I went to the Northwest during the off-season and here are my suggestions...

Traveling in the Northwest | Who says the off-season is not worth it? It is clearly God’s private reserve While most people focus their attention on the bustling Northwest during the peak season, few people know that this place in the off-season is like a pure land forgotten by the world, stripped of its noise and revealing its most authentic beauty. Next, follow this carefully crafted guide to experience the unique charm of the Northwest during the off-season! Itinerary Day 1: First impression of Lanzhou, encounter with history and food After arriving in Lanzhou, we took a short rest and then went to the Gansu Provincial Museum, which has a rich collection and where the civilizations of the Silk Road intersect and collide. In addition to the famous bronze galloping horse, there are also many precious cultural relics that allow you to deeply appreciate the historical changes of Gansu. In the evening, head to Zhengning Road Night Market and drink a bowl of steaming hot milk and egg fermented glutinous rice wine with a milky aroma. The delicate texture and sweet taste will instantly dispel the fatigue of the journey; then try the sweet mash, the unique sour and sweet taste of fermented barley or wheat is definitely a wonderful experience for your taste buds. Day 2: Strolling along the Yellow River and heading to Xining In the early morning in Lanzhou, take a leisurely stroll along the Yellow River Scenic Line. The Yellow River is rushing, and sheepskin rafts are floating downstream on the river. You can feel the unique charm of the city and the Yellow River. In the afternoon, we set out on the journey to Xining. When we step into this plateau city, we will be overwhelmed by the strong ethnic customs and unique regional culture. Don't forget to stroll through the old streets and alleys of Xining and look for authentic snacks. Day 3: Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, a tranquil dreamland The Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are breathtakingly beautiful in the off-season. Without the bustling crowds of the peak season, the Qinghai Lake water becomes more blue and deep. The snow-capped mountains in the distance and the withered yellow grass by the lake complement each other, outlining a tranquil winter picture. The Chaka Salt Lake has been transformed into a secluded sky realm, with the white salt beach shining brightly under the sunlight. Just pressing the shutter button will create a stunning photo that will amaze your friends. Day 4: From Chaka to Zhangye, the scenery is everywhere Starting from Chaka Salt Lake, passing through Qilian Mountains, the continuous snow-capped mountains shine with holy light under the sun, like the gate to fairyland. We arrived at Zhangye Danxia in the evening. The afterglow of the setting sun covered this magical landform with a colorful veil. The mountains and gullies were colorful, like an oil painting carefully painted by nature. Standing on any observation deck, you can take in this stunning beauty. Day 5: The majesty of Jiayuguan and the expectations of Dunhuang In the morning, we will go to Jiayuguan, an ancient fortress standing on the Gobi Desert, carrying a rich history. Touching the ancient city walls, recalling the scenes of war and battle in the past, you can feel the wisdom and courage of the ancients. We arrived in Dunhuang in the evening. This mysterious city has a thousand-year-old cultural atmosphere in the air. We took a good rest to recharge our energy for the next day's trip to Mogao Grottoes. Day 6: Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, a thousand-year-old wonder of art and nature Walking into the Mogao Grottoes in the morning is like stepping into a palace of art. The exquisite murals and lifelike Buddha statues all tell stories that have been passed down for thousands of years. In the afternoon, head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, ride a camel slowly in the desert and feel the vastness of the desert; the excitement and pleasure of sand sliding will make you forget all your worries; and the clear Crescent Lake in the desert is a magical gift from nature, shining brightly in the embrace of the desert. Food Recommendations - Lanzhou beef noodles: one clear (clear soup), two white (white radish), three red (red chili oil), four green (coriander, green garlic sprouts), five yellow (bright yellow noodles). The noodles are chewy and the soup is rich. One bite will fill you with a sense of happiness. - Gray beans: Made from local ash and peas, it has a soft and glutinous texture, sweet but not greasy, and has a unique bean aroma. It is a traditional dessert loved by Lanzhou people. - Qinghai old yogurt: It has a thick texture that melts in your mouth, has a rich milky aroma, and is covered with a thick layer of milk skin. It tastes sweet and sour and is a great way to relieve greasiness. - Hot Pot Lamb: The lamb is tender and is cooked in an iron pot with potatoes, onions, green peppers and other ingredients. The flavors of the spices are fully integrated into the lamb, making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma. - Donkey meat yellow noodles: a specialty of Dunhuang. The yellow noodles are as thin as dragon whiskers, flexible and resistant to stretching. After being seasoned with soup and paired with donkey meat, they have a smooth and chewy texture, and the soup is sour and spicy, which is appetizing. - Braised Poplar Pancakes: Cook the noodles until they are about 80% cooked, then spread them on the stewed mutton and simmer. The noodles absorb the mutton broth, giving them the chewy texture of noodles and the flavor of meat. - Niangpizi: Similar to Liangpi, but with a stronger texture. Paired with chili oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic and other seasonings, it is refreshing and delicious. It is a common snack on the table of people in the northwest. - Hand-pulled lamb: The authentic way to eat lamb. Cook the lamb and eat it directly with your hands. The tender lamb is paired with pepper salt or garlic vinegar. The feeling of eating meat in big mouthfuls is super satisfying. Transportation - Self-driving: Suitable for travelers who like to explore freely. You can stop and appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way at any time. But you should understand the road conditions in advance, especially in winter, when some sections of the road may be covered with snow and ice. Be sure to prepare anti-skid chains and drive carefully. - Charter a car: If you don’t want to drive yourself, chartering a car is a good option. There are experienced local drivers who are not only familiar with the routes, but can also act as tour guides to share some niche attractions and interesting stories with you. Communicate the itinerary and price with the driver in advance, sign a formal contract, and protect your rights. - Public transportation: There are buses and trains connecting the northwestern cities, but the number of trains may decrease during the off-season. Be sure to check the timetable carefully and buy tickets in advance before traveling. The train allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way, while the bus is more flexible and you can choose according to your needs. Precautions - Keep warm: The temperature in the northwest is low during the off-season, so be sure to bring thick enough clothes, such as down jackets, thermal underwear, fleece jackets, scarves, gloves, snow boots, etc. to avoid catching a cold. - Sun protection measures: Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong in plateau areas, so you should choose a high-factor sunscreen. Sunglasses, sun hats, and sun masks are also essential to prevent sunburn. - Attraction information: Learn about the opening hours and ticket policies of each attraction in advance. Some attractions may have discounts or even be free during the off-season, but the open areas of some attractions may be adjusted. - Altitude sickness: When you first arrive at the plateau, do not do strenuous exercise and avoid running and jumping. Drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, and get enough sleep. If altitude sickness occurs, you can prepare some anti-altitude sickness drugs, such as Rhodiola rosea, Gaoyuan An, etc. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.