Summer Adventure in the Great Northwest

Disconnect from the internet and let the snow-capped mountains, deserts, and salt lakes rejuvenate your soul. Embark on a 2,700-kilometer journey to experience the thrill of traversing four seasons. 🎒 Essential Packing List for Qinghai-Gansu Trip ✨ Documents: ID card, student ID/teacher ID ✨ Electronics: Power bank, camera + tripod ✨ Toiletries: High SPF sunscreen (SPF50+!), lip balm + hydrating face masks, disposable bed sheets/toilet seat covers ✨ Clothing: Lightweight down jacket + sun-protective clothing, bright long dresses, non-slip hiking shoes ✨ Others: Sun hat + cooling sleeves, thermos, motion sickness medicine Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye Seven-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining ---- Sun and Moon Mountain ---- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ---- Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka ---- Emerald Lake ---- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan ---- U-shaped Highway ---- Dongtai Jinel Lake ---- Water Yadan ---- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan ---- Heidushan ---- Oil Town ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang ---- Mogao Caves (Best to book tickets for around 9 AM) ---- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City ---- Passing Jiayuguan ---- Zhangye Rainbow Mountains ---- Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye ---- Qilian Grassland ---- Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View) ---- Xining (End) ✅ This Northwest Grand Loop covers the hottest attractions in the Great Northwest: Encounter the exclusive starry sky bus of the Northern Hemisphere ➕ Instagram-famous highways ➕ Four iconic lakes. ✅ In 8 days, you’ll explore all the highlights of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. ✅ Visiting once is like visiting ten times! Mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and gobi landscapes—everything is included. 📎 Must-Visit Classic Attractions in Qinghai-Gansu: 🔸 Emerald Lake: The lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, creating a heavenly scene. 🔸 Qinghai Lake: Half golden rapeseed flower fields, half dreamy blue lake. 🔸 Chaka Salt Lake: A popular “sky mirror” destination—don’t miss the little train ride 🚞. 🔸 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: A desert wonder and a gem on the ancient Silk Road. 🔸 Mogao Caves: Mysterious Dunhuang murals that transcend time. 🔸 Rainbow Mountains: A composite area of Danxia landforms and colorful hillscapes. 🔸 U-shaped Highway: The mysterious 315 Highway, China’s Route 66. 🌟 Things Not Recommended When Traveling to Qinghai-Gansu: ❌ Don’t join cheap tours—they’re full of pitfalls. ❌ Mogao Caves ticket booking! Only buy Class A tickets! Class B tickets (emergency tickets) only allow access to 4 caves and don’t let you choose the time. ❌ Sunscreen is a must! Physical sunscreen > chemical sunscreen; sun hat + cooling sleeves are lifesavers 😭. ❌ Respect local customs! When visiting Ta’er Monastery/Mosques, avoid exposing shoulders and legs; don’t touch Tibetan children’s heads; in Hui restaurants, don’t say “pork,” say “meat.” ❌ Book accommodations in advance! Last-minute bookings are 50% more expensive. ⚠️ Tips: If it’s your first time visiting the Great Northwest, self-driving is not recommended. The routes are complex 😌. Renting a private car is expensive, and joining a bus tour often compromises the experience.