Qinghai-Gansu 8-Day/7-Night Loop Including Hoh Xil and Qarhan Salt Lake

This itinerary is a classic Qinghai-Gansu loop, covering many famous attractions, including Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Hoh Xil, Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, and Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Below is a brief description and some suggestions for each day's itinerary: D1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake Riyue Mountain: Located on the east side of Qinghai Lake, it is the dividing line between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, with magnificent scenery. Qinghai Lake: China's largest inland saltwater lake, with azure blue water and surrounding rapeseed flower fields (best in summer). Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," it is ideal for taking photos, especially at sunset. Accommodation: Chaka Town. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. D2: Chaka - Keluke Lake - Xiaochaidan Lake - Qarhan Salt Lake Keluke Lake: A freshwater lake adjacent to Tosu Lake, with beautiful scenery. Xiaochaidan Lake: A lake with clear water, surrounded by desert and Gobi landscapes. Qarhan Salt Lake: China's largest salt lake, with spectacular scenery. Accommodation: Golmud City. It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center for better facilities. D3: Golmud - Yuzhu Peak - Wuji Longfeng Palace - Kunlun Mountains - Hoh Xil - Sonam Dargye Protection Station Yuzhu Peak: The highest peak in the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains, suitable for viewing from a distance. Wuji Longfeng Palace: A Taoist cultural attraction located at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains. Kunlun Mountains: A sacred mountain in Chinese mythology, with magnificent scenery. Hoh Xil: One of China's largest uninhabited areas, rich in wildlife. Sonam Dargye Protection Station: A protection station established to protect Tibetan antelopes. Accommodation: Golmud City. D4: Golmud - Highway 315 U-shaped Road - Dongtai - Water Yadan - Nanbaxian Highway 315 U-shaped Road: Known as the "Chinese version of Route 66," it is ideal for taking photos. Dongtai Jinel Lake: The lake has a unique blue-green color and stunning scenery. Water Yadan: The combination of Yadan landforms and lake water creates a unique landscape. Nanbaxian: A Yadan landform group with peculiar scenery. Accommodation: Da Qaidam Town. It is recommended to book in advance. D5: Da Qaidam Emerald Lake - Heidu Mountain - Oil Town - Dunhuang Emerald Lake: The lake water has an emerald green color, perfect for taking photos. Heidu Mountain: A unique black mountain with unique scenery. Oil Town: An abandoned oil town, suitable for taking photos with a desolate style. Accommodation: Dunhuang City. It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center for convenient sightseeing. D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Grottoes - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring Mogao Grottoes: A World Cultural Heritage site with murals and sculptures of extremely high artistic value. It is recommended to book tickets in advance. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring: A spectacle of desert and spring water coexisting, suitable for camel riding and sand sliding. Accommodation: Dunhuang City. D7: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Son of the Earth: A giant sculpture located in Guazhou, symbolizing the relationship between man and nature. Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Colorful Danxia landforms, especially spectacular at sunset. Accommodation: Zhangye City. It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center. D8: Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan - Xining Biandukou: An important passage in the Qilian Mountains, with beautiful scenery. Qilian Grassland: Magnificent grassland scenery, with rapeseed flower fields in summer. Menyuan: Famous for its rapeseed flower fields (best in summer). End of trip: Return to Xining. Important Notes: 1. Altitude sickness: Some areas in Qinghai have high altitudes. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance. 2. Weather changes: The weather in the plateau area is changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Warm clothing is necessary. 3. Sun protection: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays, so sun protection is essential. 4. Ticket booking: Tickets for popular attractions such as Mogao Grottoes and Chaka Salt Lake need to be booked in advance. 5. Transportation: Some road sections have complex conditions. It is recommended to choose an experienced driver or chartered car. This itinerary covers the highlights of Qinghai and Gansu and is suitable for travelers who enjoy natural scenery and cultural history. I hope you have a pleasant journey!