Just Back from Qinghai: Copy This 7-Day, 6-Night Travel Guide!

Listen up, friends! I'm giving you my heartfelt advice here. If you're planning to visit Qinghai without checking out a travel guide first, you're likely to run into all sorts of problems on your first trip! I've stayed up for several nights researching every aspect of Qinghai tourism thoroughly, and carefully compiled this guide. I hope to explain clearly how to best experience Qinghai, helping you avoid detours and enjoy more of the beautiful scenery. If you're planning to visit Qinghai in April or May, ladies, don't miss this perfect opportunity. This period is Qinghai's off-season. Compared to peak season, there are relatively fewer tourists. But this doesn't diminish Qinghai's beauty—in fact, the scenery has a unique charm during this time. It's like a modest beauty who can be better appreciated when there are fewer people around. Spend some time reading my guide carefully, and it's like getting the answers to a high-scoring assignment—it will make your Qinghai trip smooth and comfortable. First, I want to tell you about the updated ticket discounts for 2025. If you qualify, make sure to bring the relevant documentation—don't miss out on these great discounts because you forgot your ID! ✔Children under 6 years old, the flowers of our nation's future, are at that innocent age. Taking them to appreciate Qinghai's beauty and experience the magic of nature is a valuable experience for their growth. Seniors over 65 who have weathered life's ups and downs should also visit this magical land to enjoy different scenery and leisurely times. Both groups can enjoy ticket discounts. ✔Police officers who guard our safety day and night; active military personnel who protect our country; teachers who cultivate our nation's future; healthcare workers who save lives; and students who are the hope of our country—all these groups can enjoy ticket discount policies. Just bring the appropriate ID and save money to spend on more worthwhile things, like tasting Qinghai's delicious food or buying local souvenirs. ✔All primary, middle, and high school students, as well as college students, can enjoy discounts with valid student ID. The student years are full of yearning for the unknown world. Taking a trip to Qinghai during vacation will definitely be an unforgettable experience. Among Qinghai's mountains and waters, they can broaden their horizons, gain knowledge, and create beautiful memories. Next, I'll share some accommodation tips for Qinghai. ☝Qinghai's attractions are quite spread out, with considerable distances between them. So I recommend staying near wherever you're visiting. This has many benefits. First, it saves travel time. Imagine being exhausted after a day of sightseeing—how tiring would it be to travel a long way to your hotel? Second, this gives you a comfortable place to rest after touring. When you're tired, you won't have to worry about finding a hotel ⭕Now I'll explain in detail how to plan your trip. Day 1: From anywhere in China to Xining 🚌On the first day, you'll arrive in Xining from wherever you're coming from. Xining is a charming city with many places worth visiting. After arriving, you can first visit Ta'er Monastery. It's one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, with unique architectural style and rich cultural heritage. Inside the monastery are exquisite murals, embroidery, and butter sculptures, known as the "three artistic wonders" of Ta'er Monastery. Each is amazing. The murals are vibrant, vividly depicting Buddhist stories; the embroidery is exquisite, with every stitch reflecting the craftsmen's dedication; the butter sculptures are miraculous, made at low temperatures with exquisite shapes. Then visit Dongguan Grand Mosque, one of Xining's landmarks. Its architectural style combines traditional Chinese and Islamic features, solemn and majestic, allowing you to feel the sacredness and dignity of religion. When you enter the mosque, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history. Day 2: Xining—passing through Riyue Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Delingha 🚌In the morning, depart from Xining, passing through Riyue Mountain. Riyue Mountain is a natural dam east of Qinghai Lake and marks the boundary between agricultural and pastoral areas. Standing on Riyue Mountain, you can see completely different landscapes on either side. On one side is vast grassland with herds of cattle and sheep, like a beautiful pastoral scene; on the other side are neat farmlands, full of vitality, showing the hope of harvest. Then head to Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland lake. The water is deep blue, like a huge sapphire embedded in the earth. Here, you can stroll along the lake, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the scenery; or rent a bicycle and ride along the lakeside path, enjoying the feeling of freedom. That carefree cycling makes you feel at one with nature. Afterward, visit Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky." The lake surface is as calm as a mirror, clearly reflecting the sky, as if you're in a fairy tale. When you walk on the salt lake, beneath your feet are white salt grains, and in the distance is the reflection of blue sky and white clouds, like entering a dreamland. In the evening, arrive in Delingha for a good rest to prepare for tomorrow's journey. Day 3: Delingha—Highway 315—East Taijinar Lake—Water Yardang—Dachaidan 🚌During the day, travel along Highway 315, known as "China's Route 66." The Gobi Desert stretches endlessly on both sides of the road, creating a magnificent view. When driving on this road, you can feel the grandeur and magnificence of nature. Visit Qinghai's "Maldives"—East Taijinar Lake, where the water is a dreamy blue, contrasting with the white salt flats, breathtakingly beautiful. The blue water is like a huge blue silk, shining with charming light in the sun. Then go to the Water Yardang, the world's only water yardang landform, where the various yardang formations appear particularly mysterious in the water. Those oddly shaped yardangs seem like artistic masterpieces carved by nature. In the evening, go directly to Dachaidan for the night to experience the night in this quiet place. In the silent night, you can look up at the stars and feel the vastness of the universe. Day 4: Dachaidan—Jade Lake—Black Independent Mountain—Dunhuang 🚌During the day, visit Jade Lake, where the water is emerald green, like pieces of jade embedded in the earth. Under the sunshine, it sparkles with charming light. When you approach Jade Lake, you'll find that each part of the lake has a different shade of green, some deep green, some light green, like a beautiful painting. In the afternoon, head to Black Independent Mountain, which is like an ink painting. The mountain appears black, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding white salt flats and blue sky, making you feel like you're on another planet. Here, you can take photos to your heart's content, creating beautiful memories. Each photo captures this unique landscape. Day 5: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring—Dunhuang 🚌In the morning, visit the human art treasure—Mogao Caves. The Mogao Caves are the world's largest and richest existing Buddhist art site, with numerous exquisite murals and sculptures. Each piece is an artistic treasure, allowing you to appreciate the superb skills and wisdom of ancient artists. When you enter the Mogao Caves, it's as if you've traveled through time back to ancient times. Those murals and sculptures are like silent historical narrators, telling you stories of the past. In the afternoon, go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring. The sand on Mingsha Mountain is fine and soft, and when you slide down from the top, you can hear the sound made by the sand. Crescent Spring is like a new moon embedded in the desert, still rippling with clear water after thousands of years—a miracle of nature. Here, watch a beautiful sunset, with the evening glow spreading over the desert and Crescent Spring, turning the whole world golden and brilliant. The scene is intoxicatingly beautiful. Standing on the sand dunes, watching the sun gradually set, you'll feel a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. Day 6: Dunhuang—Son of Earth—passing through Jiayuguan—Colorful Danxia— Friends, by following this guide, I'm sure you'll create wonderful memories in Qinghai!