Local's Guide to Northwest China Travel

Northwest Travel Peak and Off-Peak Seasons: May to October is the prime time for traveling in Northwest China. ♻️ May to June: Fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures, and cost-effective accommodations. ♻️ July to August: Stunning scenery but more crowded. ♻️ September to October: Golden autumn season with unique charm in Qinghai and Gansu. ♻️ After November: Cold weather may affect travel experience. ~~~~~~~~~~~ 🚗 Transportation Tips: ✈ By Air: Fly directly to Xining Caojiabao Airport or to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, then take a high-speed train to Xining. 🚄 By Train: Arrive at Xining Station or Lanzhou Station and transfer to Xining. -- 🧳 Travel Essentials: ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID, military ID, journalist ID, or other discount-eligible documents. ✔️ Clothing: Large temperature differences between day and night in Northwest China. Bring a windbreaker or down jacket for now, and a jacket for warmer days. ✔️ Electronics: Drone, power bank, headphones, chargers, etc. ✔️ Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, etc. ✔️ Others: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, disposable bed sheets, disposable toilet seat covers, etc. - ✅ Popular Attractions in Qinghai and Gansu: ✔️ Qinghai Lake: Hidden Gems: Sunrise at Heimahe (bird-watching season: April-May), cycling along the western route of the lake. Tips: Pastoral paths are closed; official entrance at Erlangjian Scenic Area costs 90 RMB. ✔️ Chaka Salt Lake: Two Scenic Areas: "Mirror of the Sky" (classic but crowded) vs. "Sky No.1" (newly developed, less crowded). Photography Tips: Best lighting before 10 AM or after 5 PM; wear bright-colored long dresses. ✔️ Mogao Caves: Ticket Tips: Type A tickets (8 caves + digital movie) must be booked 30 days in advance on the official website. Special Caves Recommendation: Cave 45 (Tang Dynasty sculptures), Cave 57 (Beautiful Bodhisattva). ✔️ Zhangye Danxia: Viewing Platform Guide: Platform 4 (Seven-Color Screen) is perfect for sunsets. Hidden Experience: Night tours of Danxia (stargazing + light show). ~~~~~~~~~~~ ✅ Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop: 6 Days, 5 Nights Itinerary: 💢 Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha 💢 Day 2: Delingha → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Yadan Landform → Dachaidan 💢 Day 3: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidushan → Oil Town → Dunhuang 💢 Day 4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Dunhuang 💢 Day 5: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Seven-Color Danxia → Zhangye 💢 Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields (visible in July-August) → Xining ~~~~~~~~~~~ 🚨 Tips for Altitude Sickness: ❶ Rhodiola Ineffective? Start taking Rhodiola 3 days in advance + drink one bottle of glucose daily. Avoid bathing upon arrival in Xining! Proven to relieve headaches. ❷ Don't Buy Oxygen Bottles at Scenic Spots: 50 RMB per bottle at the entrance is a rip-off! Buy online in advance for 20 RMB per bottle. ❸ Move Slowly: Qinghai Lake/Chaka Salt Lake are over 3,000 meters above sea level. Running or jumping can leave you breathless! Wear thick-soled shoes to avoid discomfort from stones.