8.28 Back from Northwest, think carefully before you go

Coming back from the Northwest, I lost two degrees of color immediately, and my mom was stunned for three seconds on video call before recognizing me! On the first day, I was hit by altitude sickness, with a headache like being hammered by a small mallet, almost thought I had to cut the trip short. Even more extreme was encountering a sandstorm 🌪️ halfway through; what was supposed to be a 3-hour drive turned into 6 hours stuck in traffic. This trip had more "twists and turns" than the Journey to the West! If it weren't for the Chaka Salt Lake’s blue that looked like a palette spilled by a fairy 🎨, I probably would have given up halfway. Now I’m applying aloe vera gel while organizing this pitfall guide, I’ve stepped on all these traps for you, so if you’re about to set off, quickly save this! 💔 ・ 1️⃣ The Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake is honestly just a "ticket money trap," crowded even after paying. Luckily, our guide was reliable and took us around to Heima River, where tickets were half the price and the lakeshore was as spacious as a private area, no need to hunt for photo angles! 2️⃣ I have to complain about the shoe covers at Chaka Salt Lake! The ones sold in the park for 30 yuan are as thin as plastic bags, and I tore a big hole after just a few steps, soaking my socks 😅. 3️⃣ The No.1 viewing platform at Zhangye Danxia is so crowded in peak season it feels like a subway station during rush hour 🚇. Getting a photo without people is harder than climbing to heaven. Luckily, we met a local uncle carrying a tripod who quietly pointed us to the No.5 viewing platform, where in the afternoon it’s so empty you can pose freely and even leisurely find the best shooting spots! 4️⃣ Tickets for the Mogao Caves are harder to get than Spring Festival train tickets! Class A tickets must be booked a month in advance by camping at the computer, but for 238 yuan you get to see 8 caves plus an amazing digital movie, totally worth it! 5️⃣ Dunhuang Heritage City is basically a large photo studio; the recreated ancient city walls are great for portraits, and the red walls with Hanfu create a strong atmosphere 👘. But honestly, you can walk through it in ten minutes. Our guide bluntly said, "This place is just for making a nine-grid post on social media!" If you want photos, a quick visit is enough, no need to spend too much time~ 6️⃣ The Wanghaitai at the Water Yadan is the real hidden gem! The moment I climbed up, I was stunned — a whole group of Yadan landforms seemed magically floating on the water 🌊, with the sky and water merging in the distance. Every snap on the phone looks like a masterpiece! 7️⃣ Dongtai Jinaier Lake is stunningly beautiful! From Yadan, keep an eye on the No.5 junction on the right; it’s actually just a ten-minute walk to the lakeside. 8️⃣ Be sure to stay safe when taking photos on the U-shaped road! Three kilometers south there’s a mini U-shaped bend with very few cars, and you can capture the snow-capped mountains at the end of the road 🏔️. Best of all, no traffic police will come to chase you away, so you can freely take photos to your heart’s content~