Must-know Scenic Spot Distribution Map for Traveling in Qinghai and Gansu

💁‍♀️ If you're like me and want to travel during the holidays, then the Northwest is a must-visit! There's more than enough to explore in the Northwest‼️ Here's a well-prepared guide for you. ------- ⭕️ Pre-trip Preparation: ✔️ Documents: ID card, student ID, military ID, etc. ✔️ Skincare: Moisturizing skincare products, sunscreen, hydrating face masks. ✔️ Clothing: Photo-worthy outfits, warm clothes, comfortable flat shoes. ✔️ Others: Camera 📷, charger, sunglasses 🕶 --- 👭 Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Xining—Riyue Mountain—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka—Chaerhan Salt Lake—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan—315 U-shaped Highway—Water Yadan—Dongtai Jiner Lake (Distant View)—Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan—Heidushan—Dunhuang (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang—Son of the Earth—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Rainbow Mountains—Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye—Qilian Grassland—Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)—Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (Seasonal)—Xining -------- 💁【Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions】 🔺 Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," every photo looks like a scene from a Hayao Miyazaki animation. 🔺 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: Ride a camel across the desert; the Crescent Spring glows like a jade under the sunset. 🔺 Mogao Caves: Discover the stories behind the flying murals; the Maitreya Buddha in Cave 96 is awe-inspiring. 🔺 Zhangye Rainbow Mountains: Capture the sunrise at Viewing Platform 4, "Hongxia Platform," where the seven-colored rock layers gradually change under the morning light, resembling a spilled palette. 🔺 Qinghai Lake: Take a herder's path to the lakeside; the rapeseed flower fields and snow-capped mountains in the background are incredibly healing. ----- Pre-Trip Notes 🔹 Ticket Booking: June to August is peak tourist season; Mogao Caves tickets are in high demand, so book at least a month in advance. 🔹 Document Carrying: Bring your ID card, student ID, or military ID. 🔹 Altitude Sickness: Take altitude sickness medication in advance and avoid strenuous activities. When you first arrive at high altitudes, refrain from bathing to prevent colds that could worsen altitude sickness. 🔹 Climate Preparation: From June to August, daytime temperatures in Qinghai and Gansu are high, but there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Be sure to bring warm clothing such as windbreakers and thick jackets. Additionally, the UV rays are strong, so sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses are essential. 🔹 Transportation Advice: The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop has scattered attractions and long distances. Self-driving is not recommended. Opt for a reliable local tour group for convenience, or consider carpooling or renting a car for flexibility and the ability to stop and enjoy the scenery at any time. ------------- ✅ Northwest Cuisine 🌸 Hand-pulled Lamb: Tender and juicy, rich but not greasy. 🌸 Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles: Yellow noodles topped with a special sauce, offering a unique flavor. 🌸 Gāmiànpiàn (Small Flat Noodles): Fresh and flavorful soup with thin, smooth noodles. 🌸 Liangpi (Cold Noodles): Chewy and smooth, served with chili oil, vinegar, and other seasonings for a tangy and spicy taste. 🌸 Yak Yogurt: Thick and rich, sweetened with honey or sugar for a delightful flavor.