forbidden on the grassland 🍩【Must-try Foods】: Qinghai section🐏: Hand-pulled lamb, clay pot lamb, fried noodle slices, firecracker noodles, dry noodles, lamb skewers, yak yogurt, niangpi (cold skin noodles), boiled lamb Gansu section😍: Populus stew pancake, Xinjiang big plate chicken, donkey meat yellow noodles, Hezhi noodles, hand-pulled lamb, Zhangye fried firecracker noodles 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Yicai Qinghang Hotel in Xining, Qinghai-Tibet Railway Hotel in Xining, Huai Xi Hotel in Chaka, Wantai Hotel in Dachaidan, Capella International Hotel in Dunhuang, Silk Road Ruihua Hotel in Zhangye 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Pure play small group: 🚗 One car, one group, 4-8 people, you can join with friends or book a private group, offering high flexibility ✅ Local drivers: Experienced drivers who are also food maps🌏, can take you to taste local delicacies Pure play with no shopping: No store visits throughout🙅‍♀️, no hidden costs, so you can fully enjoy your trip😄 ✅ Official qualifications: Hold proper tourism licenses, sign formal travel contracts, making your trip more secure 🧡【Tips】: Book Mogao Caves tickets 30 days in advance! Special caves have limited daily tickets and require separate purchase🎫 Enter Mingsha Mountain after 6 PM, sunscreen 🔥 + sand protection gear are essential! Walking barefoot on the sand saves effort Rainbow Danxia is best visited after rain or at sunset for stunning colors! Viewing platform No. 4 is great for photos📷 ✅ Large temperature difference between day and night in the northwest; Dunhuang and Zhangye are dry, bring moisturizer + sunglasses🕶 + windbreaker🧥 ✅ Choose official platforms for car rentals; some parts of the Qinghai-Gansu loop have no signal, download offline maps in advance🧭

Take advantage of the off-season to carve out some time, see the world, and explore the great Northwest Qinghai-Gansu route~ Here you’ll find colorful salt lakes, vast deserts, multicolored Danxia landforms, and magical yardang formations, You can also experience the human Dunhuang and immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture! 95% of the scenery along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is unaffected by the season, so don’t worry too much, ladies~~ It’s truly beautiful after sunny days! And it’s not as cold as you might think! For those driving, please pay attention to road conditions and bring snow chains. ----- ⚠️⚠️⚠️ Temperatures along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop: November weather is generally not too cold; in December, temperatures drop about 4-6 degrees overall, with large temperature differences between day and night, so keep warm. 1⃣️ Mostly clear days, with relatively few snowy days 2⃣️ Heavy snow blocking roads is rare; even if it snows, roads are usually cleared promptly, so no need to worry too much 3⃣️ Hotels are very warm, with heating already provided ---------------- 🌆🌆🌆 Northwest Grand Loop, these winter travel spots are worth checking out, and most attractions are open as usual: ✔️Qinghai Lake ✔️Chaka Salt Lake ✔️Feicui Lake (Emerald Lake) ✔️Water Yardang ✔️Silk Road Heritage City ✔️Heidu Mountain ✔️Dunhuang Mogao Caves ✔️Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring ✔️Zhangye Danxia Landform ✔️Qilian Grassland ------------------- 🚫 Warning: Driving may seem carefree, but the road conditions in the Northwest are complex and changeable. Long-distance driving is not only tiring but also easy to miss the scenery outside the window, which can affect your travel experience. It is not recommended for beginners to try it recklessly. ---- ⚠️⚠️⚠️ For the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, the trip usually takes 6 or 7 days. Check the weather forecast before departure, mainly to watch out for snowy days. Drivers, remember to bring snow chains. -------------------- 🌈 Qinghai-Gansu 7-Day Winter Edition: D1 Xining_Sun and Moon Mountain_Qinghai Lake_Chaka Town (overnight); D2 Chaka Salt Lake_Feicui Lake/Chaerhan Salt Lake_Dachaidan; D3 Popular 315 National Highway_Water Yardang_Nan Baxian Yardang_Dachaidan; D4 Heidu Mountain_Silk Road Heritage City_Dunhuang D5 Mogao Caves_Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring_Dunhuang; D6 Son of the Earth_Jiayuguan Great Wall_Zhangye Danxia; D7 Biandukou_Qilian Grassland_View Snow Peaks from afar_Xining. ------------ 🌈 Qinghai-Gansu 6-Day Popular Edition: D1 Xining_Qinghai Lake_Chaka Salt Lake_Delinha; D2 Most Beautiful 315 Highway_Water Yardang_Nan Baxian Yardang_Dachaidan; D3 Feicui Lake_Oil Town_Silk Road Heritage City_Dunhuang D4 Mogao Caves_Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring_Dunhuang; D5 Son of the Earth_Jiayuguan Great Wall_Zhangye Danxia; D6 Biandukou_Qilian Grassland_View Snow Peaks from afar_Xining -------------- Tips: Winter in Qinghai-Gansu means fewer people and beautiful scenery, no need to rush for accommodation, and no strangers in your photos. Such pure-play small group tours are truly rare and precious! 🚗🚗🚗 About routes and small groups ✔️ It’s recommended to take the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop for a comprehensive experience with reasonable costs. ✔️ If you want a more relaxed itinerary, consider the Hexi Corridor single route without Qinghai. ✔️ Winter has fewer people and cars, so be sure to find a local, reputable travel agency to avoid being stood up or having the group fail to form. --------------------

At the western end of the Hexi Corridor, the snowmelt from the Qilian Mountains tirelessly carves through the Gobi Desert, forming a canyon called Duobagou. Here, there is no bustling crowd, no overly crafted scenery, only a nearly primal, majestic silence. When you step inside, it feels like entering a secret realm forgotten by time. The geographical endowment of Duobagou Populus Euphratica Canyon is truly unique. Located on the edge of the Kumtag Desert and relying on the natural landform of the red canyon, it forms a distinctive landscape pattern of "canyon as the bone, poplar as the soul, and stream as the vein." The Danxia rock walls on both sides of the canyon have been weathered by millions of years of wind and rain, displaying rich layers of crimson, ochre, and other colors. Under the sunlight, they shine with a warm and profound luster, like a giant bas-relief sculpted by nature over time. The poplar forests rooted on both sides of the canyon and along the streams do not line up neatly to welcome visitors but instead write an epic of life's resilience in the most unrestrained posture between the canyon banks and sand dunes. Some twist like coiled dragons, their roots gripping every inch of the land beneath; some, though dead, still stubbornly point their rugged branches toward the sky, retaining their spirit; others are in their prime, bursting into a sea of golden yellow in autumn, igniting the desolate canyon into a brilliant ocean. ✨Viewing Guide✨ ⏰Best Time to Visit⏰ From mid-October to early November each year is the best period to admire the poplars. At this time, the leaves turn a bright golden yellow, creating a strong visual contrast with the red canyon and the deep blue sky. It is the golden season for photography and sightseeing. 🚌Transportation Guide🚌 It is recommended to travel by self-driving or chartered car. Starting from Dunhuang city, it takes about 1.5 hours along the provincial road to reach the site. Alternatively, you can choose local official tourist shuttle services for convenience and peace of mind. 📕Tour Suggestions📕 The scenic route is about 3-5 kilometers long. It is recommended to reserve 3-4 hours for an in-depth experience. You can hike along the stream trail, explore the lesser-known spots deep in the canyon, and climb to the viewing platform for a panoramic view. Designated photography spots are set up within the park to easily capture the perfect frame of poplars and the canyon. 💡Notes💡 Do not casually break branches or litter; drone flights require prior consultation with the park management and must be operated in designated areas to avoid disturbing other visitors and the ecological environment.

Checked in at the filming location of "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" oil town and the Silk Road Heritage City on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 🏯 An oil town that disappeared overnight 🏘 Walking through the post-apocalyptic ruins, only broken walls tell the story of that era The Silk Road Heritage City is truly a photo hotspot ⚠ The Roman columns make every shot look amazing, my friends all thought I went abroad 😁

🌄 Embark on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, but don’t just focus on the popular spots! The Duobagou Populus Euphratica Canyon hidden in Aksai is the treasure secret you must unlock this autumn. Here, desert, canyon, streams, and golden poplars blend together. Every autumn, the entire canyon transforms into a 30-kilometer-long golden corridor, magnificent and serene. 🚗 Transportation Guide 🛣 Self-driving route: Depart from Dunhuang, take the G3011 Expressway towards Aksai, about a 3-hour drive. 🚙 From Aksai County to the scenic area is about 90 kilometers, but most of the road passes through uninhabited areas, with narrow lanes and occasional camels crossing, so drive steadily and slowly. ⚠ Important reminder: Mobile signals are very weak or even nonexistent on the way to and inside the scenic area. Be sure to download offline maps in advance and agree on meeting points with your companions. 🚗 Vehicles entering the scenic area must follow designated routes. Non-4WD vehicles should not easily enter the desert interior to avoid getting stuck. 🎫 Ticket Information 🎟 Tickets: Adult tickets are 20 RMB per person; children, students, and seniors aged 60-69 with valid ID enjoy half price at 10 RMB per person. 🚘 Other fees: Vehicles entering require an additional 50 RMB per vehicle, or you can choose to take a sightseeing bus for 20 RMB per person. 🆓 Free admission policy: Children under 1.2 meters, seniors aged 70 and above, active military personnel, and disabled persons with valid ID enjoy free admission. 📸 Must-visit Attractions 🌳 Golden Corridor: A 30-kilometer-long native poplar forest inside the scenic area that turns into a golden corridor in autumn. At sunrise, sunlight on the poplars looks like they are gilded with gold leaf, breathtakingly beautiful. 🎬 East Palace Filming Location: This is the filming site of the TV drama East Palace, where you can find the Dan Chi King’s tent location and easily get photos like Xiao Feng’s, feeling the romance and desolation from the drama. 🏞 Duobagou Reservoir: The emerald water and golden poplars complement each other, creating a stunning picture, an excellent spot for sunset photography. 👁 Desert Eye: Naturally formed concentric sand dunes, a perfect aerial photography spot with unique terrain that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. 💡 Practical Tips 🍂 Best time to visit: September to October is the most beautiful season in Populus Euphratica Canyon, as the poplars gradually turn from green to golden yellow, weaving a colorful picture with red willows, reeds, and other plants. 🔥 Safety precautions: Open flames such as barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. 🧥 Gear recommendations: The northwest region has large temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket. When hiking the Gobi Desert, prepare enough water and sun protection.

Starting from Dunhuang, drive along the G3011 Expressway towards Aksai. The scenery gradually changes from urban landscapes to vast Gobi desert, reminding us that we have entered the true wilderness of Northwest China. What awaits us is the hidden golden canyon of Gansu: 🌲 Water-side Populus Euphratica: The most amazing sight in Duobagou is the Populus euphratica trees growing by the streams. The valley has perennial flowing water, and because it is deep and long like a canyon, many poplar trees grow naturally along the banks, hence it is called "Populus Euphratica Canyon." In the golden autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow, shining with golden light under the sun. These poplars not only grow at the valley bottom but also stubbornly root on sandy cliffs and dunes, showing their strong vitality. 🎬 Film and TV Base: The desolate beauty of the filming location As a filming site for TV dramas and movies such as "Eastern Palace," "Dragon Blade," "Fighter of the Destiny," and "Lost Love in Times," Populus Euphratica Canyon preserves many shooting scenes. At the "Eastern Palace" filming site, we saw the ruins of the Dan Chi King's tent and the wedding square. Standing under the ancient poplar trees or strolling through the reed marshes, you can easily capture photos full of storytelling. On the east side of the canyon is the "Duobagou Agricultural Ruins"—remnants of some low houses and an orchard. Standing here, looking up, you can see the Han Dynasty beacon tower on the mountaintop, quietly sitting like an old guardian of the homeland, silent and still. 🎨 Visual Feast: Populus Euphratica Canyon is not just about poplars; it also combines desert, canyon, streams, and other landscapes. 1️⃣ Golden Corridor: A 30-kilometer stretch of native poplar forest in the scenic area turns into a golden corridor in autumn. 2️⃣ Desert Eye: Naturally formed concentric sand dunes, an excellent spot for aerial photography. 3️⃣ Ink-wash Danxia: The canyon surroundings feature unique Danxia landforms and the "Black Dushan," resembling an ink-wash painting. The black mountain body contrasts sharply with the golden poplars. 4️⃣ Duobagou Reservoir: The emerald water and golden poplars complement each other, making it a perfect place to shoot sunsets. On the way back, I couldn't help but recall the local description of the poplar—"Alive for a thousand years without dying, dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decaying." The poplars growing tenaciously in this extreme environment are not only a beautiful scenery but also a symbol of spirit.

Having traveled to the Northwest many times, this trip I came to a lesser-known treasure spot in the Northwest: Aksai Duobagou Populus Euphratica Canyon Scenic Area. Here, you can find a combination of desert, canyon, streams, and poplar forests. It is definitely a must-visit stop on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop! - 📍｜Located in Aksai County, Gansu, about 90 kilometers from Aksai County town. It is recommended to charter a car from Dunhuang Airport, with a driving time of about 3 hours. 🎫｜Tickets are 20 RMB per person; vehicles entering require an additional 50 RMB fee, or you can choose to take a sightseeing bus for 20 RMB per person. - 🌟｜Must-visit attractions 1️⃣ Golden Corridor: The scenic area has 30 kilometers of original Populus euphratica forest. In autumn, the entire canyon turns into a golden corridor. At sunrise, sunlight shines on the poplars, as if gilded with gold leaf, creating a stunning view. 2️⃣ Desert Eye: Naturally formed concentric sand dunes, an excellent spot for aerial photography. The unique landform makes you feel like you are on Mars. 3️⃣ "Eastern Palace" Filming Location: This is the filming site of the TV drama "Eastern Palace." You can find the filming location of Dan Chi Wang’s tent. Come and get the same experience as Xiao Feng, feeling the romance and desolation in the drama. 4️⃣ Duobagou Reservoir: The clear water and golden poplars complement each other, forming a beautiful picture. It is a great place to shoot the sunset. - 📌｜Travel Tips 🔹The road from Aksai County town mostly passes through uninhabited areas, with narrow lanes and camels crossing, so drive steadily and slowly. 🔹After entering the scenic area, vehicles must follow the designated routes. Non-4WD vehicles should not easily enter the desert interior to avoid getting stuck. 🔹During the self-driving trip to Populus Euphratica Canyon, your phone will lose signal. Be sure to drive according to the designated route.

Who says poplars can only be seen in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia? Duo Bagou in Akesai, Gansu, hides a unique poplar gorge where desert, clear springs, and golden poplars coexist, known as the "Third Dream of Poplars"! 📌Detailed Address: Duobagou Poplar Gorge, Akesai Kazakh Autonomous County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province 🚗Transportation Tips: Self-driving is recommended. Depart from Jiuquan or Dunhuang, take the G3011 Expressway to Akesai, then follow navigation for about 1 hour. National roads have strict speed limits, and some sections are gravel roads, so an SUV is recommended. 🎫Tickets: Entrance fee is 20 yuan, vehicle entry fee is 50 yuan per car 🍁Best Time to View Poplars: From mid-October to the end of October each year, the poplar leaves turn golden, and the reflections in the water are stunning! 📸Outfit Suggestions: Red, white, or traditional Hanfu long dresses are recommended to create a striking contrast with the golden poplars, making every photo look like a masterpiece. TIPS: Passing other vehicles inside is quite difficult. Private cars should avoid driving off the road as it’s easy to get stuck. There is almost no signal inside, and rescue is impossible if you go too far. Save this now, and go check it out this autumn before the crowds arrive!

If you want to encounter the most splendid golden fairy tale in autumn, promise me! Don’t miss Duobagou Huyang Gorge! Huyang Gorge is an eternal golden exhibition in Duobagou, Aksai. I brought back a body full of wind and sand as a souvenir! "Eastern Palace" and "Dragon Blade" both filmed scenes here… . 🎬 Must-visit spots 🟢 Filming location from "Eastern Palace" The Dan Chi king’s tent and wedding square from the drama are still preserved. Standing under the weathered poplar trees or strolling through the reed marshes, you can easily capture photos full of storytelling vibes. . 🟢 Ink-wash Danxia and Heidu Mountain Around the gorge, there are unique Danxia landforms and the “Heidu Mountain” that resembles an ink-wash painting. The black mountain body contrasts sharply with the golden poplars and the vast desert. 🟢 Thousand-year-old Poplar Forest In golden autumn, the poplar leaves turn golden and shine with a golden glow under the sunlight, making photos full of vitality. . 💡 Practical tips 📍 Location: Aksai County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province 🚗 Transportation: Drive or charter a car from Dunhuang 👔 Outfit: Wear solid or bright colors for the most beautiful photos against the golden poplars and black mountain background. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so remember to bring a jacket. Sunglasses, sun hats, and high SPF sunscreen are essential.

️【Dunhuang · The Desert Pearl of a Thousand Years】 📍Location: Northwest Gansu Province, about 1100 km from Lanzhou ✨One-liner: This is the dazzling gem of the Silk Road, where the murals of the Mogao Caves tell stories of a thousand years amidst the wind and sand~ 💰【Money-Saving Tips】 - Dunhuang Tourism Pass: Includes six major attractions, save 20% instantly - Off-season (November-April) tickets are half price! Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery make it super cost-effective - Book stargazing camping in advance for a 30% discount~ ✈️【Transportation Guide】 🚄 High-speed rail: Lanzhou West → Dunhuang (2 trains daily, 4.5 hours) 🎫 Ticket price: about 230 RMB 🛫 By plane: - Direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai/Xi’an/Lanzhou - Flight time: 1-2.5 hours - 🚖 Airport → city center: Taxi about 30 RMB, 15 minutes 🚗 Local transportation: - Taxi starting fare in the city is 5 RMB - Yadan Devil City is best reached by charter car (about 300 RMB/day) 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】 🏡 City center top pick: Dunhuang Mountain Villa (4 stars) 📍 Address: No.1 Yangguan East Road, Dunhuang City ✨ Feature: Han and Tang dynasty style, rooftop views of Mingsha Mountain! 🏜️ Desert experience: Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Inn 📍 Address: East side of Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area 💰 Price: 300-800 RMB/night 💡 Tips: Watch the starry Milky Way from the terrace at night~ 🍜【Top 5 Must-Try Foods】 1️⃣ Daji Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles 📍 Address: No.8 Shazhou North Road, Dunhuang City 💰 Per person: 40 RMB 👍 Recommended: Chewy donkey meat, super springy yellow noodles! 2️⃣ Xia’s Lamb Soup 📍 Address: No.6 Danghe West Road, Dunhuang City 🕒 Hours: 6:30-14:30 ✨ Feature: Authentic Northwest lamb soup, a must for warming your stomach! 3️⃣ Shazhou Night Market · Zhaxi Milk Tea 📍 Night Market C Zone No.18 👍 Feature: Sweet fermented milk tea + apricot peel water combo 📸【Top Photo Spots Revealed】 1. In front of the Nine-Story Building at Mogao Caves (best light at 9 AM) 2. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Viewing Platform (1 hour before sunset) 3. Yadan Devil City West Sea Fleet (super stunning at sunset!) ⚠️【Important Reminders】 - Mogao Caves Class A tickets must be booked 30 days in advance!! - Large temperature difference in the desert, bring jackets and sunscreen - No signal in Yadan Scenic Area, travel with companions recommended

When visiting Mangya, you must check in at this hidden gem—Heidu Mountain. This black mountain range is like a natural ink painting, and it’s even more atmospheric on cloudy days! Every shot with a Fuji camera looks like a masterpiece 📸 🚶‍♀️Trip Highlights: 1️⃣ Heidu Mountain: The entire mountain is pitch black, resembling a traditional ink painting. It’s recommended to wear solid color or black clothes for better photos! 📍Address: Mangya City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, open 8:20 AM - 8:00 PM (last entry at 6:40 PM) ps: You need to take a shuttle bus for half an hour to enter the park, costing 60 yuan. The famous Yanzhi Mountain is about 1 km from the Heidu Mountain park entrance, and you’ll need another shuttle to get there~ 2️⃣ Aksai Oil Town: The filming location of the Nine-Story Demon Tower. On the way to Dunhuang, you’ll pass this abandoned industrial-style town, perfect for shooting vintage-style photos. 3️⃣ Silk Road Heritage City: A great place to learn about the history of the Silk Road. The architecture is very distinctive, resembling ancient Roman style. 4️⃣ Shazhou Night Market: If you stay in Dunhuang at night, you must visit this market. It offers a variety of local snacks and handicrafts. ps: Don’t forget to bargain hard on prices 😄 📸Photo Tips: - Heidu Mountain is best for wearing solid black or white clothes - Photos taken on cloudy days look more stunning than on sunny days - It’s recommended to visit between 4-6 PM for the softest light 🍢Food Recommendations: Dunhuang’s donkey meat yellow noodles, apricot skin water, and lamb stew pancakes are must-tries! The barbecue at Shazhou Night Market is also excellent~ 🏨Accommodation Suggestions: Dunhuang has many cost-effective hotels. It’s best to stay near the night market. Recommended: Dunhuang Yuanmengyuan Hotel, very close to Mingsha Mountain, convenient for watching the sunrise the next day.

🌄 Crossing Qaidam! The Ultimate 600km Gobi Highway Road Trip Guide from Dunhuang to Delingha 🚗 | Featuring Stunning Salt Lakes + Dark Yadan Landforms + Hardcore Northwest Cuisine ✨「Itinerary Overview」 (Day1) Dunhuang → Aksay Oil Town → Danan Baxian Yadan → Dachaidan (Day2) Dachaidan → Chaidan Emerald Lake → Delingha Total distance: ~550km. Recommended 2-day journey to fully experience Gobi landscapes without rushing. 🌋 First Stop: Dunhuang | Millennium Echoes in a Desert Oasis - Crescent Moon Spring: Enter before 7am, ride camels through dunes (¥100/person), take Hanfu flying fairy photos by the spring (costume rental ¥80/set) - Mogao Caves: Book Class A tickets (¥238) 1 month in advance, watch immersive mural restoration documentaries - Shazhou Night Market: Must-try🔥 Donkey meat noodles (Da Ji Lao Dian), Pao'er oil cakes (Jiang Yue Zhai), apricot juice (Li Guang Ji). The lamb skewers (¥10 each) at the market's end are incredibly satisfying! 🚗 Second Stop: Aksay | Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi in Ruins - Oil Town: Free entry! Filming location for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" with rusted trucks, collapsed hospitals, and twisted buses. Wear black trench coats for dark-themed photos. Drone shots are breathtaking. - Kazakh Cuisine: Try "Grassland Mama"'s hand-grabbed lamb (¥88/jin) on the main street – tender and non-gamey, perfect with special leek flower sauce. Don't miss "Kuomaixi" skillet meat cooked in traditional round pans. 💎 Third Stop: Dachaidan | God's Forgotten Emerald Paradise - Emerald Lake: ¥50 ticket (free for Zhejiang residents). Best light after 4pm when Tiffany-blue waters reflect snow mountains. Recommended: No.6 "Amber Lake" with diamond-like salt crystals along the shore. - Yibula Skillet: The town's hottest spot! Yak beef + potatoes + green peppers stewed with handmade wide noodles. ~¥60/person for a feast. - Accommodation: Gobi Train Hotel – converted green train carriages with stargazing rooms for Milky Way views. 🌪️ Fourth Stop: Nanbaxian | Wind-Sculpted Mars-like Landscapes - Yadan Landforms: Free! Stretching 100km along Highway 315. Venture 10km inland for pyramid-shaped clusters – drone shots look like alien bases. - Photo Tips: Rent silver astronaut suits (¥200/set), use wide-angle lenses to emphasize human insignificance, shoot silhouettes at sunset. 🌌 Fifth Stop: Delingha | Where Poetry Meets Alien Mysteries - Haizi Poetry Museum: Free! White-walled architecture displaying the poet's manuscripts. Read "Sister, Tonight I'm in Delingha" by Bayin River. - Alien Ruins: Free! Unexplained iron pipes on White Mountain cliffs. Toson Lake's eerie blue waters. SUV recommended for Gobi road photography. 🍽️ Food Guide: - Skillet lamb (Qilian Renjia): Spicy stew with potatoes and wide noodles - Barley sweet ferment: Bubbly summer cooler at "Yagubai Homemade Yogurt" (¥5/bowl) - Yak yogurt: Golden cream layer – mix with honey for rich tanginess ⚠️ Road Trip Tips: Essentials: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof masks, car air pump Fuel: Gas stations in Dunhuang, Aksay, Dachaidan, Delingha. Refuel whenever possible on Delingha→Dachaidan stretch Road Conditions: Some washboard roads at Nanbaxian – keep speed below 40km/h Best Season: June-August for full salt lakes; September-October for Yadan light play 📸 Photography Secrets: Emerald Lake: Side lighting 4-6pm, shoot reflections from salt flat edges Nanbaxian: Drone at 100m for geometric Yadan patterns Oil Town: Low-angle wide shots for dramatic ruins This route connects deserts, salt lakes, Yadan, and oases – new wonders daily! Allow at least 5 days to savor the Northwest's vastness. Bring extra power banks – your phone gallery will explode with beauty! 💥

This trip was absolutely amazing! 😊 My girlfriend and I joined a small tour group, and having a reliable guide was crucial. He shared insights about local culture and history, took us to authentic eateries—making it a truly carefree journey. Accommodation was included, and we even had drone photography throughout! We arrived at Xining Airport a day early, and the arranged airport pickup was super convenient. 😎 Here’s my firsthand advice: 1⃣️ Pack for big temperature swings! Bring both light and warm clothes. 👔 2⃣️ The Emerald Lake is a must for aerial shots—it’s stunning!! Our group had drone coverage the whole time, and the guide’s filming skills were on point! 🎬 3⃣️ Highway 315 offers vast landscapes, but safety first—even if the photos are epic! 4⃣️ At the Oil Town, a quick photo at the entrance suffices. 🤳 5️⃣ Book Mogao Caves tickets WELL in advance! Our guide warned us—last-minute tickets (even emergency ones) sell out. ‼️ 6️⃣ Head to Crescent Moon Spring at Mingsha Mountain around 5-6 PM. Clear skies? Stay past 8 for sunset and the lit-up dunes—a hauntingly beautiful sight. ⛰ 7️⃣ Mingsha Mountain has evening camps with bonfire parties. The vibe is lively (almost club-like 💃), but stargazing is worth it. 8️⃣ Don’t miss Dunhuang’s red willow skewers—they’re next-level delicious. 🥙 Though the trip’s over, I’m still savoring the memories. Off-peak travel matters, but a trustworthy guide makes ALL the difference. To future Northwest adventurers—have a blast!

### 🌈【My Secret to the Hottest Qing-Gan Route】 I used to think Zhangye was only worth visiting for the Rainbow Mountains, but this time my local guide showed me hidden gems! The rugged cliffs of Pingshanhu Grand Canyon are more stunning than an oil painting, and the cliffside Buddhist grottoes of Matisi Temple left me speechless. I assumed Jiayuguan Pass was just a quick photo stop, but standing on the ancient wall gazing at the Qilian Mountains, I suddenly understood the poetic loneliness of "no old friends beyond the western pass." Though some say the fort's maintenance is mediocre, history buffs will find it's a living frontier poem! The real surprise was the wild road from Zhangye to Xining! Our driver took us through unnamed canyons where phones lost signal, but the emerald river bends mixed with Danxia landscapes created National Geographic-worthy shots at every turn📸 --- ### 🚗【My Awesome Group Tour Experience】 👉6-person off-road adventure like a blind box! We stopped to photograph wild camel herds while bus tours could only watch through windows 👉U-shaped pillow + steam eye mask from our midnight airport pickup instantly saved my red-eye flight 👉Desert red dress unexpectedly photogenic! Photographer taught me to twirl on dunes - the retouched pics got 99+ likes 👉Stargazing in glamping tents with "Hexi Corridor" soundtrack, followed by soul-reviving bath at Dunhuang hotel🧖♀️ (Butler replied messages at 1am asking if I needed supper - this overworked millennial was deeply moved) --- ### 📸【My Secret Photography Guide】 🔥Aerial drone shots at Emerald Lake! The jigsaw of turquoise salt ponds looks like "earth's palette" - Douyin users thought it was CGI 🔥Ditch sunglasses at Mingsha Mountain sunset! Golden light on eyelashes creates god-tier side profiles (use smudge-proof makeup) 🔥Oil Town ruins are badass! Motorcycle boots + cowboy hat = apocalyptic-style Weibo header 🔥Jiayuguan Pass in hanfu! Silhouette shots with "Xiao" chorus made traditional costume fans beg for tips🎎 --- ### ⏰【My Hard-Earned Advice】 Salt lakes hit peak mirror effect in late May! Book now or you'll only see white salt crusts Freezing desert nights? Group tour's wool shawl + heating pads saved me❄️ Rapeseed flowers bloom early June! A girl's yellow dress photos made me regret hesitating for 3 days😭

🚗 On the vast lands of Northwest China, no mode of transportation is more free and convenient than renting a car. Whether chasing the sunrise 🌅 by Qinghai Lake or exploring the cultural wonders of Dunhuang's Mogao Caves 🏜️, renting a car allows you to stop and capture moments 📷 anytime. ——————_——_———— 🚙 SUV Off-road Vehicle: Suitable for 2 - 4 people Perfect for small group trips✨, compact yet flexible, and capable of handling unpaved roads with ease. 🚌 7-seater/9-seater Business Van: Accommodates 3 - 8 people A summer favorite 💥, offering spacious and comfortable seating with ample luggage space, ideal for families or small teams. 🚍 Minibus/Coach: Can carry 15+ people Great choice for family study tours, corporate team-building, or retirement trips. ——————————————————————_———— ✨【How to Rent a Car?】 1. Plan your itinerary in advance and choose the right vehicle based on the number of people and your needs 🗺. 2. Compare reviews and prices of different rental companies and select a reputable service provider 🔍. 3. Confirm accommodation points in your itinerary to help the driver arrange reasonable driving times 🏨. —————————————————————— 💯 Preparation Before Departing Northwest Documents: ID card, student ID (half-price tickets are great!) Electronics: Chargers, power banks, portable fans, cameras Photo props: Earrings, sunglasses, drones, selfie sticks, etc. Sun protection: Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas —————————————— Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Water Yadan Seven-Day Loop Line: Day 1: Xining------Sun and Moon Mountain------Qinghai Lake (Heimahe)------Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka-------Crossing Qaidam Basin--------Emerald Lake-----Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan-------U-shaped Road-----Dongtai Jinel Lake------Water Yadan------Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan ---Black Mountain----- Oil Town------Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang------Mogao Caves (morning tickets around 9 AM are best)--------Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring----—Shazhou Night Market----—Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City-------Passing Jiayuguan-------Zhangye Rainbow Mountains----—Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye------Biandukou------Qilian Mountain Qilian Grassland-------Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view)------—Xining (End) ———————————— ✨【Must-Visit Spots on the Qinghai-Gansu Loop Line】 Now, let me reveal the breathtaking spots along the Qinghai-Gansu Loop Line! 1⃣ 【Chaka Salt Lake】Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," its blue waters are perfect for photos in a red dress, making you look like a fairy! 👗🌊 2⃣ 【Qinghai Lake】China's largest saltwater lake, home to flocks of migratory birds every summer! 🦢 3⃣ 【Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park】Colorful rock formations, nature's palette. 🌈 4⃣ 【Mogao Caves】Experience the essence of thousand-year-old Buddhist art; every mural has a story waiting to be unlocked. 🖌 ✨【Small Tips】 - Always carry sunscreen, sunglasses 🕶️, and hats 🧢; the high-altitude UV rays are no joke 😎. - Prepare snacks and water for the car ride; convenience stores may be scarce 🍪💧. - Learn about altitude sickness and bring preventive medication if necessary 💊. —————————————————————————— Car Rental Tips and Precautions ⚠ ❌ Don't be tempted by cheap deals: Low-cost rentals may lead to mid-trip price hikes; choose a reliable team for peace of mind! ❌ Communicate your needs: If you have lots of luggage or are traveling with elderly or children, inform the rental company in advance to arrange suitable vehicles and seating 💺. 💬 Tips: 1⃣ The Qinghai-Gansu Loop Line covers long distances; drink less water 💧 to avoid restroom issues. Also, pack dry snacks 🍪 as shops are rare. 2⃣ Saltwater is corrosive; protect your camera 📷 and avoid getting saltwater on the lens. Consider bringing a drone for stunning aerial shots. 3⃣ Respect local customs: Dress appropriately; avoid short skirts or shorts in temples 🚫. Whether driving or walking, don't pass through herds of livestock; it's considered disrespectful to the owners. 4⃣ Qinghai's sunshine is intense 🌞; sunglasses 🕶, sun-protective clothing, and hats are essential! ————

Embark on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop to witness the grandeur and gentleness of Northwest China. Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and salt lakes—each destination is breathtakingly beautiful! To ensure a fun and hassle-free trip, preparation is key. This guide covers outfits, attractions, and essential tips to help you get ready for your adventure! Attraction Guide 1. Qinghai Lake: The largest inland saltwater lake in China, resembling a giant sapphire embedded in the plateau. From June to August, the surrounding rapeseed flowers bloom, creating a stunning blend of gold and blue. You can cycle along the lakeside to feel the gentle breeze or take a boat ride to get closer to the crystal-clear waters. 2. Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," its salt crystal surface reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and your silhouette, creating a dreamlike scene. Take the small train deep into the salt lake and find less crowded spots for the best photos. 3. Qarhan Salt Lake: A trending hotspot this year, featuring emerald-green waters that look like spilled paint from heaven. With photo props like glass boats, a piano, and a swing, every shot is Instagram-worthy. Recommended route: Jade Terrace → Jade Pavilion → Water Piano → Deadwood Swing. 4. Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent art palace combines ancient architecture, sculptures, and murals. Stepping into the caves feels like traveling back in time. Book tickets in advance via the official WeChat account, and opt for Class A tickets to access more caves and enjoy professional explanations. 5. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: Ride camels across the desert to experience the vastness of the dunes or climb the sand hills to catch a stunning sunset. In the evening, the golden glow of the setting sun reflects on Crescent Lake, creating a mesmerizing view. 6. Zhangye Danxia Landform: A masterpiece of nature, the colorful rock layers resemble a spilled palette. Under sunlight, the colors become even more vibrant. Observation Deck 4 is the best spot for watching the sunset—don’t miss it. Outfit Guide 1. Spring (May–June): With significant temperature differences between day and night, mornings and evenings are cool. Wear thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and windproof outerwear for warmth and protection. Layering is key: inner layer for warmth, middle layer for insulation, and outer layer for wind and water resistance. During the day, opt for long-sleeve T-shirts and jeans paired with a light jacket. 2. Summer (July–August): UV rays are strong, and temperatures are high, but mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Breathable, quick-dry T-shirts and pants are ideal for daily activities. Don’t forget a high-SPF sunscreen jacket. For photography, bring vibrant dresses—white or red for Chaka Salt Lake to contrast its purity, and blue or yellow for Qinghai Lake to complement the water and rapeseed flowers. Accessories like sunglasses, sun hats, and face masks are essential for sun protection and style. 3. Autumn (September–October): Mornings and evenings are cold, while daytime is warm. Thin sweaters, sweatshirts, and lightweight down jackets are great for layering. During the day, wear shirts with long pants, and add a down jacket at night for warmth. In desert areas, rugged workwear or ethnic-style outfits paired with sunglasses exude a cool vibe. For Mogao Caves, simple and artistic attire matches the cultural atmosphere. Tips 1. Sun Protection: UV rays in Northwest China are extremely strong. Use sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply regularly. Physical sun protection like sunglasses, hats, and face masks is also essential to avoid getting sunburned. 2. Altitude Sickness: Some areas in Qinghai and Gansu, such as Qinghai Lake and Qilian Mountains, have an average altitude of over 3,000 meters. Take Rhodiola supplements a week in advance to prevent altitude sickness, and prepare medications, glucose, and oxygen bottles. Avoid strenuous activities upon arrival to allow your body to adjust. 3. Warmth: The temperature difference between day and night is significant. Even in summer, bring warm jackets to avoid catching a cold at night. 4. Hydration: The climate is dry, so drink plenty of water and bring moisturizing masks, lotion, toner, and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated. 5. Documents: Carry your ID card for tickets and accommodations. Bring other applicable documents like student IDs or senior citizen cards for ticket discounts. 6. Transportation: For self-driving, check your vehicle’s condition and prepare emergency tools. For group tours, choose reputable agencies and understand the itinerary and service standards. 7. Photo Safety: Be cautious of passing vehicles and personal safety when taking photos on roads or in deserts. Don’t ignore risks for the sake of a good shot. 8. Religious Customs: Respect the religious beliefs and customs of local ethnic groups. Follow temple rules, such as refraining from taking photos without permission.

Seven out of ten beautiful scenery in China lies in the northwest! The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop brings together desert Gobi, snow-capped mountains and grasslands, lakes and rivers, and the scenery is super attractive! But if you drive this route yourself, because there are many uninhabited areas and the strategy is complicated, it is easy to get tired after a trip 😣! Don't worry! The guide has been organized clearly for you👇 - 🎒 Travel Gear List Documents: ID card, student ID card📄 Daily necessities: high-factor sunscreen, skin care products, bath products, facial masks, disposable underwear/socks/bath slippers💄 💊: Cold medicine💊, motion sickness medicine💊, gastrointestinal medicine💊, anti-altitude sickness medicine💊, Band-Aid Essentials for travel: sunglasses, sun hat, thermos cup, sun mask, umbrella, tissue, power bank, lipstick📸 Outfit: sun protection clothing, three-in-one jacket, hiking shoes/sports shoes, large shawl 👟 - 🗺️ Three treasure routes ① Regular and easy version👣 Day ①: Arrive in Xining → Pick up at the airport and send to the hotel → Free activities🎉 Day ②: Xining → Sun Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town (accommodation) Day ③: Chaka Town → Qaidam Basin → Da Qaidam Emerald Lake → Da Qaidam (accommodation) Day ④: Dachaidan→Oil Town→Yangguan→Dunhuang (accommodation) Day ⑤: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake → Dunhuang (accommodation) Day ⑥: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Colorful Danxia → Zhangye (accommodation) Day 7: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (view from a distance) → Menyuan Flower Sea → Xining (return trip) - ② Yadan on the water version 🌊 Based on the relaxed version, the super beautiful attractions such as Dongtaijinaier Lake, Water Yadan and Nanbaxian have been added! Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake (Heimahe Scenic Area) → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town (accommodation) Day 2: Chaka Town → (Crossing) Qaidam Basin → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town (Accommodation) Day 3: Dachaidan Town → National Highway 315 (U-shaped highway) → Dongtaijinaier Lake → Water Yadan → Dachaidan Town (accommodation) Day 4: Dachaidan Town → Heidu Mountain → Aksai Oil Town → Dunhuang (accommodation) Day 5: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes (tickets are cheaper around 9 o'clock) → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang (accommodation) Day 6: Dunhuang → (passing by) Jiayuguan Pass → Zhangye Colorful Danxia → Zhangye (accommodation) Day 7: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (view from a distance) → Xining (end) - ③ Shuiya + Chaerhan version🌈 This route includes unique attractions such as the Qarhan Salt Lake and Golmud, allowing you to see different beautiful scenery at one time! Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake (Heimahe Scenic Area) → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town (accommodation) Day 2: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Golmud (accommodation) Day 3: Golmud → National Highway 315 (U-shaped highway) → Dongtaijinaier Lake → Water Yadan → Dachaidan Town (accommodation) Day 4: Daxiadan Town → Daxiadan Emerald Lake → Heidu Mountain → Aksai Oil Town → Silk Road Heritage City → Dunhuang (accommodation) Day 5: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes (tickets are cheaper around 9 o'clock) → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang (accommodation) Day 6: Dunhuang → (passing by) Jiayuguan Pass → Zhangye Colorful Danxia → Zhangye (accommodation) Day 7: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (view from a distance) → Xining (end) - 🌟 A quick overview of must-see attractions Sun Moon Mountain: It is said that Princess Wencheng passed by here, full of stories​ Qinghai Lake: The vast blue lake with charming scenery Chaka Salt Lake: The lake is like a mirror, suitable for taking photos Dachaidan Emerald Lake: The lake water is emerald green, like a gem​ Oil town: movie shooting location, strong atmosphere Yangguan: You can feel the traces of the ancient Silk Road Mogao Grottoes: Preserving millennium murals, a treasure house of historical culture Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: a clear spring in the desert, the scenery is magical and romantic Son of the Earth: Giant sculpture brings strong visual impact Jiayuguan: A majestic fortress showing a profound sense of history Colorful Danxia: colorful hills, like a natural palette​ Dongtaijinaier Lake: The lake is blue and the scenery is charming Yadan on the water: Yadan landform stands in the water, with unique landscape Heidu Mountain: Black Gobi Desert is a good place to shoot films Chaerhan Salt Lake: With a magical salt bridge - 💡 Practical travel tips Prepare cleaning wipes and portable hand sanitizer in the car, clean and convenient🧼 Bring a thermos cup, it's super comfortable to drink hot water on the plateau🥤 The journey is long and there are few toilets. Solve personal problems in advance when getting on and off the bus🚽 Some of the itineraries have lunch in uninhabited areas, so buy some snacks and fruits in advance🍎

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is full of beautiful scenery. Fortunately, on this self-driving trip, we unexpectedly discovered a place that was so unpopular that there were no other tourists and so beautiful that it was beyond words. I want to share this with my friends who have the chance to see this note [Cute] 📍Detailed address: G215 line Aksai line Ahetamu village section from the oil town to Mangya ❣️Tips: The signpost in the last photo can locate this secret beauty

A trip to the Northwest is a double shock to the eyes and soul. If you plan ahead, you will definitely gain magnificent memories beyond your expectations. Save this guide before you set off, and refer to it at any time to adjust your itinerary. May your trip to the Northwest become a highlight on the title page of your life! ---------------------- 📅 Best time to travel: Peak season (June-October): Pleasant climate, rich landscape, accommodation prices increased by 30% 🍂🍁Off-season (November-April): Few people, quiet scenery, some scenic spots are half price/free, but Qinghai Lake is frozen and the grassland is withered --------------------- 📷Photography Tips: Wear bright-colored long skirts when photographing Chaka Salt Lake and avoid the strong sunlight at noon; The colorful Danxia becomes more colorful after the rain Be careful when shooting on Highway 315 and avoid stopping in the middle of the road ------------------------- 🚗 Transportation comparison method Advantages Notes Group tour Save time and effort, suitable for families/middle-aged and elderly groups Choose a small group for pure play (within 4/8 people) to avoid wasting time at shopping spots 🔸Charter/carpooling High degree of freedom, stop and shoot at will, the team leader is familiar with niche camera positions --------------- 👀👀👀Five-day loop of Qinghai Lake, Dunhuang and Zhangye: Day 1: Xining - Sun Moon Mountain - Qinghai Lake (Heima River) - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha (stay overnight) Day 2: Delingha - Crossing the Qaidam Basin - (Emerald Lake) - Dunhuang (overnight). Day 3: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes (tickets are best purchased around 9am) - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang City (stay overnight) Day 4: Dunhuang City ---- (via Jiayuguan) ---- Zhangye Colorful Danxia Geopark ---- Zhangye (stay) Day 5: Zhangye-----Biandukou-----Qilian Grassland------Ganshika Snow Peak (viewed from a distance)-----Menyuan rapeseed flower sea (July)----Xining City (end). ------------------ 🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈Qinghai Lake Dunhuang Zhangye Shuiya Six-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining---Riyue Mountain---Qinghai Lake (plateau sapphire)--Chaka Salt Lake (mirror of the sky, China's Bolivia)--Delingha (stay overnight) Day 2: Delingha - U-shaped road - Yadan on the water - Daxiadan (Emerald Lake) - Daxiadan (overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan - Dangjin Mountain (Northwest version of Highway 66) - Yangguan Scenic Area (no ancient people ruins west of Yangguan) - Dunhuang City (stay overnight) Day 4: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes (World Cultural Treasure House, Oriental Louvre) - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (Long River Sunset, Desert Smoke) - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang City--(Jiayuguan)--Zhangye Colorful Danxia Geopark--Zhangye (overnight) Day 6: Zhangye - Biandukou - Ebao - Qilian Grassland in Qilian Mountains (one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China) - Gangshika Snow Peak (view from a distance) - Xining City (end) -------------------- 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Qinghai Lake Dunhuang Zhangye Shuiyacharhan seven-day loop: Day 1: Xining - Sun Moon Mountain - Qinghai Lake (Heima River) - Chaka Salt Lake (overnight) Day 2: Chaka------Qarhan Salt Lake------Golmud (overnight) Day 3: Golmud--U-shaped road--Dongtaijinaier Lake--Water Yadan--Dachaidan Emerald Lake (stay overnight) Day 4: Daxiadan - Heidu Mountain - Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang City (stay) Day 5: Dunhuang ------- Mogao Grottoes (the best time to buy tickets is around 9 am) ------ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake ------- Shazhou Night Market ------ Dunhuang City (stay) Day 6: Dunhuang City - Passing Jiayuguan - Zhangye Colorful Danxia - Zhangye (stay overnight) Day 7: Zhangye---Biandukou---Qilian Mountains, Qilian Grasslands---Gangshika Snow Peak (viewed from a distance)---Xining City (end) ------------------------ 🚙🚙🚙🚙 Hoh Xil Dunhuang Zhangye eight-day loop: Day 1: Xining - Sun Moon Mountain - Qinghai Lake (Heima River) - Chaka (stay overnight) Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake -------- Chaerhan Salt Lake -------- Golmud (stay overnight) Day 3: Golmud-------Nachitai--------Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace-------Kunlun Pass-------Hoh Xil Sonam Darje Conservation Station-----Golmud (stay) Day 4: Golmud ------ 315U Highway ------ Dongtaijinaier Lake ------ Water Yadan ------- Dachaidan (stay overnight) Day 5: Da Qaidam Emerald Lake---Heidu Mountain---Oil Town---Silk Road Heritage City---Dunhuang City (overnight) Desert camping and night star photography. Day 6: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes (the best time to buy tickets is around 9am) - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Lake - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang City (stay overnight) Day 7: Dunhuang City - Passing Jiayuguan - Zhangye Colorful Danxia - Zhangye (stay overnight) Day 8: Zhangye------Biandukou-------Ebao-----Qilian Grassland-------Gangshika Snow Peak (viewed from a distance)------Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea-------Xining ------------------------ ✅Must-check-in view 💎Qinghai Lake: From July to August, the rapeseed flowers and the blue lake water complement each other. You can ride around the lake or take a close look at the herdsmen's trails. 💎Emerald Lake: A must-have for drone aerial photography! The light is best in the early morning or evening, and the lake color changes from mint green to Tiffany blue 💎Mogao Grottoes: Class A tickets must be booked one month in advance, and the special cave explanation is worth purchasing; don’t miss the film "Millennium Mogao" in the digital center 💎 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Enter the park 3 hours before sunset, ride a camel to the top of the sand dune to overlook the Crescent Lake, and participate in desert camping and stargazing at night --------------------- 🍜 Northwest flavor you can’t miss 💥Xining: Hand-pulled lamb, old yogurt and barley cakes 💥Dunhuang: Donkey meat noodles, apricot peel water at Shazhou Night Market; Xiajia Juice breakfast 💥Zhangye: Chicken rolls, fish noodles ----------------------------- 📌 Key preparations before the trip to deal with altitude sickness: Avoid bathing and strenuous exercise on the first day, and prepare glucose oral solution Xining (2200m) → Chaka (3100m) → Dachaidan (3200m) Gradually adapt to the altitude 👕Clothing and equipment: The temperature difference between day and night is large: you can wear a jacket + fleece liner, and summer clothes + sun protection clothes in the Dunhuang section 👞Footwear: waterproof Martin boots (Salt Lake), comfortable sports shoes (Danxia hiking), anti-sand shoe covers (Mingsha Mountain)