Essential Guide for Your First Trip to Qinghai

Honestly, the Northwest is not suitable for spontaneous trips. Stepping into any of these traps can ruin your entire journey 💣 Here’s a meticulously compiled guide to help you avoid 90% of the common mistakes! 👇 -- ⚠【Must-Read Booking Tips for the Northwest】 ✔ Mogao Caves: Book 30 days in advance! Type A tickets are limited to 6,000 per day (sold out instantly during peak season). ✔ "Encore Dunhuang" Performance: Book tickets 3 days in advance; last-minute purchases during peak season are nearly impossible. ✔ Chaka Salt Lake: Same-day booking is possible, but train tickets should be purchased early (afternoon tickets often sell out). ✔ Jiayuguan: During peak season, book 1 day in advance. ✔ Other attractions: Tickets can generally be purchased on-site. ---- 【Lessons Learned from Experience】 1⃣ Photography is prohibited in Mogao Caves! Type A tickets include two films and access to 8 caves, while Type B tickets only allow access to 4 caves—a significant difference! 2⃣ Wear bright-colored dresses at Chaka Salt Lake! But never walk barefoot on the salt lake (saltwater on wounds is extremely painful). 3⃣ Emerald Lake is even more photogenic than Chaka! Drone shots are stunning, so bring a drone (available for rent at the site, or ask your guide). 4⃣ Avoid cheap desert camping options! Bonfire parties and stargazing tents are the real deal; avoid options under 200 yuan. 5⃣ Visit Rainbow Mountains after 4 PM! Otherwise, the heat is unbearable. Sunset at Observation Deck 4 is breathtaking. 6⃣ Be cautious when taking photos on the 315 U-shaped road! Trucks can’t stop easily, so never stand in the middle of the road. 7⃣ Rapeseed flowers in Menyuan bloom only in July! For other months, consider visiting Qilian Grassland instead. ---- Travel Essentials 💯 Documents: ID card, student ID. 💯 Electronics: Phone, camera, headphones, power bank. 💯 Clothing: Long sleeves, thick jacket, light sweater. 💯 Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, arm sleeves, sunglasses. 💯 Skincare: Hydrating masks, toner, cleanser. 💯 Medications: Mosquito repellent, stomach medicine, altitude sickness remedies. ---- Seven-Day Qinghai-Dunhuang-Zhangye Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining --- Riyue Mountain --- Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) --- Chaka Salt Lake (overnight stay) Day 2: Chaka --- Qarhan Salt Lake --- Golmud (overnight stay) Day 3: Golmud --- U-shaped Road --- Water Yadan --- Dachaidan Emerald Lake (overnight stay) Day 4: Dachaidan --- Black Mountain --- Oil Town --- Dunhuang City (overnight stay) Day 5: Dunhuang --- Mogao Caves (morning tickets around 9 AM are ideal) --- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake --- Dunhuang City (overnight stay) Day 6: Dunhuang City --- via Jiayuguan --- Zhangye Rainbow Mountains --- Zhangye (overnight stay) Day 7: Zhangye --- Qilian Mountains and Grassland --- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) --- Xining (end of trip) --- 📸【Top Scenic Spots for Photography】 1 Emerald Lake (Tiffany-blue waters) 2 Rainbow Mountains (Nature’s color palette) 3 Mingsha Mountain (Desert stargazing + flying pose photos) 4 Qilian Grassland (Windows desktop vibes) 5 Son of the Earth (Artistic shots in the Gobi Desert) --- 💡【Survival Tips】 ✅ Sun protection trio: Sunglasses + face mask + arm sleeves (UV rays can cause severe sunburn). ✅ Must-have items: Windbreaker (20°C temperature difference between day and night), hydrating spray, disposable bed sheets. ✅ Altitude sickness: Avoid bathing! No running or jumping! Start drinking Rhodiola tea a week in advance. ✅ Outfit ideas for photos: Red/white/yellow dresses are stunning; combat boots are great for sand and stylish. ---- Trust me, follow this guide and you won’t hit any pitfalls! #QinghaiTravel #GansuTravel #NorthwestGrandLoop #QinghaiGansuLoop #DunhuangTravel #TravelGuide #DesertPhotography #NorthwestChinaTrip #LocalTravelAgency