2025 Qinghai-Gansu Loop Travel Guide!

🙏🏻 The brand-new Qinghai-Gansu Northwest Loop itinerary for 2025 is here, perfect for trips between June and August! This is a true treasure trove of information, including route planning, transportation tips, precautions, and outfit ideas. Save this guide! - 🚇 Transportation Tips ✨ ✈ Flights: Recommended to fly into Xining Airport (Caojiabao), the starting point of the loop; airports in Dunhuang and Zhangye are available but have fewer flights. ✨ 🚄 Trains: High-speed trains are available from Lanzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other cities to Xining or Zhangye. ✨ 🚘 Self-driving: Not recommended for solo novice drivers due to long distances, sparse population, poor signal, and high risks. ✨ 🚌 Public Transport: Limited bus connections between attractions, few schedules, and time constraints make the experience less enjoyable. - 🎒 Travel Essentials 1️⃣ Must-have documents: ID card, student ID, etc. 2️⃣ Moisturizing items: Sunscreen🧴, hand cream, hydrating spray. Be sure to bring sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and scarves due to strong UV rays. 3️⃣ Cash: Carry minimal cash💰 as mobile payments are widely accepted in the Northwest. - Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye Seven-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining------Sun and Moon Mountain------Qinghai Lake (Heimahe)------Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka-------Crossing Qaidam Basin--------Emerald Lake-----Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan-------U-shaped Highway-----Dongtai Jinel Lake------Water Yadan------Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan ---Black Dushan-----Oil Town------Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang------Mogao Caves (Best to book tickets for around 9 AM)--------Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake----—Shazhou Night Market----—Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City-------Passing Jiayuguan-------Zhangye Rainbow Mountains----—Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye------Biandukou------Qilian Mountains Qilian Grassland-------Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)------—Xining (End) - ✅ Must-Visit Attractions 💎 Qinghai Lake: In July and August, the sea of rapeseed flowers contrasts beautifully with the blue lake. Try cycling around the lake or exploring the pastoral trails for close encounters. 💎 Emerald Lake: A drone is a must for aerial shots! The best lighting is at dawn or dusk, with the lake colors transitioning from mint green to Tiffany blue. 💎 Mogao Caves: Class A tickets need to be booked a month in advance. Special cave tours are worth the extra cost. Don’t miss the digital center’s film "Millennium Mogao." 💎 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Enter the park three hours before sunset, ride a camel to the top of the dunes for a panoramic view of Crescent Lake, and enjoy stargazing during desert camping at night. - 🚫 Essential Travel Tips ① Avoid frequent hair washing and bathing! High-altitude areas can cause altitude sickness; keeping warm is more important. ② Be cautious when taking photos at salt lakes! Protect your camera📷 from saltwater corrosion by using waterproof bags or plastic covers. ③ Toilets are scarce + many uninhabited areas! Avoid overeating, and prepare wet wipes, small change, and long-lasting snacks🍪. ④ Altitude sickness is common! Mild headaches and chest tightness are normal; rest well and avoid strenuous activities. ⑤ Book tickets in advance! For peak season, book tickets for Chaka Salt Lake and Mogao Caves at least a week ahead. - 👗 Outfit Suggestions 🔹 Qinghai Lake: White dress/floral long dress + denim jacket, blue and white tones are perfect! 🔹 Chaka Salt Lake: Red dress + sandals + wide-brimmed sun hat, bright colors stand out the most. 🔹 Dongtai Jinel Lake: Light-colored long dress + straw hat, the blue-green salt lake background pairs beautifully with elegant tones. 🔹 Water Yadan: Khaki/brown/black outfits, creating a desolate and solitary vibe in photos. 🔹 Mingsha Mountain: Shorts + sun hat + beach sandals, ideal for camel riding and dune climbing. 🔹 Rainbow Mountains: Denim jacket + colorful scarf/sunglasses, enhancing the layered effect under the light and shadow. -