Northwest Grand Loop Travel Guide｜Late-night compiled tips!

Planning to travel the Northwest Grand Loop between June and August? Without proper planning, it's easy to encounter pitfalls. This travel route and tips guide is packed with useful information, perfect for first-time travelers! Wishing everyone a joyful trip around the Northwest Grand Loop! 🔥Transportation in the Northwest Grand Loop ✈ Xining Caojiabao International Airport: Airport buses are available to the city center, or you can opt for taxis or ride-hailing services. 🚄 Xining Railway Station: Located in the city center, with convenient access to metro and buses for traveling around. 🚇 Metro in some cities: Cities like Lanzhou have metro systems, making travel more efficient. 🚍 Long-distance buses: Connect cities and some scenic spots; check schedules and timings in advance. Preparation before departure Documents: ID card, student ID (for half-price discounts) Electronics: Chargers, power banks, portable fans, cameras Photo props: Earrings, accessories, sunglasses, drones, selfie sticks, etc. Sun protection: Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas ✅ Seven-day itinerary suggestion 1⃣ Day 1: Xining—Sun and Moon Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka (overnight) 2⃣ Day 2: Chaka—Chahann Salt Lake—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan (overnight) 3⃣ Day 3: Dachaidan—315 U-shaped Road—Water Yadan—Dachaidan (overnight) 4⃣ Day 4: Dachaidan—Heishan—Dunhuang (overnight) 5⃣ Day 5: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (overnight) 6⃣ Day 6: Dunhuang—Son of the Earth—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Rainbow Danxia—Zhangye (overnight) 7⃣ Day 7: Zhangye—Qilian Grassland—Gangshika Snow Peak—Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers—Xining ✅ Must-visit attractions: 💎 Qinghai Lake: A deep blue gem, serene and pure, a masterpiece of nature 💎 Chaka Salt Lake: A poetic salt lake, dreamlike between heaven and earth 💎 Emerald Lake: A jade-like lake shining green in a desolate land, like a legend 💎 Water Yadan: Unique water Yadan landforms, distinctive and fascinating 💎 Mogao Caves: Standing strong after a thousand years, witnessing the grandeur of history 💎 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Mountains and water intertwined, crystal clear 💎 Rainbow Danxia: Vibrant and colorful like a maze of wonders 💎 Qilian Grassland: Vast alpine grasslands, melodious pastoral songs, picturesque scenery ❤ Recommended local delicacies ⭐ Hand-grabbed lamb: Found in Qinghai and Gansu, tender lamb boiled and dipped in sauce for authentic flavor. ⭐ Baked lamb ribs: Lamb paired with potatoes and onions, baked to perfection, aromatic and delicious. ⭐ Donkey meat yellow noodles: A specialty of Dunhuang, tender donkey meat with chewy yellow noodles and rich broth. ⭐ Qinghai old yogurt: Solid texture, sweet and sour, rich in probiotics, aids digestion, and has a creamy taste. ⭐ Liangpi (cold skin noodles): A refreshing dish, smooth texture, mixed with chili oil, vinegar, and other seasonings, appetizing and tasty. ⭐ Poplar tree stewed flatbread: Lamb stewed with flatbread, absorbing the lamb broth, soft and flavorful. ⭐ Beef small rice: A traditional dish from Zhangye, small rice grains with savory beef broth, warming and filling. ✅ Travel tips ⚠ Wear light-colored clothing for better photos at salt lakes, and prepare waterproof shoe covers. ⚠ Visit Mingsha Mountain after 4 PM to avoid the scorching sun and enjoy sunset and stargazing. ⚠ Book Mogao Caves tickets 30 days in advance; choose A-class tickets for digital films and cave explanations. ⚠ Take photos at designated parking areas on the 315 U-shaped road, avoiding large trucks. ⚠ Choose a reputable horse ranch for horseback riding in Qilian Grassland, and negotiate prices and duration beforehand. 💥 Additional travel tips ✔ Qinghai Lake: Rapeseed flowers bloom from June to August; find the right angle to avoid crowds for stunning photos. ✔ Chaka Salt Lake: Best lighting after 4 PM; wear bright-colored clothes and bring your own shoe covers for convenience. ✔ Zhangye Rainbow Danxia: Sunset at Observation Deck 4 is breathtaking; colors are even more vibrant after rain. ✔ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Ride camels early or late in the day; protect yourself from sun and sand as sand easily gets into shoes. ✔ Mogao Caves: Book A-class tickets 30 days in advance on the official website; emergency tickets offer fewer cave visits, so don't miss the exquisite murals. ✔ Emerald Lake: Take the small train to the end and explore outward for fewer crowds and better views; transparent boats are great for photos.