2025 Guide Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Traverse the Northwest's sprawling landscapes, including the Yellow River Grand Canyon, Longyangxia Earth Forest, and the A'shigong National Geopark, where every step resonates with history and every scene unfolds like a breathtaking painting. The Yellow River Grand Canyon, located in Gansu Province, China, features the Yellow River Three Gorges as one of its core attractions, encompassing the Bafang Gorge, Gushan Gorge, and Liujia Gorge. These gorges captivate visitors with their dramatic cliffs, the magnificent Yellow River dam, and stunning lake and mountain scenery. The area also boasts a rich collection of stone carvings, statues, and murals dating from the Northern Wei to the Tang and Song dynasties, holding immense historical and artistic value. The Longyangxia Earth Forest National Geopark, situated 15 km northwest of Longyangxia Town in Qinghai, presents a primeval world of gullies, barren hills, and secluded valleys, offering a unique and rugged natural landscape. With sparse vegetation, an arid climate, and diverse soil types, the earth forest displays a variety of formations, some resembling rolling waves and others towering palaces, exuding a raw, untamed beauty that draws visitors in. The A'shigong National Geopark is renowned for its distinctive multicolored Danxia landforms and rich geological features. The vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green create a striking contrast, shaping the diverse rock peaks, pillars, and walls into a magnificent natural tapestry. The bizarre cliffs and peaks shimmer under the sunlight, transforming every mountain and valley into a captivating spectacle.

Winter vacation is here! Sisters, quickly collect this 6-day travel guide to Lanzhou-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake and start your Northwest journey! 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou Start our Northwest journey, arrive in Lanzhou, settle in, and enjoy free time to experience the unique charm of this city. Day 2: Ta'er Monastery -> Lajishan -> Qinghai Lake, Heimahe Visit the mysterious Ta'er Monastery and experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. Afterwards, cross the magnificent Lajishan Mountain and finally arrive at Heimahe by Qinghai Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Qinghai Lake West Loop Road -> Qilian Mountain Grassland -> Binggou Forest Experience the magic of the Sky Mirror at Chaka Salt Lake, then drive along the west loop road of Qinghai Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Then, cross the Qilian Mountain Grassland and explore the natural wonders of Binggou Forest. Day 4: Zhuoer Mountain -> Arou Grand Temple -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Climb Zhuoer Mountain and overlook the magnificent Qilian Mountains. Visit Arou Grand Temple and experience Tibetan religious culture. Finally, head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to admire the wonders of nature. Day 5: Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourism Area -> Qilian Grassland -> Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, Qilian Mountains -> Menyuan Rape Flower Sea Experience the beauty of ecology in Biandukou and stroll through the vast Qilian Grassland. Afterwards, head to Gangshika Snow Peak for a distant view of the snow-capped peaks. Finally, immerse yourself in the Menyuan Rape Flower Sea and enjoy the gifts of nature. Day 6: Xining-Lanzhou End the wonderful Northwest journey, return to Lanzhou from Xining, and embark on your return journey with full of memories. 🎒 Packing List: 👕 Clothing: Down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, essential for cold protection, and also bring comfortable shoes! 📱 Accessories: Mobile phones, chargers, power banks, taking photos is a must, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen, protection from strong sunlight is necessary. 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates are necessary for travel, don't forget to bring them. 💊 Others: Commonly used medicine, water cups, tissues, etc., small details during the trip should also be well prepared. Lanzhou's beef noodles, the sparkling Qinghai Lake, the Sky Mirror of Chaka Salt Lake, each place is an unforgettable memory. Pack your bags and experience it yourself!

The winter trip to Xining, Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake will take you to experience the different Northwest customs in 3 days. Come and receive this heartwarming guide! . 🚗Travel route: Day 1: Ta'er Temple-> Laji Mountain-> Riyue Mountain-> Qinghai Lake·Heima River Explore the ancient mystery of Ta'er Temple, cross Laji Mountain to feel the grandeur of the plateau, and then go through Riyue Mountain to the beautiful Qinghai Lake Heima River to enjoy the quiet time by the lake. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake-> Rubber Mountain-> Qinghai Lake West Ring Road-> Binggou Forest Sea-> Zhuoer Mountain The sky mirror of Chaka Salt Lake is intoxicating. After crossing the Rubber Mountain, stroll along the Qinghai Lake West Ring Road, then explore the natural scenery of Binggou Forest Sea, and finally climb Zhuoer Mountain to overlook the magnificent mountains and rivers. Day 3: Arou Temple->Qilian Prairie->Qilian Mountain·Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area->Menyuan Hundred Miles of Rapeseed Flowers The tranquility and peace of Arou Temple makes people yearn for it. Then, we galloped on the Qilian Prairie to feel the freedom and vastness, visited the magnificent snow-capped mountains in the Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, and finally immersed ourselves in the golden romance of the Menyuan Hundred Miles of Rapeseed Flowers. 🌼🏔️🎉 . Attractions to visit: - 🌊Chaka Salt Lake: The salt is as white as snow, the lake is like a mirror, reflecting the sky, it is breathtakingly beautiful! - 🏯Ta’er Monastery: Visit the Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism and feel the strong religious atmosphere. The Treasure House is not to be missed. - ⛰️Sun and Moon Mountain: This is a legendary place with undulating mountains and fluttering prayer flags, which makes people yearn for it. - 🌄Zhuoer Mountain: Danxia and grassland complement each other. In the early morning of Zhuoer Mountain, you can see the changing scenery of the four seasons. - 🌼Menyuan Hundred Miles of Rapeseed Flowers: Golden rapeseed flowers cover the ground, contrasting with the blue sky of the plateau, presenting a breathtaking and magnificent scenery. . Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 Clothing: down jacket, thermal underwear, hat, scarf, gloves. It is cold and windy at the lakeside in February, so you need to dress warmly. 🎒 Accessories: sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so you must protect your skin and eyes. 📷 Equipment: camera, charger, spare batteries. How can you not record such beautiful scenery? 💊 Others: commonly used medicines such as Rhodiola rosea, cold medicine, as well as drinking water and snacks, in case of emergency. . Play around Xining, Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, don’t forget to like and collect, so that you can travel easily next time!

Want to travel to the northwest for the New Year? Check out this Lanzhou-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake 8-day travel guide to make your New Year trip even more exciting! -------------------- 🚩Route suggestions: Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou and start your northwest journey! Day 2: Ta'er Monastery - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake · Heima River Visit the ancient Ta'er Monastery, cross Laji Mountain, stroll along the shores of Qinghai Lake, and feel the tranquility of Heima River. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake - Keluke Lake Scenic Area - Dachaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area Cross the mirror of the sky in Chaka, admire the beauty of Keluke Lake, and explore the splendor of Dachaidan Emerald Lake. Day 4: Qaidam Basin - South Eight Immortals Devil City - Aksai Boluo Zhuanjing Film and Television Base - Yangguan Scenic Area Go deep into the Qaidam Basin, experience the magic of the South Eight Immortals Devil City, visit the film and television base, and visit the ancient Yangguan. Day 5: Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Immerse yourself in the art hall of the Mogao Grottoes, then head to Mingsha Mountain to listen to the legendary story of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan Pass - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Encounter the sculpture of the Son of the Earth, visit the ancient city of Jiayuguan, and then go to Zhangye to admire the magnificent Danxia landform. Day 7: Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourism Area - Qilian Mountain Grassland - Qilian Mountain · Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area - Menyuan Hundred Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea Travel to Biandukou, gallop on the Qilian Mountain grassland, look up at the Gangshika Snow Peak, and finally indulge in the rapeseed flower sea of Menyuan. Day 8: Xining-Lanzhou-Airport Transfer Return to Lanzhou from Xining, end the unforgettable northwest journey, and head to the airport to prepare for the return trip. 🛫 -------------------- Must-visit attractions: - 🏜️Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: Known as the Eye of the Desert, the spectacular sand dunes and the eternal shimmering spring complement each other. - 🌈Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Danxia and colorful hills intertwine to create a series of wonders, spectacular and charming. - 🌨️Chaka Salt Lake: The lake surface is as white as snow, reflecting the sky, as pure as a mirror. - 🏯Ta'er Monastery: As an important monastery of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is rich in treasures and has a strong religious atmosphere. -------------------- Pre-trip essentials: 👕 **Clothing preparation**: Bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves, as it is very cold in the northwest in January. Also, bring a few sets of clothes to change, quick-drying materials are a good choice. 🎒 **Personal items**: Be sure to bring your ID card, as well as cash and bank cards. Don't forget the power bank and data cable, keeping communication is important. 🍞 **Food and water**: Prepare some dry food such as biscuits, bread, and bottled water. When traveling between attractions, these will be your source of energy. 📸 **Photography equipment**: Camera or phone, as well as spare batteries or power banks. Recording the beautiful scenery and leaving memories is one of the joys of travel. 💊 **Common medicines**: Cold medicine, painkillers, especially medicine to prevent altitude sickness. Health is the foundation of travel, remember this. -------------------- From Lanzhou to Qinghai Lake, and then to Chaka Salt Lake, the beautiful scenery is endless, don't forget to share your travel stories!

From Lanzhou to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, here is a 6-day travel guide! Don't miss the beautiful scenery along the way. Come and explore the magnificent Northwest with me! -- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou and start your Northwest journey! Day 2: Visit the mysterious Kumbum Monastery -> Cross the magnificent Laji Mountain -> Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Lake and Heima River. Day 3: Experience the purity of Chaka Salt Lake -> Travel along the west road of Qinghai Lake -> Walk through the natural wonders of Qilian Mountain Grassland and Binggou Forest. Day 4: Climb to the top of Zhur Mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenery -> Visit the solemn Arou Temple -> Explore the splendor of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Day 5: Enjoy the ecological leisure of Biandukou -> Visit the vast Qilian Grassland again -> Look up at Qilian Mountain and Gangshika Snow Peak -> Walk through the 100-mile rapeseed flower sea in Menyuan. Day 6: Return to Lanzhou from Xining and end your unforgettable journey! -- Recommended attractions: ✨ Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: The colorful Danxia in Zhangye is picturesque. The Danxia and colorful hills are a magical treasure of nature. The sunset is even more beautiful, making it a paradise for photographers! 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake: Imagine standing on the salt-white lake surface of Chaka Salt Lake, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds like a mirror. It is so pure that it feels like being in a fairyland. 🏯 Kumbum Monastery: This is an important monastery of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is not only full of treasures but also has a strong religious atmosphere. Visit Kumbum Monastery to feel the peace and purification of your soul. -- Travel essentials: 👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in the Northwest in February is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to bring down jackets, thermal underwear, windproof jackets, and long pants. Don't forget hats, scarves, and gloves, which are stylish and warm. 🎒 **Personal items**: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential to protect your eyes and skin. Bring a thermos cup, as drinking more water is important at high altitudes. Disposable underwear and wet wipes make your trip easier. 💳 **Documents and cash**: Bring your ID card and driver's license (if you rent a car), as well as cash and bank cards for emergencies. 💊 **Common medicines**: Rhodiola, high-altitude medicine, common cold medicine, and band-aids are also prepared. Healthy travel is important. 📷 **Electronic devices**: Mobile phones, chargers, power banks, and cameras to record beautiful moments. A telephoto lens is better, and a tripod and selfie stick are also recommended for taking great photos! -- 🎉A trip to the Northwest, Lanzhou's food, the magnificence of Qinghai Lake, and the magic of Chaka Salt Lake will all become unforgettable memories!🎉

Planning a trip for the Lunar New Year? Check out this 2-day itinerary for Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake! Explore the Northwest with this guide! -------------------- 🏃Itinerary: Day 1: Ta'er Monastery—Laji Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Rubber Mountain Experience the rich Buddhist culture at Ta'er Monastery, then head to the magnificent Laji Mountain, followed by Qinghai Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. Finally, climb Rubber Mountain to overlook the beauty of Qinghai. In one day, enjoy the beauty of the fusion of nature and culture. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake—Qinghai Lake Sand Bay Nature Reserve—Jinyintan Grassland Visit the dreamlike Chaka Salt Lake and experience the magical landscape of the mirror of the sky. Then head to Qinghai Lake Sand Bay Nature Reserve to get close to nature and explore the beauty of ecology. Finally, step onto Jinyintan Grassland to experience the vastness of the grassland and the magnificence of nature. On this day, you will enjoy yourself in the embrace of nature. -------------------- Must-see attractions: 🌟 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt is as white as snow, and the lake reflects the sky like a mirror. It's super pure! 🏯 Ta'er Monastery: An important monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, full of treasures and a strong religious atmosphere. 🌊 Qinghai Lake: It's simply a divine lake! The grassland and the blue lake are so beautiful together! 🌳 Laji Mountain: A green treasure on the plateau, with particularly green grass and beautiful flowers in summer! -------------------- Essentials: 👗 Clothing: Bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and hat to protect against the cold wind and low temperatures on the plateau. Also, wear comfortable sneakers to walk easily along the lake and salt lake. 🎒 Personal items: Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin from UV damage. Don't forget to bring a power bank to keep your phone charged and ready to capture the beautiful scenery. 💊 Medicine: Prepare some common medicines, such as Rhodiola, cold medicine, and band-aids, just in case. These can be lifesavers in the plateau area. 📋 Documents and others: Bring your ID card, cash, and bank card. Also, if you want to take the small train at Chaka Salt Lake, remember to buy tickets in advance! -------------------- Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake are all masterpieces of nature. Don't miss the beautiful scenery on this plateau!

Explore Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Qilian on a 3-day tour during the Spring Festival. Experience the unique New Year atmosphere on the plateau. You won't regret it! / 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Ta'er Monastery > Laji Mountain > Qinghai Lake Explore the ancient and mysterious Ta'er Monastery, cross Laji Mountain to experience the vastness of the plateau, and finally immerse yourself in the vast expanse of Qinghai Lake. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake > Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area > West Road of Qinghai Lake > Qilian Grassland > Daban Mountain > Zhuo'er Mountain Start from the purity of Chaka Salt Lake, pass through Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area, continue along the West Road of Qinghai Lake, cross the vast Qilian Grassland, challenge the towering Daban Mountain, and finally stay overnight at the foot of Zhuo'er Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 3: Arou Temple > Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area > Menyuan Rape Flower Sea Feel the tranquility and solemnity at Arou Temple, explore the majestic beauty of Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, and finally wander in the golden romance of Menyuan Rape Flower Sea to end the wonderful journey. 🌼✨ / Must-visit attractions: - 🏯Ta'er Monastery: A sacred place of Tibetan Buddhism, feel the profound religious culture and the splendor of treasures. - 🌊Qinghai Lake: Stand by the lake and feel the fusion of grassland and lake water, and enjoy the magnificent beauty of nature. - 🌄Zhuo'er Mountain: A beautiful combination of Danxia and grassland, you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons in one visit. - 🚂Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Sky No. 1: Take the small train around the lake, pass through 12 scenic spots, and appreciate the unique charm of Chaka. - 🌼Menyuan Rape Flower Sea: The golden sea of flowers swaying under the blue sky of the plateau is breathtakingly beautiful. / Travel checklist: 🧳 👚 Clothing: Thick down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, hat, scarf, gloves. It's very cold in January, so wrap yourself up tightly. 🎒 Accessories and others: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. The UV rays are strong and the air is dry, so protect your skin and eyes. Also, don't forget to bring chargers and power banks to ensure your electronic devices are always charged. 📝 Documents: Bring your ID card and driver's license, as well as student ID, military ID, and other discount cards to save money. Remember to check the weather in advance and adjust your luggage accordingly! 🌦️ / Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Qilian offer beautiful scenery along the way, allowing your mind and vision to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Don't miss the magnificent scenery of the Northwest!

Qinghai Guide 🚩 Romantic Country Villa 🏡 A must-see for those who love beautiful things! 😍 I can't believe there's such a lovely country house in Guide. 💯💯 🏡 The wooden houses are divided into 👩‍❤️‍👨 couple's wooden houses and 👨‍👩‍👦 family wooden houses. The family wooden house has two bedrooms and a living room, can sleep five people, and includes breakfast 🥐. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into the design and materials, with smart toilets 🚽, high-quality embossed tissues 🧻, body lotion 🧴, razors, fresh roses 🌹 on the terrace, and exquisite pigeon 🕊 houses under the eaves. The attention to detail is amazing. 🉑🉑 The hotel has a 💐 rose garden, 👨‍👩‍👦👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 family camp, 🍖 barbecue area, farm, and go-karts 🏎 that kids love. It's the first choice for weekend trips, family trips, and people with high standards. 👍 ✅ Surrounding facilities: The farm has its own ✔️ farm, ✔️ rose garden, ✔️ family park, ✔️ barbecue area, etc. Perfect for a weekend trip. There are also ✔️ the Yellow River Source Scenic Area and ✔️ Guide National Geopark (stunning, rich landforms) nearby, with beautiful scenery along the way. 💝

5-day tour of Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake! A super detailed guide to the Northwest of China. Save it now! -------------------- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining and start your Qinghai tour! Day 2: Ta'er Monastery -> Laji Mountain -> Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake · Heima River Visit the ancient Ta'er Monastery, cross the magnificent Laji Mountain, pass through the picturesque Riyue Mountain, and finally arrive at the beautiful Heima River in Qinghai Lake to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Rubber Mountain -> West Road of Qinghai Lake -> Qilian Grassland -> Binggou Forest -> Mount Zhuo'er Visit the mirror of the sky, Chaka Salt Lake, cross Rubber Mountain, travel along the West Road of Qinghai Lake, pass through Qilian Grassland, visit Binggou Forest, and finally climb the magnificent Mount Zhuo'er. Day 4: Aru Monastery -> Qilian Grassland -> Qilian Mountains · Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area -> Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea Visit Aru Monastery, experience the vastness of Qilian Grassland again, visit Qilian Mountains · Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, and finally immerse yourself in the splendid Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea. Day 5: Leave Xining and end your Qinghai tour. Return home with fond memories. -------------------- Tips: - Specialty prices🏷️: Compare prices when buying specialties to avoid being overcharged. - Customs🎉: Respect local customs and experience Tibetan dance and food. - January climate❄️: Cold and dry. Bring warm clothes and keep warm. - Sun protection and moisturizing🧴: The UV rays are strong. Be sure to bring sunscreen and lip balm. - Travel safety🔒: Be aware of altitude sickness and bring common medicines. -------------------- 🎉Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake. Don't forget to share your travel stories!🎉

🌈🌈🌈About the Route 🇨🇳Special One-Day Tour: Xining~Laji Mountain (Sunrise)~Hacheng Grassland~Riyue Mountain~Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake~Erhai Lake~Daotang River~Xining ~ 📶Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake Two-Day Tour: Route A: Day 1: Xining~Laji Mountain (Sunrise)~Hacheng Grassland~Daotang River~Qinghai Lake~Chaka (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka~Chaka Salt Lake~Rubber Mountain (3,817 m)~Heima River~Riyue Mountain~Return to Xining. ~ Route B: 🌈Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake Two-Day Tour: Day 1: Xining~Riyue Mountain~Daotang River~Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake~Chaka Salt Lake~Chaka Day 2: Chaka~Rubber Mountain~Heima River Scenic Area~Donggeer Viewing Platform~Erhai Lake~Xining. ~ 🌂🌂🌂Friendly Reminders: ✅Cotton clothes, cotton hat, scarf ✅Thermos, snacks, oxygen, sunglasses ✅Moisturizing mask, face mask, valid ID ~ Local Cuisine👅 ✅Pit-cooked lamb, lamb offal soup, yak bone soup, hand-pulled lamb... ✅Noodle pieces, butter tea, sweet fermented grains, firecracker noodles, zanba...

Travel Together Season 16 - Gansu-Qinghai-Ningxia Road Trip (18) National Geopark - Ashigong Colorful Peaks Hainan, Qinghai - Haidong Sep 13, 2023 Sunny, 8-23°C, max altitude 2,850m. In the morning, we strolled around Guide County. For the first time, we saw the Yellow River without its yellow color. The Yellow River flows slowly through the north of Guide County, quiet and clean, with rippling green waves. It is known as "the Yellow River in Guide is clear". If it hadn't rained in the past two days, the river would have been even clearer (Photo 1). The Wheel of Fortune is located on the south bank of the Yellow River. It is the only Tibetan-style prayer wheel in the world that uses the Yellow River as its power source. The prayer wheel is 27m high, 10m in diameter, and weighs 240 tons, making it the largest and most unique prayer wheel in the world (Photo 2). Guide Ancient City is located in the center of the county. It is a Ming Dynasty architectural complex with a history of over 600 years. The earthen city walls are basically intact, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion is a landmark of Guide (Photo 3). According to the staff, the ancient city is currently being replanned, integrated, and renovated. In the afternoon, we visited Ashigong Scenic Area. Guide National Geopark - Ashigong Colorful Peaks Scenic Area (4A) is composed of seven Danxia canyons with different colors and shapes. Its Danxia is not as colorful as Zhangye Danxia (Photo 4), and its peaks are not as deep as Tianshan Canyon (Photo 5). The core scenic area is just over 1km long, a small but exquisite scenic area (Photo 6). We left the scenic area after two hours and took National Highway 310 to the next stop. The whole journey was almost all mountain roads, crossing two mountains with a height difference of nearly 800m and a maximum altitude of over 2,850m. It took nearly two and a half hours to cover 90km. There were many surprises along the way. After leaving the scenic area, we crossed Ashigong Yellow River Bridge and went around to the back of the colorful peaks, where we found the Yellow River flowing quietly at its feet, with clear reflections. We took this photo of the peaks and the Yellow River together (Photo 7). After crossing the mountains, we entered Kanbula National Forest Park. The surrounding mountains are undulating, and the forest is dense. We shuttled through clusters of peak forests (Photo 8), sweeping away the drowsiness of winding roads. The sudden appearance of a pure blue water area surrounded by mountains extinguished our last bit of drowsiness. It was Lijiaxia Reservoir in Jianzha County (Photo 9). In the evening, we finally arrived at Hualong County, Haidong. Tomorrow, we will head to Linxia via Huangnan.

Short holiday is coming. Want to visit Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake? This guide is all you need. 2-day itinerary fully explained! -------------------- 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Ta'er Monastery->Laji Mountain->Qinghai Lake->Rubber Mountain Visit the ancient Ta'er Monastery and feel the strong religious atmosphere. Cross the magnificent Laji Mountain and overlook the beautiful mountains and rivers. Arrive at Qinghai Lake and enjoy the peaceful time by the lake. Finally, climb the Rubber Mountain and enjoy the distant view of the lake and mountains. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake->Qinghai Lake Sand Bay Nature Reserve->Jinyintan Grassland Stroll along Chaka Salt Lake and enjoy the magical scenery of the mirror of the sky. Go to Qinghai Lake Sand Bay Nature Reserve and explore the mysteries of nature. Finally, gallop on Jinyintan Grassland and feel the vastness and freedom of the grassland. -------------------- Must-visit attractions: ✨ Chaka Salt Lake: The salt is as white as snow, and the lake reflects the sky like a mirror, extremely pure! 📸 Beautiful photos! 🏯 Ta'er Monastery: An important monastery of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, with countless treasures and a strong religious atmosphere! 🙏 Feel the baptism of the soul! 🌊 Qinghai Lake: Known as the sacred lake, the vast grassland and the blue lake complement each other, breathtakingly beautiful! 💙 A masterpiece of nature! 🌳 Laji Mountain: The meadow on the plateau, with green grass and various wildflowers blooming in summer, like a beautiful picture! 🌸 A good place to enjoy flowers! -------------------- Travel checklist: 🧳 👚 Clothing: Xining is cold in December, so bring down jackets and thermal underwear, as well as windproof jackets and long pants, to keep warm! 🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses and sun hats are essential for sun protection and fashion; neck pillows and eye masks help you rest and make your trip more comfortable. 💳 Documents and others: Prepare your ID card, cash, and bank card, as well as power banks and chargers, to ensure your electronic devices are always charged. 💊 Medicine: Rhodiola for altitude sickness, cold medicine, and stomach medicine, so you won't panic in an emergency. -------------------- Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake, beautiful scenery all the way, pack your bags and set off, don't let the beauty stay in your imagination! 🎒✨

⛰【Attractions Guide】 📍Detailed address: Guide County, Qinghai Province 🚗Transportation Guide: [Car][Bus] 🕙Opening hours: 08:50-17:50 💰Ticket price: HKD95 🌟Highlights: The natural landscape of the Northwest, bold and rugged, the wonders of nature 📌Tips: The scenery is beautiful. It will be colder and drier after October. Please check the weather in advance and make preparations

💡Preparation ●Clothing: Laji Mountain is at a high altitude and has a low temperature. You need to prepare warm clothes such as thick cotton clothes, down jackets, warm pants, and leather boots, as well as windproof and cold-proof items such as hats, scarves, gloves, and masks. ●Medicine: Due to the high altitude, you may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, such as Rhodiola. People with a history of altitude sickness can bring an oxygen tank. ●Other items: Bring a camera, tripod, power bank, etc., to record beautiful moments and ensure that your electronic devices are fully charged. You can also prepare some high-calorie foods such as chocolate and bread, and hot water in a thermos to replenish energy and keep warm. 🚗Transportation ●Self-driving: Depart from Xining, take the G227 National Highway or the route suggested by the navigation software, about 100 kilometers in total, about 1.5 hours by car. You can enjoy the natural scenery along the way, but pay attention to the safety of the mountain road. ●Group tour: Choose a one-day tour group departing from Xining, the price is generally around CNY 200–300, including transportation, tickets, and tour guide services, which is convenient and worry-free. Itinerary ●Morning: After arriving at Laji Mountain, enjoy the plateau scenery at the mountain pass viewing platform. In the distance are continuous snow-capped mountains, and at your feet is a winding mountain road. You can also see prayer flags fluttering in the wind and take photos. ●Noon: You can taste local specialties such as butter tea and tsampa in the yurts near the scenic spot and experience Tibetan food culture. ●Afternoon: Visit Zongkala Temple, the world's largest mountain and water culture hall and China's largest Laze building complex. The ticket is about CNY 30. You can feel the solemnity and mystery of Buddhist culture here and enjoy the architectural art and surrounding natural beauty. ●Evening: Watch the sunset on the mountain, watch the sun slowly set, and the afterglow falls on the snow-capped mountains, forming a beautiful light and shadow. Then you can prepare to return. ⚠️⚠️⚠️Notes ●Laji Mountain is at a high altitude. Do not exercise vigorously, such as running or jumping, to avoid aggravating altitude sickness. ●Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not damage the environment and cultural relics at will. ●Check the weather and road conditions in advance. If you encounter bad weather, you need to take corresponding protective measures or adjust your itinerary.

Ta'er Monastery, Chaka Salt Lake, and Qinghai Lake are even more magical in winter. This 2-day itinerary will take you to the tranquil winter wonderland of the snowy plateau. Don't miss it! -- 🚀Itinerary: Day 1: Ta'er Monastery - Laji Mountain Pass - Riyue Mountain - Chaka Salt Lake On this day, you will visit the profound Ta'er Monastery, cross Laji Mountain Pass, enjoy the beautiful Riyue Mountain, and then immerse yourself in the magnificent Chaka Salt Lake. Day 2: Qinghai Lake - Qinghai Lake Sand Bay Nature Reserve - Jinyintan Grassland - Qinghai Atomic City Memorial 🔍On this day, you will immerse yourself in the fairyland-like Qinghai Lake, experience the charm of the Sand Bay Nature Reserve, hike on the Jinyintan Grassland, and explore the Qinghai Atomic City Memorial up close. -- Recommended attractions: 🌊Chaka Salt Lake: The white salt is like snow, covering the ground, and the water reflects the blue sky, pure as a mirror. ⛩Ta'er Monastery: The inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism, full of mystery, rich in treasures, and strong religious atmosphere. 🌿Qinghai Lake: Known as the sacred lake, Qinghai Lake is surrounded by endless grasslands and blue waters, where you can find inner peace. 🌄Riyue Mountain: A legendary place with rolling mountains and fluttering prayer flags like poetry and painting. 🌼Jinyintan Grassland: Stroll through the grassland, where golden and white flowers bloom, creating a fairyland of flowers. -- Travel tips: 1️⃣Airport transportation tips: From Xining Airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or express line to the city center, with convenient transportation✈️. 2️⃣Specialty price tips: The specialties of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, such as dried mutton and mare's milk wine, are reasonably priced and suitable as gifts🎁. 3️⃣Customs tips: Most scenic spots have Tibetan Buddhist culture, so it is recommended to learn about the religious rules and respect local customs⛩️. 4️⃣December climate tips: December in Qinghai is cold, but sunny. Remember to bring warm clothes and sunscreen⛄️☀️. -- At the end of this journey, you will take away not only photos, but also the spirituality of Ta'er Monastery, the dreaminess of Chaka Salt Lake, and the tranquility of Qinghai Lake. Looking forward to our next meeting! 😉

Located in Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Guide National Geopark was approved as the fifth batch of national geoparks by the Ministry of Land and Resources in August 2009. The main geological relics are sandstone peak forest landform, Yellow River valley landscape, and wind erosion landform.

🎟️ Ticket information: No ticket required. 🕐️ Opening hours: If you depart from Xining, it is recommended to depart at around 5:00 am on weekdays and around 4:00 am on weekends. There is a bit of traffic on Saturdays, so it is recommended to depart earlier. After November 20, the sunrise is usually around 7:20 am, so it is best to find a suitable viewing spot before 7:00 am. It takes about an hour to drive from Xining. If you watch the sunrise on a weekday, you will arrive in the city at around 9:00 am. If you watch the sunrise on a weekend, you will arrive in the city at around 10:00 am. There are more people and more traffic on Saturdays, so you may arrive in the city at around 11:00 am. 🍜 Food recommendations: Most people eat instant noodles on Laji Mountain. There are small stalls selling yak milk tea and rice, but people from other places may not be used to it, so it is recommended to bring some snacks. 🚗 Transportation: If you are driving or renting a car, you can navigate to "Laji Mountain Pass". If there is moderate or heavy snow, it is not recommended to go if your car is not 4WD or 2WD, or if you do not have snow tires or snow chains, as there are many hidden dangers on the mountain roads in snowy weather. There are many winding mountain roads, so drive carefully. It is recommended to go when the weather is clear. If you want to go to Laji Mountain and are carpooling or renting a car, it is recommended to choose a reliable car rental company, as many private car rental companies have incomplete equipment, hidden fees, and other issues. We also have our own car rental company, which is very reliable. If you want to go, you can contact us! Our prices are reasonable, there are no hidden fees, and students can get a discount. 🧥 Items to bring: The temperature on Laji Mountain varies greatly in winter, so it is recommended to bring a down jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and other warm clothing. 💞 Other tips: Weather: You can check the weather in Xining and Guide in advance. It is recommended to go when the weather is clear to avoid snow or fog. Although you can see the sea of clouds and beautiful scenery when the weather is cloudy, it is still recommended to go when the weather is clear, as you can sometimes see the golden mountain and the sea of clouds at the same time.

📍Detailed address: Xijiu Highway, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Location: Ashgong Colorful Peak, Guide National Geopark Cong Scenic Area 🕙Business hours: 09:30-17:00 open What are the attractions in Guide? ① Yellow River Qing Bridge: The water of the Yellow River begins to change color from here, from clear water to yellow. ② Qianzi Lake: A group of swamp lakes and wetlands in the Yellow River Basin, which is relatively rare in the wetlands at the source of the Yellow River. ③ Chinese Fortune Wheel: A famous prayer wheel, the main body of the prayer wheel is 42 meters high, of which the prayer cylinder is 26.3 meters high and 10.22 meters in diameter. The base is 15 meters high. It is the largest prayer wheel in the world and was awarded the Guinness World Record in 2012. ④ Guide Ancient City: With the cultural soul of the ancient city of "harmony and peace, settlement and reclamation", it revolves around the core theme of building China's Guide "harmony culture" (i.e. tolerance, integrity, filial piety, diligence and thrift communication base), highlighting the leading position of the temples and monasteries with the Jade Emperor Pavilion as the "Fulcrum of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism culture" in the ancient city scenic area, with the goal of building "China's most rustic ancient city" Relics: Sandstone peaks, Yellow River valley landscape, wind erosion landforms

📍Address: Provincial Highway 101, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Location: Laji Mountain 🌅Departure time: Get up at 5 am - Depart at 6 am - Arrive at 7 am (Sunrise is around 7:30 am, the sunrise halo is also very beautiful, and it changes every 90 minutes) Itinerary recommendation: Xining - Laji Mountain - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Xining [Return] Things to bring: Oxygen tank, cotton clothes, food, hot water, snacks, power bank, phone holder. Friendly reminder: No signal on the mountain!!!

Cold weather but with professional private guide cum driver I was able to enjoy La Ji Mountain free n easy trip

In Qinghai from November to December, we are advised to quit! 🇨🇳Is it worth visiting Qinghai from November to December? I am here to tell you responsibly that you can definitely come! 💭In early winter in Qinghai, although the grasslands have turned yellow and the rapeseed flowers have disappeared, the seasons are different and the scenery is also different. ✴️The passionate sunrise on Laji Mountain gradually turns the sky into a picturesque scene, which is simply beautiful. 🚗 Along the way you will see snow-capped mountains, endless golden prairie, flocks of Tibetan sheep, yaks, vultures, and good seabirds. 🔷Qinghai Lake in early winter is even bluer. The white salt lake is not affected by the four seasons and will not freeze. 👭There are few people in the scenic area, all the seats are reserved, and there is no need to queue up. The hotel costs 120~150💰It’s already a good stay 🔴The weather in Qinghai in winter is blue sky and white clouds almost every day. It is convenient to park along the way and take photos at any time. It is so cool. ~ 🚧🚧🚧About the route: 🇨🇳Excellent one-day tour Xining ~ Laji Mountain (watching the sunrise) ~ HaCheng Prairie ∽ Riyue Mountain ~ Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area ~ Erhai Lake ~ Daotang River ~ Xining ~ 🇨🇳Fine green tea two-day tour: Line A D1 Xining ~ Laji Mountain (sunrise) ~ Harbin Prairie ~ Daotang River ~ Qinghai Lake ~ Chaka (overnight) D2 Chaka ~ Chaka Salt Lake ~ Rubber Mountain (3817 meters above sea level) ~ Heima River ~ Riyue Mountain ~ Return to Xining. ~ 🇨🇳Fine green tea two-day tour: Line B D1 Xining ~ Riyue Mountain ~ Daotang River ~ Qinghai Lake Erlangjian ~ Chaka Salt Lake ~ Chaka D2 Chaka~Rubber Mountain~Heima River Scenic Area~Donger Observation Deck~Erhai Lake~Xining. ~ 🇨🇳7-day Qinggan-Gansu Loop Line D1 Xining~Riyue Mountain~Qinghai Lake~Heima River~Rubber Mountain~Chaka Salt Lake-Chaka (accommodation) D2 Chaka-Gobi Desert Style-Korukoke Lake~Emerald Lake~Dachaidan D3 Dachaidan ~ 315U-shaped highway ~ Dongtai Jinair Lake ~ Shuishui Yadan ~ Nanbaxian Yadan ~ Dachaidan D4 Dachaidan-Yangguan-Silk Road Heritage City~Dunhuang (overnight) D5 Dunhuang--Mogao Grottoes--Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring-Shazhou Night Market-Dunhuang D6 Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty - Jiayuguan - Colorful Danxia - Colorful Town D7 Zhangye--Qilian Mountain Prairie--Gangshika Snow Peak (far view)~~Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (season)-Daban Mountain Observation Deck--Xining ~ 🌂🌂🌂Friendly reminder: ✅Cotton coats, cotton hats, scarves, masks, sunglasses ✅Insulated cup, snacks, gloves, oxygen ✅Sunscreen, moisturizing mask, valid ID. ~ 👅Local food ✅Keng pot mutton, mutton soup, yak bone soup, hand-caught mutton... ✅Doodle slices, butter milk tea, sweet fermented grains, firecracker noodles, tsampa...

Romantic people are the craziest. On the way up the mountain at 5:30 am, the bright moon and stars in the sky make the night before dawn full of anticipation. After arriving, I chose a flat place nearby and looked around. Many people had already gathered on the viewing platform in the distance and on the mountain behind me to watch the sunrise. Some people were setting off fireworks, some were waving flags and shouting, and some were dancing around the bonfire... injecting fresh and warm life into the silent night. The wind was whistling in my ears, raging on my cheeks and hair, playing a symphony for the sun that was about to break through the sky. Looking at the golden light slowly appearing on the horizon, the earth was lit up inch by inch, and the scenery in front of me became vivid. I saw the golden mountain, and all the waiting was worth it! Route: Navigate to [Laji Mountain], 40–50 minutes from downtown Xining. Drive carefully on the mountain road and pay attention to safety. Cost: The scenic area is open for free. Next to it is Zongkala, known as the "First Pass of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau," where you can pray and light a lamp. Climate: Located at a high-altitude mountain pass, it is windy and cold. Wear thick cotton clothes, leather boots, etc., and wear a hat, mask, and scarf.

Ashgong Colorful Peaks is located in Tongren County, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It is one of the core landscapes in Kanbula National Geopark. This area is famous for its unique and rich landforms, especially its colorful Danxia landforms, which have become a holy place for photographers and explorers. ### Natural Wonders Ashgong Colorful Peaks were formed by wind and water erosion over millions of years. These peaks present a wonderful scene of red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple colors, like a rainbow on the ground, which is breathtaking. Every sunrise and sunset, the changing light makes the color of the mountain more vivid and distinct, like a huge natural oil painting. ### Exploration Tour Visiting Ashgong Colorful Peaks, you can not only enjoy the shocking landform landscape, but also learn about the secrets of the earth's billions of years of changes. Walking through the canyon, you can see various strange rock pillars, stone bridges, caves and other geological forms along the way. Every turn may bring unexpected surprises. ### Ecology and Culture In addition to natural landscapes, the area also retains rich biodiversity, and a variety of rare wild animals and plants inhabit and reproduce here. At the same time, the Ashgong area is also one of the birthplaces of Tibetan culture. The local traditional villages, temples, murals and other cultural heritage are also worth visiting to learn about the history and beliefs of Tibet. ### Practical Information - **Best time to visit**: The best time is from late spring to early autumn, when the climate is suitable, the vegetation is lush, and the colors are more vivid. - **How to get there**: Take a bus from Xining or Lanzhou to Tongren County, and then transfer to local transportation or rent a car to Ashgong Colorful Peaks. - **Precautions**: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays, so be sure to take sun protection measures. At the same time, respect local culture and customs, maintain environmental hygiene, and do not damage natural landscapes at will. Ashgong Colorful Peaks is not only a visual feast, but also a popular science tour about the mysteries of the earth, and a deep thinking about the philosophy of harmonious coexistence of life and nature. For those who love nature and yearn for adventure, this is undoubtedly a rare destination.

The colorful Danxia in Guide is simply a masterpiece of nature. The peaks here are stacked, red, yellow, and orange, and the colors are staggered, as if a huge color carpet is laid on the earth. Whether it is the morning sun shining on the mountain, or the evening glow illuminating the entire valley, the whole picture is so beautiful that it is suffocating, as if in a dream. Here you can not only feel the magic of nature, but also experience the tranquility and shock of being in a fairyland. Every step is a new discovery, and every look is a different scenery. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a travel expert, Guide Colorful Danxia will definitely make you amazing and can't stop.

🎈Laji Mountain is located on the south bank of Qinghai Lake, on the eastern foothills of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 🌅The scenery here is pure and unique. Whether you love natural scenery or are seeking peace of mind, this is an ideal choice. 🗻The mountains are undulating, the clouds are lingering, and it seems to be in a fairyland. Every inch of land is full of stories, and every cloud is a poem of nature. ✨I can't help but think of that poem: "The country is so beautiful, it attracts countless heroes." 🚗Transportation: [One] High-speed rail: [Xining High-speed Rail Station], about 55 kilometers after leaving the station [Two] Self-driving or taxi: locate [Laji Mountain Pass] 💰Ticket price: no ticket required

🌎⚜️📡🎨 Guizhou National Geological Park in Qinghai Province is like a dazzling pearl embedded in the Yellow River Valley. Its unique Danxia landform, weathered and eroded over the years, has formed peaks and peculiar shapes, creating a natural wonder with colorful mountain bodies, like the 'Seven-colored Peaks of Xuanyuan Houtu'. It is a rare natural beauty in the world. The craftsmanship of nature, meticulously carved, crisscrossed, and vividly depicted, is colorful! These natural brushes, whether light or heavy, deep or shallow, outline lifelike and vivid scenes! Under the blue sky, it forms a natural geological wonder, composing an unparalleled epic of the Northwest! Here, there is the danger of Longyang Gorge's lock gate, the solidity of Songba Gorge's guard, surrounded by mountains, vast plains, and fertile land, known as the 'Little Jiangnan' on the plateau. Guide Geological Park can be compared to Yellowstone Park in the United States

On the second day of the Qinghai tour, we visited the Ta'er Monastery and Guide National Geopark. The monks in Ta'er Monastery are divided into two categories: those who study scriptures and those who engage in arts. The former recite scriptures, while the latter create butter sculptures, Thangka (embroidered paintings), and murals, which are known as the three unique arts of Ta'er Monastery. Approximately 1kg of milk can produce about 100g of butter. To prevent the butter from melting, the monks need to keep their hands constantly soaked in ice water to maintain a low temperature, resulting in many monks suffering from frostbite or even amputation. This is referred to as 'cruel art.' Photography is not allowed inside the monastery. Butter sculptures are not just flowers as the name suggests, but various lifelike figures of living Buddhas, monks, horses, and colorful blooming flowers, all intricately crafted. However, what I cannot understand is that the artworks must be burned after two years, and the monks then create new ones for worship. The monastery's ticket revenue is entirely managed by the monks, including ticket inspection, along with central government funding and donations from believers. The tour guide mentioned that they are quite wealthy🤑. In the corridors, you can see many believers coming to fulfill their vows. They perform long prostrations, also known as 'five-body prostrations,' bowing 100,000 times. Those in good physical condition can complete it in 2-3 months, while the elderly may take several years. Some monks also perform prostrations to increase their merit. The tour guide said that increasing merit is not only about prostrations; smiling at people, saying warm words, and being charitable can also increase one's merit. Guide National Geopark features unique Danxia landforms, primarily in red and gray colors. As soon as you get off the car, you are greeted by the magnificent natural landscape. The wave-like Danxia landforms stretch for several kilometers, displaying brilliant colors under the sunlight. For photography enthusiasts, this place is perfect for capturing stunning photos. The mountains are not high, about 600 meters, allowing for an easy and enjoyable climb to the top.

Guide Ancient City was built in the 13th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (AD 1380) and has a history of more than 600 years. It was an important military town in the upper reaches of the Yellow River during the Ming Dynasty and one of the "Three Guard Cities" in Hehuang, Qinghai. Guide Ancient City lies quietly in the land of Qinghai. It is like a beautiful picture carefully painted over the years. The ancient city walls are solemn and mysterious, silently telling stories of the past. In the city, quaint temples and quiet alleys interweave a unique charm. As the sun sets in the west, the afterglow casts a layer of golden gauze on the ancient city, making it look like a dream. Walking around, time seems to go back, making people immersed in this peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, and never want to leave. ♥Opening hours: Open all day. ♥Ticket: 60 yuan/person. ♥ Tour route: Enter from the ancient city gate and walk along the main road. At the northern end of the road is the Confucian Temple, which includes the Confucian Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Guandi Temple and other buildings. Among them, the Yuhuang Pavilion is the landmark building of Guide Ancient City. You can climb the pavilion and overlook the entire ancient city, overlooking the blue sky, white clouds, and the beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains. ♥Transportation: Drive there by yourself or charter a car. Guide Ancient City is located on North Street, Hexi Town, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. ⚠️Note: 1. Guide is at a high altitude. When visiting, you should pay attention to preventing altitude sickness, rest appropriately, and keep plenty of water. 2. Some attractions may have specific opening hours or visiting regulations. Please pay attention to relevant information when visiting.