Northwest Travel Guide: 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Loop Tour

For those planning to visit Northwest China, make sure to read this carefully! As a local, I can't bear to see travelers falling into common pitfalls. Follow my guide for a hassle-free and enjoyable trip ✌️. Here's a detailed itinerary perfect for first-time visitors. Be sure to check out the tips before you set off~👀👀 ------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐ Essential Packing List 🔸 Important Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts), driver's license 🔸 Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, sunblock spray, umbrella, sun-protective clothing 🔸 Toiletries: Skincare products, shampoo + body wash, makeup remover 🔸 Electronics: Chargers, power bank, Bluetooth earphones, selfie stick, camera, drone 🔸 Medications: Allergy medicine, cold medicine, glucose, motion sickness pills, altitude sickness medicine, digestive medicine 🔸 Other Items: Thermos, wet wipes, disposable underwear, slippers, mosquito repellent, face masks, eye masks ---------------------- 💟 7-Day Itinerary ✅ Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka (Overnight) ✅ Day 2: Chaka - Qarhan Salt Lake - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Overnight) ✅ Day 3: Dachaidan - Xiachaidan Lake - Water Yadan - Dachaidan (Overnight) ✅ Day 4: Dachaidan - Oil Town - Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang (Overnight) ✅ Day 5: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake - Shazhou Night Market (Free time) - Dunhuang City (Overnight) ✅ Day 6: Dunhuang - (Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan) Optional - Zhangye Rainbow Mountains - Zhangye City (Overnight) ✅ Day 7: Zhangye - Qilian Grand Canyon - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak - Xining ------------------- ⭐️ Attractions Overview Riyue Mountain: The place where Princess Wencheng looked back at her homeland. It marks the boundary between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet and is an important geographical divide in China. Qinghai Lake: The largest inland saltwater lake on the plateau in China, known as the "Blue Jewel of the Plateau." Jiayuguan: A key pass on the Silk Road, famously known as "The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven." Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Shaped like a crescent moon, it is the largest spring lake in the Dunhuang area and one of China's four major desert landscapes. Oil Town: Once a bustling town, it served as a filming location for the movie "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe." ---------------------------- 🙌 Northwest Travel Tips 🔹 Sun protection is a must. The UV radiation in Northwest China is intense, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen🧴, sun-protective clothing👚, sun hats👒, and other items to shield yourself from UV rays. 🔹 If opting for a group tour, choose a reputable and well-reviewed travel agency to ensure safety and a pleasant experience, making your journey more enjoyable 😄. 🔹 The climate in Northwest China is dry, so don't neglect hydration. Bring moisturizing skincare products💧 and hydrating face masks to keep your skin supple. 🔹 Some areas have high altitudes. Prepare altitude sickness medicine💊 in advance and avoid strenuous activities upon arrival to adapt smoothly to the plateau environment.