Northwest Loop | Super Detailed 7/8-Day Travel Guide

📣 It's time to embark on a journey to the Northwest! A spiritual cleanse to understand the meaning of travel, find your comfort zone, and broaden your horizons! Let's set off on an impromptu trip to unveil the mysteries of the Northwest and explore the legends of the ancient Silk Road. ⛅ Northwest Approximate Temperature 🔆 June-August: 8°C-32°C: Recommended attire includes sun-protective clothing, long dresses, short sleeves, and light jackets. 🌟 Clothing: Qinghai has significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring wind-resistant clothing. 🌟 Shoes: Opt for sneakers or flat shoes as there will be a lot of walking. 🎒 Essential Packing List ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID, teacher ID, etc. (for ticket discounts) ✔️ Electronics: Chargers, power banks, cameras, drones. ✔️ Medications: Stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, mosquito repellent (some spots have many insects). ✔️ Sun protection: Long sleeves and pants, hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, sunblock spray. ✔️ Others: Thermos, wet wipes, mosquito repellent, masks, sleep masks. ✔️ Pre-departure checklist: Close doors, windows, turn off power, and take out the trash. ✅ Itinerary Plan 💯💯 Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Salt Lake-Yadan Seven-Day Loop: Day 1: Xining ---- Riyue Mountain ---- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ---- Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka ---- Qarhan Salt Lake ---- Golmud (Overnight) Day 3: Golmud ---- U-shaped Highway ---- Dongtai Jinel Lake ---- Water Yadan ---- Dachaidan Emerald Lake (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan ---- Heidushan ---- Silk Road Heritage City ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang ---- Mogao Caves (best to buy tickets for around 9 AM) ---- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ---- Shazhou Night Market ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City ---- via Jiayuguan ---- Zhangye Danxia Landform ---- Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye ---- Biandukou ---- Qilian Mountain Grassland ---- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) ---- Xining (End) 💥💥 Kekexili-Dunhuang-Zhangye Eight-Day Loop: Day 1: Xining ---- Riyue Mountain ---- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ---- Chaka (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake ---- Qarhan Salt Lake ---- Golmud (Overnight) Day 3: Golmud ---- Nachitai ---- Wujilongfeng Palace ---- Kunlun Mountain Pass ---- Kekexili Sonandajie Protection Station ---- Golmud (Overnight) Day 4: Golmud ---- 315 U-shaped Highway ---- Dongtai Jinel Lake ---- Water Yadan ---- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 5: Dachaidan Emerald Lake ---- Heidushan ---- Oil Town ---- Silk Road Heritage City ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight, desert camping and night sky photography) Day 6: Dunhuang ---- Mogao Caves (best to buy tickets for around 9 AM) ---- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ---- Shazhou Night Market ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 7: Dunhuang City ---- via Jiayuguan ---- Zhangye Danxia Landform ---- Zhangye (Overnight) Day 8: Zhangye ---- Biandukou ---- Ebao ---- Qilian Grassland ---- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) ---- Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields ---- Xining 🗺 Must-Visit Northwest Attractions Chaka Salt Lake: The most famous "Sky Mirror" Qinghai Lake: The largest inland lake in China. Qaidam Basin: One of China's three major inland basins. Qinghai Riyue Mountain: The mountain appears red and was historically called Chiling. Mogao Caves: Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, the "Oriental Louvre." Mingsha Mountain: A mountain formed by accumulated flowing sand. Jiayuguan: The first major pass at the western end of the Ming Great Wall. Zhangye Danxia: The most iconic Danxia landform. 🍜 Food Recommendations: Hand-grabbed lamb, Qinghai noodles, Qinghai liangpi, roasted whole lamb, apricot water, donkey meat yellow noodles, and pinched fish noodles. ❗ Notes: ⚠️ Strong winds by the lake, bring a windbreaker. ⚠️ Avoid buying souvenirs at scenic spots, especially expensive items. ⚠️ Dry weather, don't forget hydration products. ⚠️ Rest well in Qinghai, avoid strenuous activities, and abstain from smoking and drinking. ⚠️ Bring long-distance travel essentials: sleep mask, U-shaped pillow, earplugs. ⚠️ Be cautious near herders' homes as dogs are not usually leashed. ⚠️ The water in salt lakes is slightly corrosive; wear waterproof shoe covers for photos.