2025 Jiayuguan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

This Qingming Festival short break, embark on a unique Northwest adventure! This 6-day tour of Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Jiuquan offers an off-season visit to the Mogao Caves, where you'll see 10 physical caves. Plus, explore the stunning Binggou Danxia. Don't miss out! -- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Lanzhou - City Tour Upon arrival in Lanzhou, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Afterward, explore the city at your leisure. Visit local attractions, savor authentic cuisine, and experience Lanzhou's unique charm. D2: Exploring the Zhangye Colorful Danxia Spend the day exploring the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, marveling at nature's artistry, and immersing yourself in the vibrant colors of the Danxia landforms. D3: Binggou Danxia In-depth Tour - Jiayuguan Pass Historical Journey Enjoy an off-season visit to Binggou Danxia, exploring its unique geological landscape. Afterward, journey to the Jiayuguan Pass and experience the profound history of the ancient city walls. D4: Mogao Caves Art Feast - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring Excursion The highlight of today's itinerary is a visit to the Mogao Caves. We've increased the number of physical caves you'll see from 8 to 10, offering a more comprehensive appreciation of the artistic beauty of the murals and sculptures. In the afternoon, head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring to experience the magical combination of desert and oasis. D5: Yumen Pass Ruins - Yadan National Geological Park Adventure Explore the ancient ruins of Yumen Pass and reflect on the passage of time. Afterward, journey to Yadan National Geological Park to admire the unique landforms and breathtaking natural scenery. D6: Farewell to Lanzhou As your delightful Northwest journey concludes, enjoy a private transfer to the airport or train station. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Please schedule your departure after 1:00 PM to ensure ample time. -- Essential Travel Tips: - Photo Ops 📸: The colorful Zhangye Danxia landforms, the majestic Jiayuguan Great Wall, and the technologically advanced Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center all provide excellent backdrops for photography! - Must-Try Cuisine 🍜: Don't miss the hand-pulled mutton and donkey meat yellow noodles in Jiuquan. Jiayuguan also offers authentic roasted whole lamb, combining deliciousness with local characteristics. - Airport Transportation 🚗: Plan your route from the airport to the attractions in advance. You can choose to rent a car or use local transportation to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. -- Walk through the Danxia of Zhangye, traverse the majestic Jiayuguan Pass, and savor the stories of Jiuquan. This journey will be truly unforgettable! Remember to like and save this post, and share it with your fellow travelers! ✨

A six-day travel guide from Xining, Qinghai to Dunhuang Mogao Caves is here! Essential routes and must-see attractions, all in one place. Save it now! 🚗Itinerary: D1: Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake The first stop is Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake, to experience the magnificent scenery of the plateau lake. D2: Chaka Salt Lake -> Dachaidan Emerald Lake Travel through the "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake, then head to Dachaidan Emerald Lake to experience the magical colors of nature. D3: Ussute Water Yadan Geopark -> Dongtai Jinel Lake -> Nanbaxian Devil City Explore the unique landforms of Water Yadan, swim in the clear waters of Dongtai Jinel Lake, and finally visit Nanbaxian Devil City to experience the mystery and magnificence of the desert. D4: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring -> Mogao Caves Conquer Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Moon Spring, and then visit the Mogao Caves to appreciate the splendor of thousands of years of Buddhist art. D5: Son of the Earth -> Beyond Limits -> Might of Emperor Wu of Han -> Jiayuguan Pass Immerse yourself in the deep affection of the Son of the Earth, experience the artistic innovation of Beyond Limits, follow the historical footsteps of the Might of Emperor Wu of Han, and finally ascend Jiayuguan Pass to look back at the glory of the ancient Silk Road. D6: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park At Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, admire the colorful Danxia landforms and conclude an unforgettable trip to Northwest China. 🌈 Travel tips: - Specialty prices: Xining's dried beef is mellow and delicious, about 80 yuan/500g, suitable for gifts or personal consumption 🥩. - Local customs: Dunhuang Mogao Caves is a Buddhist holy site. Please be quiet and respectful during your visit 🙏. - February climate: The temperature in Dunhuang in February is moderate, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring a down jacket to stay warm 🧣. 🎉Hope you have a wonderful and memorable trip to Xining, Qinghai and Dunhuang Mogao Caves!

Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, a two-day travel guide is here! All the highlights are covered, no detours, come and explore the magnificent scenery of the northwest with us! -------------------- 🏃Itinerary: D1: Jiayuguan Pass Visit the ancient Jiayuguan Pass and feel the weight of history and the grandeur of the frontier. D2: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Mogao Caves Listen to the singing of the sand at Mingsha Mountain and enjoy the tranquility of Crescent Spring; then head to the Mogao Caves to explore the treasures of a thousand years of Buddhist art. -------------------- Attraction Recommendations: ✨Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 5 stars✨ Address: Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City Opening hours: All day Duration: 3-5 hours A miracle in the desert, Crescent Spring is tranquil and beautiful, Mingsha Mountain has undulating sand dunes and spectacular scenery, not to be missed! ✨Mogao Caves 5 stars✨ Address: 25 km southeast of Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City Opening hours: April 1 - November 30 08:00-18:00 Duration: 3-4 hours A treasure trove of Buddhist art through the ages, the dome movie takes you through the charm of the caves and the rich cultural heritage. ✨Jiayuguan Pass 5 stars✨ Address: Guancheng South Road, Yuquan Town, Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province Opening hours: 08:30-18:00; 19:31-23:00 Duration: 2-4 hours The majestic ancient city walls and the staggered towers, every step is on the long river of history, feel the pride of the frontier. -------------------- Travel Essentials: 🎒Jiayuguan-Dunhuang travel, don't forget to bring these things! 👕 **Clothing**: Bring both short and long sleeves, as the temperature difference between day and night is large; jeans are suitable for walking in the desert, and sunscreen clothing is also necessary. 🕶️ **Accessories**: Sunglasses for sun protection and coolness, hats for sun protection are a must; moisturizing masks are important, as the desert climate is too dry. 📄 **Documents**: Bring your ID card and student ID card, as you may need them for discounted tickets. 💊 **Medicine**: Prepare some cold and stomach medicine, apply more layers of sunscreen; anti-heatstroke medicine is also important, healthy travel is very important. 🔋 **Others**: Don't forget your power bank and data cable, you need enough power to take photos; bring a water bottle with you, hydration is essential. -------------------- 🚀Don't hesitate, come and have a Jiayuguan-Dunhuang trip! Follow me for more exciting content!🎉

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

#Mainland China Attractions Jiayuguan, known as the "No. 1 Pass in the World", is located in the middle of the narrowest valley 5 kilometers west of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. It was built in the fifth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty. The city walls on both sides of the city gate cross the desert Gobi, connecting to the Black Mountain Cliff Great Wall in the north and the No. 1 Mound in the World in the south. It is the westernmost pass of the Ming Great Wall. Historically, it has been called the Throat of Hexi. Because of its dangerous terrain and magnificent buildings, it is known as the key to the frontier. Jiayuguan is a transportation fortress on the ancient "Silk Road". It is about 60 kilometers long and consists of three overlapping defense lines: inner city, outer city, and moat. It forms a defense system with a beacon every five miles, a tower every ten miles, a fort every thirty miles, and a city every hundred miles. The scene is spectacular and shocking. When you come to Gansu, remember to visit Jiayuguan.

Pictures speak louder than words ✌️ How to get there: we went with a rental car, but it’s close to the city What’s to see: a fortress and the wall in front of the beautiful scenery of the mountaina Time needed: half day easy Don’t forget to bring your drone for some of these beautiful aerial shots 🛸 IG: andykoh_m8 #germaninchina #travellifestyle #aroundtheworld

Getting There - This site is easy accessible. You can take a taxi, drive by yourself or go with your tour group. Our tour driver took us with a bus. Attractions - Walking in the West Great Wall, climbing some steps and take photos are the things that you can do at this attraction. They've rebuilt this wall in 1989 so it's not the 'original' wall, but it's still nice to see and walk the Wall. Hotels - There are loads of hotels to choose as close as 4,5km from the location. Food & Restaurants - There are restaurants in close proximity of this tourist attraction. There's kiosks where you can buy something to drink or snack on at the site as well. Shopping - There's kiosks where you can buy drinks, snacks and souvenirs. #summervacation #silkroad #westgreatwall

Getting There - You can take a taxi, drive yourself or arrange with a tour group to take you to Jiayuguan Pass. It will be easily found on the GPS or map since it's a popular historical site. Attractions - There's a lot to see at Jiayuguan Pass. There's a museum you can walk throug, beautiful and interesting items it's just a pity the descriptions are only in Chinees. The Pass itself are wonderful...we walked around the wall, looked at the temples and watch towers. It's beautiful walking on the Fortress and looking down inside and outside of the wall. You can do a photoshoot on the wall and taste the delicious ice cream that's the replica of the Fort. Hotels - There are different hotels to choose from in the surrounding area. Food & Restaurants - There's are places to get snacks and drinks on the way to the pass. There's restaurants in the surrounding area. Shopping - There is a kiosk to buy souvenirs, drink and snacks if you want. #silkroad #summervacation #jiayuguan

FYI: Go to Jiayuguan Pass first. The ticket you get there is also valid for this site. (55¥)✌️ 📍How to get there - If you don’t have a drive, taking a DiDi is the most convenient way to get to this site. ⭐️ Attraction - Great Wall of China 🇨🇳 This is my 3rd time seeing the Great Wall at different locations and this is my favorite one. Unlike Mutianyu in Beijing, this location is much quieter. Of course it isn’t as big, but it’s a great place to visit. ⏰ Recommended time - The stairs are quite steep and uneven so it might take you about 1.5 hours or so. 🥤 Food and drinks - Get a bottle of water/snacks before you start climbing the stairs. #gansu #passionpassport #china #greatwallofchina #jiayuguan #historicculture #historicallandmarks

FYI: Go to Jiayuguan Pass first. The ticket you get there is also valid for this site. (55¥)✌️ 📍How to get there - If you don’t have a driver, taking a DiDi is your best bet. ⭐️ Attraction - This is the location of the first pier of the Great Wall. There’s also a little museum that you can check out. You can also buy some souvenirs at the museum. ⏰ Recommended time - About 1-1.5 hours. 🥤 Food and drinks - This is a small site, so there’s not that much you can buy. There are few things available but that’s about it. Have fun! 😊 #passionpassport #gansu #china #historicallandmarks #historicculture #jiayuguan #summervacation

If visiting Jiayuguan, you must visit this scenic spot. FYI: If you’re planning on visiting this site, first pier and the hanging Great Wall, visit this site first. Why? Your ticket is valid for all 3 spots. (55¥) ✌️ 📍How to get there - I had a driver, but DiDi is always the easiest and convenient option. ⏰ Recommended time - About 2 hours. 🥤Food and drinks - There are some shops where you can buy some snacks and cold beverages. ⭐️ Attraction- Jiayuguan’s city wall #passionpassport #gansu #china #summervacation #chinalife #travelinspiration #scenicspotguide #citywall #jiayuguan #historicculture #historicallandmarks

The Great Wall of China starts from Shanhaiguan in the east and ends at Jiayuguan in the west. It was also the gateway to the Western Regions of the Silk Road in the old days. When you leave the magnificent Jiayuguan gate, a desolate desert unfolds before you.. It feels like a different world than before. Now you can ride camels and ATVs and fly around the area by helicopter but it was a place where you could indirectly feel how daunting it must have been for people back then when they saw such nature. #Must-see historic site #Great Wall #Jiayuguan #China #China travel

Who says you have to go to Beijing if you want to see the Great Wall of China? Head over to Jiayuguan in Gansu province to visit the western end of the Great Wall! It is a peaceful experience with much fewer tourists than you’ll find in Beijing 😌 I would say that the best time to visit is in the early morning when you can catch the tail end of the sunrise 🌅 Plus you will be able to avoid the hottest part of the day…believe me when I tell you you’ll work up a sweat after climbing all those stairs 🥵 I was lucky enough to have perfectly clear skies on my trip which made it all that more breathtaking Check out the last photo - not a cloud in sight! #thisischina #jiayuguan #greatwall #tripblazers #queenb_travels #gansu

Getting There - Upon arrival at Jiayuguan station hire a didi or driver to take you to this site on the outskirts of the city Attractions - The Jiayuguan Eastern most section of the Great Wall. This is different to other sections of the Great Wall, as instead of being built of stone and bricks, it’s made of rammed Earth giving it the yellow colour! There is a small entrance fee to enter, it takes about 30 minutes to walk up and down this section. There are also other There is also a Jiayuguan pass and guard tower that can be visited within the same day (estimated 2-3 hours) Hotels - we stayed at the Jiayuguan hotel which is basic but the location is good. Food & Restaurants - Wumai'er beef noodles, and stayin cafe were some of our favourites. 2 days and one night here is plenty, food options are fairly limited. However Alipay bikes and ebikes can be rented easily to travel around the city. #culturalattraction

Getting There - 1hr train from Zhangye Attractions - an ancient part of Great Wall We stopped at this place just for few hours, but were pleasantly surprised how many fascinating sites Jiayuguan has to offer. We first went to the pass and then took a Didi to the Great Wall (25rmb, 15min). The entrance was free for us, because we showed them our tickets from the Pass. Make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, because you will have to walk a lot. We haven't spent too much time there - 2,5 hours were more than enough. After visiting this place we took a Didi to the train station (60rmb, 35min). I really enjoyed the scenery, it was nice and different from all I have seen in Gansu! #couplestrip#historicculture#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Getting There - 1hr by train from Zhangye Attractions - Jiayuguan Pass Jiayuguan Pass used to be the starting point of the ancient Great Wall built during Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). We spent in Jiayuguan just couple of hours on the way from Zhangye to Dunhuang. We had about 5 hours transit between our trains so we jumped on the Didi and went directly to the Jiayuguan Pass. The ticket costs 80yuan and it allows you to visit both the Pass and the part of the Great Wall. In fact the distance from there to the Great Wall is about 15km, so you can easily visit both attractions in one day. It was very windy and overcast when we arrived, but the scenery was just incredible. I was impressed by height of walls in the fortress, you can also walk up the wall and enjoy the view of Gobi desert from there. #travelinspiration#couplestrip#historicculture#urbanexplorer

coal coated day on the Great Wall

#refreshed #awesometrip Finally got a few days of get away. Travelled with awesome people and travelled to an awesome place.. #discoveringchina

Jiayuguan, the first gate of the West Great Wall. Above the vast loess of the sky, the city is proud of this, it is magnificent. A hundred years ago, how many bloody men fought in this bloody battle to protect the country. In the face of the Wanli Huangsha standing here, the feelings of the world are born. On the "drunk lying in the sand field, Jun Mo laughed, the ancients came to fight a few people back." Next, talk about a few slots: 1. The three-spot bundled tickets are a bit less human. 2. The building is too new and has a little history. 3. The rented interpreter is too watery. Finally, if there is plenty of time, the Great Wall Museum next to it should not be missed. The air conditioner is so cool that it is really interesting. You can learn a lot about the Great Wall architecture.

"The world's first Xiongguan" Jiayuguan, wind and rain for six hundred years Jiayuguan is the starting point of the west end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, known as "Chinese and foreign defense", "Hexi first mouth". After six hundred years, the current Jiayuguan is still solid and golden, and the Megatron is square, with strict barriers and integration with the Great Wall. According to the end of the western end of the Great Wall, the male is backed by the rolling Qilian Mountains and stands on the top of Jiayu Mountain. In the first place, Jiayuguan, all eyes are all khaki, the whole Guancheng is like the pile of loess, but it is the most intact one in the Great Wall. Approaching Jiayuguan, the gates of the towers are engraved with the three characters "Jiayuguan". A three-storey three-five-family building is built on the gate. His Majesty has Zuo Zongtangs inscription The First Xiongguan in the World. The layout of the building is exquisite and powerful. It echoes with the the worlds first customs Shanhaiguan, which is far away from the distance. Standing on the imposing Jiayuguan City Tower, you can see the Gobi Desert, the mountains and the mountains in the north and the south. The snow on the top of the mountain is clearly visible. Qilian Snow Mountain is vast and vast. For hundreds of years, it has been like a silent guardian, and spent more than 600 years with Jiayuguan. I saw a piece of grass in front of Jiayuguan, camels and horses moving slowly, and I heard the crisp camel ringing on the ancient Silk Road. Jiayuguan is like a history-old man who has experienced vicissitudes of life. He is standing between Montenegro and Qilian Mountain in the face of hunting hurricanes. He watches the loneliness of the desert and tells the people who have been here for centuries. In the long years, singing old songs.

By car, you can't imagine how many unknown people are hidden in this city called Gobi Pearl. In this place where the desert is full of desert Gobi, the most ugly one is the rushing river, but the magic is that there is a river in the northwest of Jiayuguan that has not been exhausted for thousands of years. Many of the wonders in nature that seem to be unable to coexist are actually gathered in this vast desert. The scenery of the Grand Canyon in the section of the ice ditch is not only spectacular, but the waterscape seen in different seasons is also very different. If it comes to the ice ditch in the winter, you can see it is different from the spring, autumn and summer. The scenery, the cold air from the Qilian Mountains will cause the river to begin to freeze, and there will be a few trickles on the glaciers slowly passing through the Grand Canyon. Standing at the center of the cable bridge, looking at the whole view of the Grand Canyon of the Lai River, looking around, the nearby Gobi Desert surrounds the entire canyon, showing a yellow-orange-orange piece under the setting sun, leaving the original desolate and lonely. The desert of the Gobi became splendid in a moment, and the texture of the red rock wall between the canyons danced along with the light and shadow of the sun. The weeds growing in the desert of Gobi also became a unique embellishment due to the setting sun. Adding a touch of color to the yellow Gobi, and the Qilian Mountains behind it are also true, as if the snow-capped mountains are not far away, but when they really touched it, they found that they were actually beyond reach. This is a paradise for photographers, and its a wonderful visual experience.

Jiayuguan is famous for its Jiayuguan City, but there are two little-known beautiful scenery about 20 kilometers outside Jiayuguan City, Black Mountain Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Lai River. I used to think that Crescent Moon Spring is the most beautiful oasis in the desert, until I met the Black Mountain Lake in Jiayuguan, where the Danxia landform and the desert oasis coexist, and the lake water shows a high saturation dark green under the sunlight. The expansive lake is exquisite and refreshing. This section of the canyon we have visited has not yet been developed. It took about half an hour to drive from Heishan Lake. After going down the highway, it went to the Gobi. The car was up and down by the stones on the Gobi, and suddenly stopped on the edge of a cliff. For the first time, I felt the ground cracked in front of my eyes. The Grand Canyon is a natural surface fracture, such as a knife and axe. The inner walls on both sides of the Grand Canyon are steep and steep, and their terrain is dangerous. In the canyon, the snow melts of the Qilian Mountains flows all the year round. The layers of the mountains are painted by the sunset, and the cliffs of the canyon are also hooked on the Phnom Penh.

🌄Part 1｜Why Did the Qinghai-Gansu Loop Make Me Post 3 Days of Pyq Content? The northwest wind makes clothes flutter wildly, and every cell in your body cheers with excitement! ✨ Chaka Salt Lake's reflections come with built-in filters, while the Dunhuang flying Apsaras photoshoot instantly turned me into the "culture class representative" in my pyq~ 🏜️ Desert camping under a galaxy so close you could pluck stars, and the weightlessness of dune bashing in a 4x4 is more thrilling than roller coasters! 📸 Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains look like spilled paint palettes – even family members who usually hate taking photos urged me to "fill all nine grid slots"~ --- 🚗Part 2｜Tested & Approved: How Hassle-Free Small Group Tours Are! ✔️ 2-8 person groups with 4x4 vehicles – shout "stop" anytime for those highway photo ops, even introverts can capture moody shots! 🎁 Airport pickup gift bags stuffed with northwest snacks, instant replies in the butler group chat, lavender earplugs cured my unfamiliar-bed syndrome~ 📷 Free photoshoots were heartwarming! The makeup artist gave me Dunhuang-style floral forehead decor, and my retouched photos had friends begging for recommendations! 🏨 Desert tents with starlit BBQs, Dunhuang hotels with Crescent Moon Spring views – all for just $30+/night per person 💡 The agency books cost-effective lodgings along the route – DIY bookings cost double for the same rooms --- ✨Part 3｜Local-Only Hidden Gems 【Salt Lake Photography Hacks】 🔹 4pm at Chaka gives natural soft lighting – spin in red dresses for fairy spell-casting shots~ 🔹 Use water bottles to collect salt crystals at Emerald Lake – drone shots of heart-shaped salt caves look like wallpaper 【Desert Pro Tips】 🌅 Choose 5pm camel rides at Mingsha Mountain when sunset turns dunes honey-colored – silhouette game strong! 🔥 Join Tibetan bonfire dances at camp – fresh-cut lamb + barley wine instantly turns strangers into friends 【Cultural Easter Eggs】 🎨 Mogao Cave guides are walking encyclopedias – mural details more vivid than documentaries 📜 Jiayuguan Hanfu rentals include full styling – wind-blown hair really gives that "time-travel" vibe --- 🌌Part 4｜5 Reasons to Go Now 1️⃣ May crowds are half-sized – no queue-jumping for salt lake photos 2️⃣ Giant lamb hotpots feed four, handmade yogurt costs just $0.3 3️⃣ Layering works: windbreakers + slip dresses = 3 daily outfit changes 4️⃣ Carpool tours include tolls + transfers – saves 2 nights' lodging vs DIY 5️⃣ Free hand-drawn guidebooks even mark prime stargazing spots --- 🔥Part 5｜Destiny by Algorithm! Millennia of desert winds sing ballads – your travel bucket list just needs these galactic dune photos!

🌄Part 1｜Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, why did I post on social media for 3 days straight? The northwest wind makes every cell in my body dance! ✨ The reflection at Chaka Salt Lake is more stunning than any beauty filter, and the Dunhuang flying fairy photoshoot instantly made me the "culture ambassador" of my social circle! 🏜️ Camping in the desert, the Milky Way is so close you can reach out and grab the stars, and the weightless feeling of the off-road vehicle racing over sand dunes is way more thrilling than an escape room! 📸 Zhangye Danxia looks like a spilled palette of oil paints, even my usually picky mom urged me to "post a nine-grid collage"! --- 🚗Part 2｜Tested and proven how awesome small shared car groups are! ✔️ Groups of 2–8 people with off-road vehicles, stopping anytime at scenic spots along the highway, instantly turning everyone into the vibe creators! 🎁 The airport pickup gift pack is full of northwest specialty snacks, the concierge group replies instantly 24/7, and lavender earplugs cured my bed recognition problem~ 📷 The free photoshoot is insanely generous! The makeup artist applied Dunhuang floral face stickers, and my edited photos got flooded with "photographer contact info, please!" comments! 🏨 Desert tents with red wine and barbecue, Dunhuang hotels with windows opening to Crescent Lake, feeling like light luxury for just over 200 per person 💡 The travel agency booked high-value hotels along the scenic route; booking the same room type yourself costs double and is hard to get ✨Click below 🌍Part 3｜Hidden local experiences only insiders know 【Salt Lake secret shooting tips】 🔹 At 4pm, Chaka Salt Lake has a natural soft light board; spinning in a red dress for dynamic shots looks super fairy-like! 🔹 At Jade Lake, use a water bottle to collect salt crystals; drone shots of heart-shaped salt caves look so beautiful they seem photoshopped 【Desert survival guide】 🐫 Choose the 5pm camel caravan at Mingsha Mountain; the sunset dyes the dunes caramel color, creating perfect silhouette vibes! 🔥 Camp with Tibetan brothers dancing the Guozhuang dance, freshly roasted whole lamb + highland barley wine instantly awaken your social butterfly side 【Cultural highlights】 🎨 The Mogao Caves special cave guide is like a history professor; the mural details are even more stunning than the live version of "National Treasure" 📜 The Jiayuguan Hanfu experience includes makeup and styling; when the hair flows, you truly feel immersed in "thousands of miles of war smoke entering dreams" --- ✨Part 4｜5 big reasons to rush to Qinghai-Gansu now 1️⃣ Visitor density halves in May, so you can have the whole salt lake to yourself without fighting for spots 2️⃣ Kangpot lamb is enough for 4 people, handmade yogurt costs 2 yuan and fills you up, carbs make your brain happy 3️⃣ Onion-style dressing method tested effective: windproof jacket + slip dress for photos = 3 outfits per day on average 4️⃣ Shared car groups include tolls + scenic transfers, saving you the cost of 2 hotel nights compared to self-driving 5️⃣ Sign up and get a hand-drawn travel guidebook, even marking off-the-beaten-path stargazing spots --- 🔥Part 5｜Big data brought us together! The millennium camel bells jingle in the wind, your photo album just needs this set of desert starry skies!

--- 🌄Part 1｜Why the Qinghai-Gansu Loop Made Me Post on Social Media for 3 Days Straight? The Northwest wind awakens the soul of every working person! ✨ Chaka Salt Lake reflections are better than beauty filters, while Dunhuang's flying apsaras travel shots instantly transform you into your friends' "cultural representative"! 🏜️ Desert camping under the Milky Way and dune bashing in off-road vehicles gives an adrenaline rush 100 times more thrilling than murder mystery games! 📸 Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains come with built-in oil painting filters - even mom approved with "this background has serious presence"! --- 🚗Part 2｜Why Choose a Group Tour? Tested and Truly Worth It! ✔️ Small groups of 2-8 people with off-road vehicles, stop whenever you want for epic road trip shots - even introverts become social butterflies! 🎁 Airport pickup + travel essentials + concierge group chat, feels like coming home from the moment you land - even the earplugs are lavender-scented! 📷 Free photo shoot included! Professional makeup + 9 edited photos, no need to gather 9 pics for your social grid! 🏨 Desert camping with barbecue under the stars, Dunhuang hotels with night views - accommodations are N times more luxurious than expected! 🏨 Northwest hotels are always in high demand. Travel agencies have long-term partnerships with hotels, offering better prices and locations than booking yourself. Northwest attractions are scattered with long distances between scenic spots, making private transportation arrangements complicated. Scenic spot tickets generally require advance reservations to avoid long lines. For independent travelers, accommodations need careful planning in advance, otherwise it's normal to face thousand-yuan room rates with no availability. That's why small group tours are the super premium choice. --- 💡Click below to unlock your May Day social media spotlight strategy! --- 🌍Part 3｜Hidden Northwest Experiences Revealed! 【Salt Lake's Thousand Faces】 🔹 Wear a red dress at Chaka Salt Lake for "sky mirror" photos - 4pm lighting is magical! 🔹 Find heart-shaped salt caves at Emerald Lake, drone shots instantly transform it into Tiffany-blue sapphire! 【Ultimate Desert Experiences】 🐫 Ride camels at Echoing Sand Mountain listening to camel bells - evening silhouette shots are better than movie posters! 🔥 Desert camping with whole roasted lamb, bonfire parties with traditional Guozhuang dance - the enthusiasm of Northwestern people will intoxicate you! 【Cultural Highlights】 🎨 Mogao Caves special tour guides are all scholars - their mural stories are more impressive than "National Treasure"! 📜 Wear Han dynasty costumes at Jiayuguan Fortress, instantly travel back to Silk Road caravan times - patriotic feelings maxed out! --- ✨Part 4｜May Day is Now - 5 Reasons to Go! 1️⃣ Fewer tourists in April-May, maximum exclusivity at salt lakes/deserts! 2️⃣ Northwestern cuisine with big plate chicken + lamb hotpot - a food lover's paradise confirmed! 3️⃣ Large temperature differences between morning and evening - bring windbreakers + sunglasses for protection and great photos! 4️⃣ Group tours average 2k+ per person, more carefree than self-driving, more freedom than coach tours! 5️⃣ Book now and receive a travel handbook - journal enthusiasts rejoice! --- 🔥Part 5｜Seeing This is Fate - Hurry and Find Travel Buddies! The Northwestern wind has been blowing for thousands of years - your social media is just missing these epic shots! 👉 Check the comments to find like-minded travel companions and become "Qinghai-Gansu top players" this May Day! ---

Emerald Lake, a forgotten gem on the plateau, is like God's abandoned palette. 🎨 Location: Dachaidan Town, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🎫 For tickets, we recommend choosing the ticket + round-trip small train option (if you're in good shape, you can choose to walk) 🕙 Opening hours: 7:30–20:00. We recommend going early to get good lighting and avoid the crowds. 🌟 Must-see spots: 1️⃣ Green Lake: We went in the afternoon and happened to catch the sunlight shining on the lake surface, which made for great photos. It was absolutely gorgeous. 2️⃣ Blue Lake: The largest salt lake, the water is as clear as a sapphire, making for beautiful photos. 3️⃣ Heart-shaped Lake: From above, it looks like a heart shape. Aerial photography is very romantic. 💕 We found a small one, which was also very beautiful. 📸 Photo tips: Wear light-colored clothes. A white dress is great for photos and goes well with the colorful salt lake. Make good use of the sunlight. The light is soft in the morning or evening, which will give your photos more depth. Bring sunglasses 🕶️ for sun protection and to strike a pose. ⚠️ Precautions: Be sure to protect yourself from the sun. The ultraviolet rays are strong here. The lake water is brine and contains harmful substances, so don't touch it. If you want to take aerial shots, remember to bring a drone. Dachaidan Emerald Lake is so beautiful. You don't even need to adjust the colors of the photos you take. Every frame is divine. Promise me that you'll come here when you visit Qinghai! Recommended itinerary: D1. Pick up from the airport/train station in Xining (accommodation) D2. Xining – Sun and Moon Mountain (drive by) – Daotang River (pass by) – Qinghai Lake – Chaka Salt Lake – Delingha (accommodation) D3. Delingha – U-shaped highway – East Taijinaier Lake – Water Yadan – South Baxian Yadan – Dachaidan (accommodation) D4. Dachaidan – Emerald Lake – Petroleum Town – Dunhuang (accommodation) D5. Dunhuang – Mogao Grottoes – Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring – Dunhuang (accommodation) D6. Dunhuang – Guazhou – Jiayuguan – Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park – Zhangye (accommodation) D7. Zhangye – Biandukou – Qilian Mountain Grassland – Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) – Menyuan (passing by canola flower fields, with a flowering period of July–August) – Xining. The pictures and text are taken from the Internet. Please inform us if there is any infringement so we can delete it.

Gansu In-Depth Travel Guide (Latest 2024 Edition) – A Thousand Years of Silk Road Echoes 🐫 --- I. Essential Guide Before You Go ✅ **Best Time to Visit**: - **May–October**: Pleasant climate (peak season in July–August, golden poplar forest in September–October) - **November–April**: Off-season with fewer crowds (half-price tickets for Mogao Grottoes, but some scenic spots are closed) ✅ **Transportation**: - ✈️ Plane: Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (provincial hub)/Dunhuang Airport - 🚄 High-speed train: Lanzhou West Railway Station (connecting Xi'an/Urumqi) - 🚗 Chartered car: As the scenic spots are scattered, it is recommended to charter a car for the western/southern route (approx. CNY 600–800/day) ✅ **Essentials**: - Sun protection kit: Sunglasses + sunscreen + sun hat (extremely strong UV rays) - Moisturizing products: Lip balm + moisturizing spray (dry climate) - Documents: ID card (border pass required in advance for some border areas) --- II. Must-Visit Attractions **📍 Dunhuang Route (Silk Road Culture)** - **Mogao Grottoes**: - New rule for 2024: Class A tickets (8 caves + digital center) must be booked 1 month in advance - Hidden experience: Visit special caves (CNY 150–200/cave, book on-site) - **Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake**: - Best time: Sunrise/sunset (avoid the high temperature at noon) - New experience: Desert camping to watch the stars (recommended: Dunhuang Villa) **📍 Zhangye Route (Geological Wonders)** - **Zhangye Danxia Geopark**: - The colors are most vibrant after rain (No. 4 viewing platform is the best) - New night tour program (light show + stargazing) - **Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon**: - "China's Colorado," hiking/off-road vehicle crossing **📍 Gannan Route (Tibetan Customs)** - **Labrang Monastery**: - World's longest prayer wheel corridor (3.2 km) - Monlam Festival (February 10–16, 2024) - **Zhagana**: - "Stone City Secret Land," it is recommended to stay in a Tibetan homestay **📍 Other Highlights of Hexi Corridor**: - **Jiayuguan Fortress**: The western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall - **Jinta Poplar Forest** (mid-to-late October): Fewer people than Ejina --- III. New Experiences in 2024 🎭 **Cultural Immersion**: - Dunhuang adds "Digital Dunhuang 2.0" VR experience (replicating unopened caves) - Zhangye's live-action performance of *Hui Dao Zhangye* (sandstorm effects) 🏜️ **Outdoor Adventure**: - Mingsha Mountain adds a desert ATV off-road track - Gannan Langmusi Gorge horse riding exploration 🍵 **Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience**: - Lanzhou Yellow River Waterwheel making (Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop DIY) - Linxia brick carving skills study --- IV. Food Map 🍜 **Must-Eat List**: - Lanzhou: Beef noodles (the first pot of soup at 6am is the freshest) + Fangha sweet fermented millet milk tea - Dunhuang: Donkey meat yellow noodles + apricot juice - Zhangye: Fish noodles + braised chicken with flat noodles - Gannan: Tibetan buns + yak yogurt 🍢 **Night Market Recommendations**: - Lanzhou Zhenning Road Night Market (look for the white-bearded grandpa for milk and egg fermented glutinous rice) - Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market (bargain for handicrafts, starting from 30% off) --- V. Recommended Classic Itineraries **🚗 5-Day, 4-Night Essential Route** Day 1: Lanzhou (Provincial Museum + Yellow River Scenery Line) → Overnight train to Dunhuang Day 2: Mogao Grottoes + Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake Day 3: Dunhuang West Route (Yangguan + Yumen Pass) Day 4: Zhangye Danxia Geopark Day 5: Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon → Return trip **🌄 7-Day, 6-Night In-Depth Route** +Day 6: Jiayuguan Tower → Overhanging Great Wall +Day 7: Gannan Labrang Monastery → Sangke Grassland --- VI. Accommodation Guide 🏨 **Featured Recommendations**: - Dunhuang: Dunhuang Villa (Han and Tang style, excellent for stargazing) - Zhangye: Gonghanglv Danxia Mingzhu Hotel (at the entrance of the scenic spot) - Gannan: Zhagana Tibetan Homestay (Stone City view) 💰 **Money-Saving Tips**: - Choose near Lanzhou West Railway Station (convenient transportation) - Off-season (November–April) room rates drop by 50% --- VII. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ⚠️ **Precautions**: - Taking photos is strictly prohibited in the Mogao Grottoes (fines can reach CNY 10,000) - Beware of "black cars" when chartering a car (look for a regular travel agency) - Altitude sickness: Gannan area is 3,000+ meters above sea level, prepare Rhodiola Rosea 💸 **Consumption Tips**: - Scenic spot battery car fees are extra (Zhangye Danxia Geopark: CNY 20/person) - Jiayuguan joint ticket includes the Overhanging Great Wall (don't buy separately) --- VIII. Photography Paradise 📸 **Best Spots**: 1. No. 4 viewing platform of Zhangye Danxia Geopark (sunset) 2. Dari viewing platform of Zhagana (surrounded by morning mist) 3. Overlooking Crescent Lake from the top of Mingsha Mountain 4. Humanistic shots of the prayer wheel corridor of Labrang Monastery --- IX. Special Tips • **Ethnic Taboos**: Do not step on the threshold/point at Buddha statues in Gannan temples • **New Environmental Protection Regulations**: Plastic shoe covers are prohibited in Mingsha Mountain (environmentally friendly ones can be rented) • **Network Signal**: There is often no signal in the Gobi Desert (download offline maps in advance) 🌿 **Local Suggestions**: The distance between cities in the Hexi Corridor is long. It is recommended to "start early + take a lunch break + arrive late," and prepare enough snacks and water! Take this guide and feel the collision of the desert and the Tibetan Buddhist sounds! 🏜️🎑

In the first month of the new year, I've already visited Quanji, Hanting, and Merilun. All three hotels gave me free room upgrades, which was great. The receptionist at Merilun kindly upgraded me to an executive king room for free. The room was spacious, and since it wasn't facing the street, it was relatively quiet. I also discovered that Hanting and Merilun use coffee from the same manufacturer, while Quanji provides tea bags. The rooms were comfortable as always. The Hanting 3.5 experience, although the rooms are smaller than Quanji's and lack overhead showers (which I really can't do without), has greatly improved in other aspects - it feels like a mini Quanji.