A Five-Day, Four-Night Trip to Northwest China: A Travel Guide (Seriously, Plan Ahead or Go Crazy)

Pre-trip Preparations • Documents: ID card and other necessary documents. • Clothing: Warm clothes and sun protection. • Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, anti-altitude sickness medicine, etc. Itinerary Day 1: Xining - Ta'er Monastery - Qinghai Lake • Morning: Arrive in Xining and head to Ta'er Monastery. Visit this sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism and experience the religious culture. • Afternoon: Depart from Ta'er Monastery to Qinghai Lake, enjoying the plateau scenery along the way. Upon arrival, stroll along the lakeshore and admire the lake view. • Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel near Qinghai Lake. Day 2: Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha • Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Qinghai Lake. Afterwards, head to Chaka Salt Lake and experience the "Mirror of the Sky." • Afternoon: Leave Chaka Salt Lake and travel to Delingha, enjoying the scenery of the Qaidam Basin along the way. • Accommodation: Hotel in Delingha. Day 3: Delingha - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan • Morning: Depart from Delingha to Emerald Lake and admire the beautiful salt lake scenery. • Afternoon: Rest and recharge in Dachaidan. You can stroll around the local town. • Accommodation: Hotel in Dachaidan. Day 4: Dachaidan - Nanbaxian Yardang National Geopark - Dunhuang • Morning: Visit Nanbaxian Yardang National Geopark and see the unique Yardang landforms. • Afternoon: Cross the Dangjin Pass and arrive in Dunhuang. Visit the Mogao Caves. • Accommodation: Hotel in Dunhuang. Day 5: Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring - Return Trip • Morning: Visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, experience the desert scenery, and choose activities such as camel riding. • Afternoon: End of the trip, prepare for the return journey. Food Recommendations • Xining: Hand-grabbed mutton, yak jerky, niangpi (cold noodles), etc. • Around Qinghai Lake: Qinghai Lake naked carp (pay attention to protecting fish resources, choose legal and compliant restaurants), yogurt, etc. • Delingha: Kang guo yangrou (mutton cooked in a heated pot), mianpian (flat noodles), etc. • Dunhuang: Donkey meat yellow noodles, stewed mutton with sesame cakes, etc. Important Notes • In plateau areas, take precautions against altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise. • Pay attention to sun protection and warmth, as the temperature difference between day and night is significant. • Respect local religions and customs.