Quick Guide to the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

Travel Preparations: Documents: ID card, student ID (for ticket discounts) Toiletries: Skincare products, makeup, high SPF sunscreen, travel-sized toiletries, facial wipes Clothing: Summer clothes + light jacket (check the weather three days before departure) Electronics: Camera, chargers, power bank, selfie stick, headphones Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, Rhodiola capsules (start taking one week in advance to prevent altitude sickness) Others: Umbrella, sunglasses, hat, some cash ⛅ Qinghai-Gansu Weather: ▪️ June average temperature: 7°C–21°C. Temperatures start to rise in May, mainly spring attire recommended, but bring a windbreaker for mornings and evenings. ▪️ July-August average temperature: 10°C–25°C. Combine spring and summer outfits, and prepare a jacket for the significant temperature difference between day and night. 🙋 Tips: Gansu has a lower altitude, and its temperature is 4–10°C higher than Qinghai. 🚗 Travel Options: ✅ Self-driving: Qinghai is unique with distant attractions, requiring thorough planning. Not recommended for inexperienced drivers. ✅ Car rental/shared rides: A budget-friendly option offering flexibility to stop and go. Find a reliable travel agency for convenience. ✅ Group tours: The most suitable option for hassle-free travel. Affordable and enjoyable without the need for extensive planning. 🗺️ Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 7-Day Itinerary: 🔘 Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka 🔘 Day 2: Chaka → Qarhan Salt Lake → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan 🔘 Day 3: Dachaidan → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan 🔘 Day 4: Dachaidan → Heidushan → Dunhuang 🔘 Day 5: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang 🔘 Day 6: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Rainbow Mountains → Zhangye 🔘 Day 7: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers → Xining ‼️ Qinghai-Gansu Travel Tips: 👉 The vast northwest region makes public transportation impractical for sightseeing. Group tours are recommended. 👉 The northwest has intense sunlight; ensure proper sun protection and carry sunglasses for eye protection and stylish photos. 👉 Prepare sufficient food and water when traveling in remote areas. 👉 The northwest climate is dry; keep your skin hydrated. 👉 Use restrooms at hotels and service areas as facilities in remote areas may be substandard. 👉 Be prepared for significant temperature differences between day and night. 👉 Take precautions against altitude sickness in high-altitude areas. Key Attractions: Qinghai Lake Black Horse River, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake, Son of the Earth, Zhangye Rainbow Mountains