How to Explore Qinghai and Gansu in Summer? Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

A successful trip around Qinghai and Gansu during summer heavily depends on a good plan! Follow this detailed guide, prepare accordingly, and set off with confidence! - 🎒 Essential Preparations 1️⃣ Documents: ID card, student ID (discount available!) 2️⃣ Clothing: Thick jacket + sun-protective clothing, as the temperature difference between day and night is significant 🌡️! Don’t forget sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. 3️⃣ Others: Power bank, essential medications 💊, and a thermos cup to minimize trouble. - 🗺️ Itinerary (Easy-to-follow plan) DAY1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town 🏨 DAY2: Chaka Town → Cross the Qaidam Basin → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town 🏨 DAY3: Dachaidan Town → U-shaped Highway → Gineer Lake → Water Yadan → Dachaidan Town 🏨 DAY4: Dachaidan → Heidushan → Oil Town → Dunhuang City 🏨 DAY5: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang City 🏨 DAY6: Dunhuang City → Pass by Jiayuguan → Zhangye Rainbow Mountains → Zhangye 🏨 DAY7: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) → Xining 🚗 - 🌟 Sightseeing Tips ✅ Qinghai Lake: Rent an electric scooter to tour the lake; every shot is picturesque. ✅ Chaka Salt Lake: Best visited on sunny days! Wear a red dress for stunning photos 📸. ✅ Mingsha Mountain: Visit two hours before sunset; camel rides are atmospheric 🐫. ✅ Rainbow Mountains: Wait for the sunset at Viewing Platform No. 4; the scenery is worth it. - 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations ✔️ Xining / Dunhuang: Choose city center locations for convenient travel and dining. ✔️ Small towns: Book in advance! Rooms are scarce during peak season. ✔️ Unique experiences: Try the stargazing rooms in Chaka Town to enjoy the Milky Way 🌌. - 🍜 Must-Try Local Foods 🍖 Hand-grabbed lamb: Tender and juicy, with a unique flavor when dipped in salt and pepper. 🍜 Beef noodles: Authentic taste at local restaurants frequented by residents. 🥟 Donkey meat yellow noodles: A specialty in Dunhuang that leaves a lasting impression. 🍵 Sweet fermented barley drink: Refreshing and perfect for cooling off. - ❗ Important Notes ⚠️ Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! UV rays are intense. ⚠️ Respect local customs; avoid photographing prayer flags and statues casually. ⚠️ Avoid strenuous activities in high-altitude areas; prepare oxygen bottles. -