Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

This is the ultimate guide to exploring the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop—don't go the wrong way! Planning to visit Northwest China between June and August? Just follow this itinerary! Seriously, don't come to the Northwest without knowing how to explore it properly! 🚀 Must-Read Before Departure! This checklist will make your trip hassle-free: 1️⃣ Documents: ID card, student ID (for discounts) 2️⃣ Gear: Sun protection essentials (hat + sunglasses + sunscreen), power bank, comfortable sneakers 3️⃣ Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, and oxygen bottles for high-altitude areas 📅 6 Days, 5 Nights Northwest Itinerary: Day 1: Xining → Sun and Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha (overnight stay) Day 2: Delingha → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan (overnight stay) Day 3: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Oil Town → Silk Road Heritage City → Dunhuang (overnight stay) Day 4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves (9 AM session) → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang (overnight stay) Day 5: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Zhangye (overnight stay) Day 6: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) → Return to Xining 🌿 Must-Visit Northwest Attractions (June–August): Qinghai Lake: In July, the rapeseed flowers bloom, and the lake water is a stunning blue. Enjoy cycling or strolling along the lakeside. Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," its reflections are mesmerizing on sunny days. Wear bright-colored clothes for photos. Emerald Lake: A salt lake with Tiffany-blue hues, resembling scattered gems. Perfect for aerial photography. Water Yadan: Rare water-based Yadan landforms with a surreal atmosphere. Mogao Caves: Book tickets in advance! Experience the artistic charm of thousand-year-old murals. Zhangye Danxia: Vibrant colors at sunset, resembling a multi-colored painting. ✔️ Transportation Tips: 🛫 Flights: Most visitors enter and exit via Xining Caojiabao Airport, though some opt for Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (about 2.5 hours' drive from Xining). 🚌 Local Transport: Xining city has convenient buses and taxis, but Northwest attractions are scattered. Consider renting a car, joining a group tour, or hiring a driver. 🚗 Self-Driving: Northwest roads can be challenging, especially sections like the U-shaped Highway and desert roads. It's recommended to hire experienced drivers or local guides. 💨 Northwest Summer Temperatures: May: Average 5–20°C June: Average 10–25°C July–August: Average 15–30°C (Dunhuang and Zhangye can exceed 35°C) 😘 Climate Features: Large temperature differences between day and night, strong UV rays, dry with little rain. Be prepared for sun protection and hydration. 👉 Clothing Suggestions: Daytime: Short sleeves + sun-protective clothing/thin jacket Morning & Evening: Windbreaker Essentials: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizing skincare products 👉 Other Items: ID card, student ID (for ticket discounts), power bank, common medications (e.g., motion sickness pills, stomach medicine) ⚠️ Practical Tips: 1️⃣ Significant temperature differences—bring a warm jacket! 2️⃣ Book Mogao Caves tickets in advance 3️⃣ Avoid strenuous activities in high-altitude areas; acclimate gradually 4️⃣ Respect local customs; don't touch prayer flags casually 5️⃣ Carry cash, as some areas have poor signal coverage Avoid unlicensed taxis for safety reasons. The Northwest is vast, with long distances between attractions (3–6 hours). Plan your itinerary in advance.