2025 Golmud Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

🗓Itinerary: (Recommended self-driving) option1: Private Custom Tour: Suitable for groups of about 7-9 people, with low per capita cost (2500-3000 RMB), look for all-inclusive ticket packages, usually excluding meals, only including daily hotel breakfast. Be sure to note ⚠️⚠️ all-inclusive tickets only cover entrance fees, not separate internal transportation within scenic spots (such as shuttle buses inside the park), make sure to clarify with the travel agency ⚠️ The experience is better, no tight schedules like big groups, and some scenic spots offer free extras like free travel photography. option2: Self-driving tour: Suitable for families seeking higher quality travel, no further elaboration. Day1: Nationwide ✈️ Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport or arrive in Xining on your own ➡️ Qinghai Lake Heimahe Scenic Area, avoid Erlangjian Scenic Area, tickets are expensive and not scenic. It is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. It is said there is a small island in the center of the lake where a group of nuns go to practice every year and return after one year 😃. If lucky, you can see flocks of seagulls. On the way out, you can buy a cup of yak milk tea to try ➡️ Next stop Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky." Be careful not to go too late; after 5 or 6 pm, the lighting is not good. There is a small rail train 🚂 (park transportation) inside the scenic area, you can experience the feeling of the old salt mining train. If you don’t buy the train ticket, you can also walk in, but the altitude is high and the distance is long, not recommended for those with poor physical condition. Some areas allow you to wear shoe covers to enter the lake; the water is shallow, but be careful not to go too far. Undeveloped areas have natural salt caves where you could get trapped ☠️⚠️ The sea salt flavored ice cream inside the park is delicious 😋 ➡️ After playing, the sun will basically set, you can stay in Chaka Town nearby. Day2: Depart from Chaka Town ➡️ Chaerhan Salt Lake, you need to buy a shuttle bus ticket inside the park and drive 16 km further in. Actually, this salt lake is inside a salt field; the scenic area is the undeveloped salt lake part, overall light green, with many photo spots 📷. At the innermost part, there is an artificial salt tower. If you don’t mind your shoes being corroded by salt, you can climb up 🤓. It is recommended to wear shoe covers because the brine may cause skin allergies ➡️ At night, drive to Golmud city for accommodation. Recommend a cost-effective and tasty northwestern barbecue restaurant, Xinrong Barbecue City 🥩, located just below the Elong Wanguo Hotel. All skewers are safe to order, large portions and flavorful, the only worry is you might not finish it all 😭. Day3: Depart from Golmud ➡️ Wusute Water Yadan, take a small sightseeing car into the park. There are camels, boat rides, powered paragliding, and other entertainment activities, with many photo 📷 and check-in spots ➡️ On the way to the next stop, Dacaidan Emerald Lake, you will pass the classic U-shaped road photo spot on National Highway 315, but parking is not allowed ⚠️. I think Dacaidan Emerald Lake is the most beautiful among these salt lakes, mainly small lakes with different colors, including blue-green and yellow salt lakes. The water is also corrosive, do not enter the water. There is a newly built viewing tower with spectacular views overlooking the entire Emerald Lake ➡️ Stay overnight in Dacaidan. Dacaidan has a medium-sized Emerald Night Market Street, mainly featuring northwestern and Xinjiang cuisine, tastes good. Day4: Head to Heidushan ⛰️, the place on Earth that looks most like the moon 🌗. Heidushan does not require climbing, but there are some small sand dunes. The black parts on the mountain are volcanic rocks, entry is prohibited. Be careful not to cross the warning line when walking ⚠️. The best photo 📷 spot is at the deepest part; at the foot of the black mountain is a desert, very photogenic ➡️ Next stop Dunhuang, arriving around evening, just in time to stay at the desert camping site here. It is recommended to stay in a Moroccan tent with electric blankets inside; even if it’s only five or six degrees outside at night, it won’t be cold. The camp also offers sand dune motorbikes and Bombardier racing light projects, very exciting. You can go out at midnight to watch the starry sky or have the camp staff take you to shoot the starry sky ✨, very spectacular, you can see the Milky Way. Day5: Today’s driving is short, and the attractions are close to Dunhuang city. First, visit the Mogao Caves. So far, 8 caves are open for visiting, each charged separately. Visiting all 8 costs about 800 RMB. Photography is prohibited inside the caves 🚫📷. History enthusiasts can spend more time here ➡️ Return to the hotel for a rest at noon, then go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring around 5 or 6 pm. Don’t go later than this; camels also finish work 🤓. Enter from the middle gate and exit from the middle gate. There are many camels in Mingsha Mountain, grouped in fives, walking in a line. Riding costs 130 RMB for about 40 minutes, covering a long distance, very cost-effective ➡️ After riding camels, it’s almost time for the main event at Mingsha Mountain — the ten-thousand-person concert ⚠️⚠️ Be sure to check in advance if there is a concert on the day you go; it is not held every day ⚠️. Don’t forget to get a special support light stick for the venue. Don’t underestimate this little stick; each has a unique number. During the concert, the host will draw some lucky numbers in the live broadcast room, and you can win various 🎁 prizes ➡️ After the patriotic song ends, it will be around 9 pm. For those who want to eat heartily, exit the scenic area from the middle gate and take the free bus one stop to Dunhuang Night Market. But note ⚠️ the bus stop is a fake night market; you need to navigate to the real Dunhuang Night Market on foot. The night market is very lively, with barbecue and Qinghai cuisine on both sides at the entrance, and various snack stalls further in, with excellent flavors. Day6: Today’s goal is Jiayuguan, but first take a detour to Jinta Populus Forest! After entering the park, you can scan to drive a mini sightseeing car yourself because the park route is a loop with long distances between stops. The park sightseeing car runs every ten minutes, and waiting can be long ⏰. The most beautiful scenery is at the last stop — Jinbo Lake, with deep blue water like a mirror, surrounded by poplar trees, very photogenic, with flocks of swans and wild ducks ➡️ If you arrive at Jiayuguan too late, visit the fortress city the next day. Day7: Inside the Jiayuguan Fortress 🏯, you can see the first pier of the Great Wall, climb the city wall, and feel the grandeur of "a lonely city surrounded by towering mountains" ➡️ In the afternoon, arrive at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. You also take the park shuttle bus, which runs a loop route. The best viewing points are No. 2 and No. 4 ⚠️ The cover of the People's Education Press high school English elective book is from here. If you are observant, you can find the filming location 🤓. Day8: On the last day of the trip, on the way back to Xining, visit the Qilian Mountain Grassland. Many herders run their own guesthouses here. The one I visited had several lambs grazing at the door ☺️, not afraid of people, very cute. You can ride horses (galloping), take photos in Tibetan costumes, etc. On clear days, you can see the distant Qilian Snow Mountains 🏔️. ⚠️⚠️ Do not feed the small animals on the grassland; they are prone to virus infection 🦠 ➡️ The rapeseed flower sea in Menyuan was not in bloom when I visited, probably because the flowers were gone. The best viewing season for rapeseed flowers is July to August. Summary: The total trip length is over 3000 km, with long daily drives mainly on national highways. The roads are sometimes straight without curves and lack reference points, causing visual fatigue. Be sure to take breaks ⚠️. The diet mainly consists of beef and mutton 🥩 and Sichuan cuisine 🌶️. Note ⚠️ some halal restaurants do not allow 🚫🍺 alcohol; ask the staff in advance when dining. The Qinghai Lake to Heidushan section is on the plateau, with an altitude around 3000 meters. Be careful ⚠️ to avoid strenuous exercise, do not wash hair or bathe, and people with poor health should not drink alcohol. After Dunhuang, the altitude drops to about 1500 meters, then you cross the Qilian Mountains (altitude rises to about 3500 meters) back to Xining. This is my first time writing a travel guide; please kindly advise if there are any shortcomings 🤓 What are you waiting for? After reading, interested family members, hurry up and plan your trip!

Dunhuang is absolutely mind-blowing!! 🤩 The "Pretend to Travel Abroad" series: Dunhuang with kids—the desert hotels here totally outshine Egypt! 🏰 This is hands down the most epic family travel destination of the year‼️ The landscapes of the Northwest are next-level amazing 8⃣️ Snow-capped mountains, grasslands 🌿, salt lakes, Danxia landforms 🏜️, Gobi deserts, glaciers... One trip feels like traveling around the world ✈️ The kids went wild playing in the sand—couldn’t drag them away! 🤣 🏨 Luxury desert hotels are unbeatable Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel A "Monument Valley" in the desert—absolutely stunning! Every room faces the Mingsha Sand Dunes 💫 Watch sunrise and sunset right from your bed 🌄 Every photo you take is Insta-worthy 📸 Biyue Hotel The first SLH member in the Northwest 🏆 Backed by the Mingsha Sand Dunes ⛰️ and facing endless vineyards 🍇 Try grape-picking, clay tablet painting... Their afternoon tea is also a must-try ☕️ ✨ Must-do Activities ✨ ✔ Check out the Dunhuang 1990 Café ✔ Hand-copy Dunhuang murals ✔ Adventure through Yumen Pass ✔ Desert ATV thrill ride ✔ Frontier-style afternoon tea ✔ Starlit dinner—absolutely magical 🚗 Best Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Dunhuang—desert dinner Day 2: Mogao Caves + Bookstore + "See You in Dunhuang" show Day 3: Yangguan Pass/Yumen Pass + off-road in Yadan Day 4: Museum + Mingsha Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring Day 5: Free time—departure 💡 Pro tips: ▫️ Outfits: Red/white maxi dress + camel shawl = Desert princess 👸 ▫️ Sun protection: Sunglasses and face coverings are a must! UV rays are intense ☀️

Winter vacation is coming. Are you planning to visit Chaerhan Salt Lake? This 6-day travel guide will take you on a journey through the Northwest Great Ring Road! -------- 🚗Route suggestions: DAY 1: Departure 🛫——Xining 🏙️ Start your Qinghai journey and arrive in Xining to rest and adjust, ready to explore the plateau scenery. DAY 2: Riyue Mountain 🏔️——Chaka Salt Lake 🌊 Conquer the majestic Riyue Mountain, then visit the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake and experience the charm of the "Sky Mirror." DAY 3: China's Route 66 🛣️——Dongtai Jinel Lake 💧——Usute Water Yadan Geopark 🏞️——Yadan landforms Drive on China's Route 66, enjoy the beauty of Dongtai Jinel Lake, then visit the Water Yadan and experience the wonders of nature. DAY 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake 🌲——Chaerhan Salt Lake 🌊 Stroll along the Dachaidan Emerald Lake, admire the emerald-like lake water, then head to the spectacular Chaerhan Salt Lake to experience the unique landscape of the salt lake. DAY 5: Qinghai Lake 🌊——Jinyintan Grassland 🌾 Tour around Qinghai Lake, appreciate the magnificence of the plateau lake, then head to Jinyintan Grassland to experience the vastness of the grassland and the harmony of nature. DAY 6: Xining 🛬——Departure 🏠 End your Qinghai journey, filled with memories, depart from Xining, and return to your sweet home. -------- Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 **Clothing**: It's warm during the day in February at the salt lake, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant. It is recommended to bring a jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Sunscreen clothing is also essential! 🎩 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin; selfie sticks to capture beautiful moments; and power banks to ensure your electronic devices don't run out of battery. 🆔 **Documents**: Don't forget to bring your ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates to save money. Also, bring cash in case the signal is poor. -------- Chaerhan Salt Lake tour, experience the charm of nature, leave unforgettable memories, and come back next time to explore more wonders of the salt lake!

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

💙 "Wow! Dongtai Jinaier Lake is stunning!" 💙 Hey guys! 😜 Today, I'm going to introduce you to a super beautiful place - Dongtai Jinaier Lake! 💥 It's like a dazzling gem embedded in the Qaidam Basin of Qinghai Province! ✨ It's even known as the "Maldives on the Plateau." Can you believe it? 😲 The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the purity and vastness of the sky. The scenery is absolutely stunning! 👏 The lake water comes from the Hetuobangri Snow Mountain and Bukadaban Snow Mountain in the Kunlun Mountains, nourishing a robin egg blue water area. It's truly breathtaking! 😻 There are so many fun things to do here! 👀 Take a walk along the lakeside, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake changing with the light. It's amazing! 😜 Don't miss the sunrise or sunset on the lake. The interplay of light and shadow at that moment will leave you in awe and create unforgettable memories! 😫 Also, get a close look at the salt crystals on the lakeside to learn about the formation and ecology of salt lakes. 😍 It's located in Golmud City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, along National Highway 315, in the Qaidam Basin. 📍 As for transportation 🚗, you can start from Golmud and drive west along National Highway 315 for about 200 km to reach the lake. Self-driving is the most convenient way, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking! 🤔 If you prefer public transportation, you can first go to Golmud, then hire a car or join a tour group. 😃 The local food is also great! 😋 You must try the barley wine, a Tibetan-style wine made from barley. There's also the local highland mushroom soup, which is sweet and delicious! 😝 There are also great attractions nearby, such as the Water Yadan, not far from here. The spectacular landforms of the Wusute (Water) Yadan Geological Park are worth a visit. There's also the Chaka Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in China, where you can experience the unique charm of salt lakes. 😎 There are plenty of accommodation options, with various hotels in Golmud City. The Yadan Saishang Hotel is near the service station of Dongtai Jinaier Lake, making it convenient for early morning sunrise photography. 😁 But be careful! 😯 Don't litter by the lake, and protect this pure land. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a sun hat. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring warm clothing. Also, learn about and respect the local ethnic culture and customs, and be polite and humble! 👏

✨📸Chaerhan Salt Lake, an emerald wonderland, is waiting for you to take stunning photos!✨ Hey guys, today I'm going to take you to a breathtakingly beautiful photo spot - Chaerhan Salt Lake! 👇Get your camera ready, put on your most fairy-like dress, and let's go! 🚀 🌈 **First sight of the salt lake, stunningly beautiful** As soon as you step into this magical land, you will be deeply attracted by the apple green gradient lake, which is like the most proud palette of nature! 🎨The lake water gradually changes from white to green, which is so beautiful that it makes people's hearts beat. Remember, don't rush to take photos at the entrance, the most beautiful secret garden is inside! 🌸 🚌 **Traffic tips** Self-driving or chartered car is the best choice. It only takes 1 hour to drive from Golmud City, which is easy and convenient! 🚗Of course, if you are short of time, it is also a good choice to fly directly to Golmud! The plane lands and the beautiful scenery is right there! ✈️ 🎟️ **Tickets & Admission** The ticket plus the round-trip bus in the scenic area is a total of 0 yuan, which is super cost-effective! 🎫The opening hours are from 8 am to 6:30 pm, remember to arrange your time reasonably! As soon as you enter the door, take the bus, and you will reach the core scenic spot in half an hour, which is time-saving and labor-saving! 🚌 📸 **Photo spots** 1. **Jade Terrace**: The green lotus under the drone's perspective is breathtakingly beautiful! 🌸This is a must-visit internet celebrity spot, remember to bring your drone and take photos from a different perspective! 2. **Lake Island**: The endless salt lake and the blue sky and white clouds complement each other. Reed mushroom umbrellas, swings, piano shapes... all kinds of photo props are available, and you can take beautiful photos no matter how you shoot! 🎹 3. **Roadside**: You must take photos of the road when you are shooting, one side is yellow and the other side is green, the color contrast is super strong, your photos will definitely stand out in the circle of friends! 🛣️ 👗 **Dress suggestions** Put on a fairy-like dress, white or bright colors are the best choice, forming a sharp contrast with the salt lake background, you are the most beautiful scenery! 👗 🌞 **Sun protection tips** The ultraviolet rays of the salt lake are very strong, remember to bring a straw hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, protect your skin, and then you can take beautiful photos! 🕶️

Don’t just go to Chaka Salt Lake when you go to Northwest China The apple green beauty of the Chaerhan Salt Lake is so beautiful that it makes me cry😭 It is said that this is the largest salt lake in Asia. It's like God spilled apple juice. The apple green lake is so beautiful that it seems unreal - 🎫Tickets: 100 (scenic spot ticket 40 + round-trip bus 60) 🚗Self-driving: Locate the Qarhan Salt Lake 🚞Train: Take a bus to Golmud Railway Station, then share a car to Qarhan Salt Lake, a round trip of 2 hours - Things to note when playing‼ ️ ✅There are battery cars to the core of the scenic area, one way 15 round trip 30, it is recommended not to do it, you can walk and take pictures ✅The scenic area is full of white salt, and it is very dazzling under the sunlight. Prepare a pair of sunglasses in advance ✅If it is cloudy, don't go in, you won't be able to take pictures of that beautiful feeling, it's better to take pictures on a sunny day ✅You must buy a round-trip bus to the scenic area. It takes about half an hour to take the bus from the entrance to the core area of ​​the scenic area ✅If you have a drone, take it in to take pictures. The aerial view of the salt lake is the best. ✅The ultraviolet rays in the northwest are very strong, so be prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-proof clothing, and be sure to do a good job of sun protection ✅There are many good places to take photos in the scenic area, such as the circular salt lake that looks like a white blooming flower, swings, piano... - Recommended tour routes for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop‼ ️ Day 1️⃣: Xining → Sun Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town (stay) Day 2️⃣: Chaka Town → Xiaochaidan Lake → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Dachaidan (stay overnight) Day 3️⃣: Daxiadan → 315U Highway → Dongtaijinaier Lake → Water Yadan → Devil City → Daxiadan (stay) Day4️⃣: Da Qaidam → Da Qaidam Emerald Lake → Oil Town → Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City → Dunhuang (stay) Day 5️⃣: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake → Dunhuang Night Market → Dunhuang (stay) Day6️⃣: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Colorful Danxia → Zhangye (stay) Day7️⃣: Zhangye → Qilian Mountain Grand Canyon/Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Ten Thousand Miles Rapeseed Flowers → Daban Mountain → Xining (end)

The beauty of the Chaerhan Salt Lake touches the heart The dream lake, Chaerhan Salt Lake ▲Ticket + bus is 100 yuan/person, the bus will take you to the center of the scenic area, and then you can take a small sightseeing bus to the core of the scenic area. The round trip is 30 yuan/person. The scenery is better if you sit on the right side of the driver. ▲"Qarhan Salt Lake" is the most worthwhile attraction in Qinghai. The endless apple green lake water and the sparkling white salt beach are full of shock and happiness. As the second largest salt lake in the world and the largest in Asia, the Qarhan Salt Lake covers an area of ​​5,856 square kilometers, which is 55 times larger than the Chaka Salt Lake. ps. Although the salt lake is beautiful, the salt beach has a strong reflective effect. The temperature was 23 degrees that day, but the perceived temperature was over 38 degrees. I saw the young ladies in beautiful dresses taking pictures, and their backs became several degrees darker while taking pictures. The faces of the children walking on the road turned from white to red and then to black. Well, you still have to pay attention to sun protection.

I visited Qinghai in 2017 and 2020 At that time, the scenery of Qinghai already amazed me On May Day this year, I set foot on Qinghai for the third time. I didn’t expect that this land would shock me even more! This time I finally visited the gorgeous colors of Qinghai! Self-driving route DayShanghai Dunhuang-Lenghu Town Day Lenghu - Heidu Mountain - Oil Town - Oboliang Day Oboliang - Shuiyadan - Dongtai Jinair Lake Day Shuiyadan - U-shaped highway - Blood of the Earth - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan Day Dachaidan Emerald Lake-Jinguang Pagoda-Delingha Shanghai This route is part of the Qinghai-Gansu Great Ring Road. It starts from Dunhuang to Delingha and spans the entire Qaidam Basin. On the way, it passes colorful salt lakes, various Yadan, and the ink paintings of Heidu Mountain, which is fascinating. Feel the miraculous craftsmanship of nature! Recommended attractions A must-see at Dachaidan Emerald Lake Located in Dachaidan Town, there are colorful salt lakes in the scenic area, which are particularly stunning on sunny days and the aerial photography is very photogenic. If you are pressed for time, Qarhan Salt Lake can be abandoned in Golmud City. It takes about an hour and a half to get there from Dachaidan. After arriving, you need to take a scenic bus for half an hour to enter, which takes a long time. It is characterized by the green apple-colored salt lake, which is easy to produce aerial photography~ Dongtai Jinair Lake is a must-see for free The salt lake located on the edge of Yadan on the water is called the Maldives of Qinghai. A sightseeing drive has now been built to reach the lake. The color is great, don’t miss it! Recommended by Shuiyadan The only Yadan Group on the water in the world is a rare spectacle, and it may dry up one day in the future. However, the accommodation conditions in the scenic area are average. Oboliang If you are short of time, you can give up. A must-go for starry sky lovers The Yadan Group, located deep in the Gobi Desert, looks like the surface of Mars. It is far away from human settlements, making it a holy place for starry sky photography. However, the road conditions are poor and the distance is long, and tickets to scenic spots are relatively expensive. If you are pressed for time, you may choose to give up. Heidu Mountain is free and a must-go The most popular attraction in Lenghu Town in recent years, drive to the parking lot and enter on foot. The black and gray mountain structure creates a stunning ink painting. The U-shaped road is free and a must-go A section of National Highway 315, you can just park on the side of the road, it’s very cinematic Blood of the Earth can be photographed aerially while passing by National Highway 315 is not so bright to the naked eye and requires aerial photography to see the complete picture. Aerial photography enthusiasts can take a photo when passing by. Free recommendations for oil towns The ruins of an oil town near Lenghu Town. You can stop by after leaving Heidu Mountain. Delingha Golden Light Tower Recommendation A solar power generation device located next to downtown Delingha has a very sci-fi feel!

September to November is the off-season in Qinghai and Gansu, with fewer people around. During this time, you can spend 8 days and 7 nights entering the Qinghai-Gansu region to deeply explore its natural beauty. Although Qinghai and Gansu are beautiful, it's still necessary to do your homework before going. Remember these 20 points to avoid 80% of the pitfalls on the Qinghai-Gansu loop: 1. The northwest region is vast, located on the plateau, and many places are still undeveloped with inconvenient transportation. It is recommended to carpool or charter a car. 2. Look for businesses with proper qualifications, be discerning, and beware of price traps. 3. The signal is not good, download maps in advance. 4. The temperature drops quickly, so it's advised to wear thick clothes. 5. When you first arrive in Qinghai, don't run or jump, and avoid extreme emotions, which can exacerbate altitude sickness. 6. Sunglasses are a must, not just for show, as the sun can be blinding. 7. The water in scenic lakes is clear but should not be consumed directly, as untreated, it contains elements harmful to the body. 8. The journey will pass through uninhabited areas, so prepare some food in advance (ham, compressed biscuits, coarse grain rice balls). 9. Hotel conditions along the way are limited, those with high accommodation standards can prepare some disposable items. 10. Normally, there won't be severe altitude sickness, but individual physical conditions vary, so it's wise to have some medicine on hand in case of emergencies. 11. Prepare strong hydrating skincare products, neglecting protection could lead to skin peeling. 12. Don't drive in unfamiliar terrain! It's really easy to get lost. 13. Don't wash your hair too often, be careful of catching a cold and triggering altitude sickness. 14. Don't stop to take photos on the roadside, as you may be charged. 15. Make sure to use the restroom, because you don't know when you'll have the next opportunity. 16. Don't trust navigation too much, ask locals for directions. 17. Sunscreen essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen spray (SPF 30 or higher), parasol, sunscreen, sun hat, etc. 18. Clothing to bring: jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, raincoat, jeans. 19. ID card, bank card, a small amount of cash, support for Alipay payments. 20. Don't take photos in the middle of the highway, don't climb mountains, don't trust strangers, safety first. Qinghai-Gansu 8-Day Loop Itinerary The best choice is a comfortable business car that allows you to stretch your legs, and you can bring luggage at will. The 8-day journey is about 2700 kilometers, so comfort is very important. D1. Xining airport/train station pick-up D2. Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka—Delingha D3. Delingha—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D4. Dachaidan—U-shaped Internet-famous road—Water Yadan—Xitaijiner Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D5. Dachaidan—Emerald Lake—Boluo Transfer Well (petroleum town)—Dunhuang D6. Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (overnight in Dunhuang) D7. Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan Fort—Zhangye Danxia—Zhangye Danxia (overnight stay) D8. Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grassland—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower—Daban Mountain—Heiquan Reservoir—Xining

D1: Xining - Laji Mountain - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Delingha (Stay) D2: Delingha - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Stay) D3: Dachaidan - 315U-shaped Highway - Heidu Mountain - Dunhuang Night Market - Dunhuang (Stay) D4: Dunhuang Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (Stay) D5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional) - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (Stay) D6: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Xining (Return)

Chaluhan Salt Lake must be the emerald left by God in the world. In fact, the salt lake is a dead sea. Formation of Salt Lakes: The earth's crust rose, the sea water retreated, and an inland basin with no visible boundaries appeared, which developed into a salt lake. Chaluhan Salt Lake, a white otherworldly world created by salt. It is the second largest salt lake in the world, second only to Uyuni Salt Lake and 56 times the size of Chaka Salt Lake. The salt here is enough for the whole world to eat for two thousand years. It has surprisingly rich salt mine resources. Due to long-term exposure to wind and sun, high-concentration brine has formed in the lake, which has gradually crystallized into salt grains. For thousands of years, we have coexisted with the Kunlun Snow Mountain and the vast Gobi Desert. When you step on the salt marsh, the white clouds, lake water and snow-capped mountains complement each other, and the world becomes as transparent as a mirror. These lakes are like emerald and jade, crystal clear, and are stunning even when photographed without filters. $Tickets: 80 (tickets + round-trip bus) divided into off-season and peak season Driving: Currently, you cannot drive to the Salt Lake by car. You need to stop at the distribution center, buy a ticket, and take a bus to the lake. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Tips: 1. The amazing salt lake scenery, the aerial photography effect is absolutely beautiful, it's worth the five hours I spent there.... 2. The scenic spot is in the industrial zone, and you need to buy tickets and bus tickets to enter, the price is 100 RMB; 3. After arriving at the scenic spot, you can walk around (5km round trip), or spend 15 yuan to take a battery car to the end point and then go back; 4. The place where you walk on the lake salt bridge is at the entrance, you can check in at the end; 5. It is very sunny and there is no shade, so be sure to take good sun protection. There is a restroom at the starting point and the end point; 6. The view will be compromised without a drone, so make sure to go when the weather is good. 7. Chaerhan has no food and accommodation, so you can only choose to stay in Golmud, which is 50km away! 8. Don’t touch water with your bare feet, as it is corrosive and can cause damage to your skin.

We found a one-day tour to Hoh Xil on Ctrip. The driver started picking people up at 8am, and after everyone was together we set off for the final destination, the Hoh Xil Conservation Station. It was so beautiful passing by Kunlun Pass along the way. The driver drove very steadily and had a sharp eye, but he was a little dull and didn't talk much. Later he succumbed to our handsome offensive. The vastness of Hoh Xil is apparent. It was all thanks to the sharp eyes of our guide and fellow tour members that we spotted many wild animals (all were far from the road, so a telephoto lens was needed). Hoh Xil is truly beautiful, a pure land for wild animals. We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect this pure land! (I watched the documentary about Kekexili and it was so tragic…) On the way back, I saw a group of wild donkeys crossing the road. It was so thrilling! ! We both screamed when we were almost hit by a car. When we were still an hour away from the city, there was a large traffic jam. The driver said there was a car accident, which is very normal in the peak season, so before departure, they would ask if we needed to catch the train after the trip. They didn’t dare to take us if we were in a hurry because there was only one main road that was blocked and there was no way to deal with it. After about half an hour of traffic jam, the driver took us on an off-road route (fortunately, he was a local driver and very familiar with it. For the same price, we also experienced the off-road project, which was very bumpy). In the end, we returned to the city only an hour later than the itinerary, and the large trucks on the road were stuck for dozens of kilometers...

Tanggula Pass is located in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is a high mountain pass with an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The scenery of Tanggula Pass is unique. The top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round, it is surrounded by towering peaks, and there are streams in the valley. Tanggula Pass is an important wildlife reserve where many rare animals live, such as Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan birds, golden eagles, etc. In this peaceful land, people can feel the power of nature and the pulse of life. It is known as the "forbidden zone of life" on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. #Mainland China Attractions

[Qalhan Salt Lake in Qinghai] Zarhan Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in China and one of the most famous salt lakes in the world. The picture taken in my picture is the Wanzhang Salt Bridge, which is a road made of salt and extends into the lake. Its hardness is comparable to that of the asphalt road. We can see from the sky that there are white crystals on both sides of the salt bridge. The lake is transparent and green. The scenery here is picturesque. The sunny Chaerhan Salt Lake has also become a good place for photography. Note: Sun protection measures should be prepared. It is recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses. You can drive in by yourself. In principle, only visiting documents are allowed to enter. You need to communicate in advance.

Water Yadan feels like a forgotten alien world, with a vast blue lake suddenly appearing in the middle of the endless Gobi Desert! Bringing kids here is like an adventure, every frame looks like a sci-fi blockbuster～ 📍Location: Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park, Golmud, Qinghai 🚗Transportation: Self-driving or chartered car (the route along National Highway 315 is stunning, stop anytime for photos!) 🎫Tickets: 120 RMB/person (includes sightseeing bus, free for Zhejiang residents! Discounts for students and seniors) 🌟【Must-See Highlights】 ► Yadan formations shaped by millions of years of wind erosion soak in the emerald lake, a collision of desolation and softness, kids keep exclaiming "like dinosaur skeletons!" ► Hidden gem "Eye of Yadan": deep in the park is a matcha-green lake, aerial shots look like the earth’s pupil, the naked eye view is 100 times more stunning than photos! 🚁【Family Fun Guide】 ❶ Take the sightseeing bus to the end, rent a sand dune ATV (150 RMB/vehicle) to race deep into the desert, then walk 5 minutes to find the "Eye of Yadan" (no drone needed for a high vantage point) ❷ Ride camels (100 RMB/person) across the dunes, kids get a desert caravan experience; speedboat rides (150 RMB/person) surfing to see Yadan reflections are super thrilling! ❸ Stay at the park’s RV campsite in the evening (600-1200 RMB), lie down with the kids to watch the Milky Way, the starry sky is so clear you can almost reach out and touch it～ 📸【Photo Tips】 ► Wear denim outfits + Martin boots, with the Gobi background you’ll look cool and stylish! Red/yellow clothes pop against the blue lake～ ► Use a telephoto lens to capture Yadan textures, drone aerial shots of the "Eye of Yadan" look like inlaid turquoise! 💡Tips: ► July-August is the best season, daytime around 20°C is super cool, but UV rays are strong! Be sure to apply sunscreen and sunglasses for the kids ► Bring plenty of snacks, dining options in the park are limited; weathered rock formations are unstable, hold kids’ hands tightly and avoid climbing! ► Set aside a full day, play in the sand and row boats by day, stargaze and tell stories by night, experience nature’s masterpiece～

Just returned from the Northwest Qinghai-Gansu loop, and immediately bringing you the ultimate guide to Dachaidan Jade Lake! The lake's light and water colors are stunning beyond words—featuring the emerald green of Chaka Salt Lake 🍏, the Tiffany blue of Dongtai Jinaier Lake 🩵, and the deep azure of Qinghai Lake 💎, all in one stop gathering all the magical colors of Northwest China. It's truly a visual feast gifted by the earth! 🌟 Must-See Highlights ✔️ Known as the "Maldives of China" + "National Geographic Cover Magnet," this lake lets you check in multiple dreamy colors at once, every snap is a colorful masterpiece ✔️ Filming location of the movie "A Little Red Flower," easily get the secret lake heart spot where Yi Yangqianxi relaxed ✔️ Relatively fewer tourists, the lake water has a built-in filter effect, photography lovers will find it hard to leave 📌 Practical Tips Tickets | 50 RMB in peak season, free for Zhejiang residents! Remember to bring your ID card for entry Hours | Open 8:00-19:30, last entry at 19:00 Recommended visit | About 3-4 hours, photo enthusiasts may want to stay longer Parking | 10 RMB for the whole day 🚞 Small Train Riding Guide ► Round-trip ticket 60 RMB (no one-way), 8 km total, departs every 15 minutes ► 5 stations in total, you can get on and off at each station with a paper ticket (online tickets must be exchanged at the ticket office first) ► On the way there, sit on the left window side! The lake view is stunning~ Note: After departure from Station 6, stops 5/4/3 are skipped, going straight to terminal Station 2 ► On the return trip, sit on the right side, stops at every station for step-by-step exploration and photo ops 🌈 Full Color Guide for Five Stations Terminal Station 2: Tiffany Blue Lake + Milk Blue Lake + Olive Green Lake + Heart-shaped Lake, must-shoot! Station 3: Emerald green tones everywhere Station 4: White Salt Bridge + Gradient Blue Lake + Vintage Emerald Lake, layers of stunning colors Station 5: Piano Island, Turquoise Green Lake, Alien-like lake clusters, a hotspot for portrait photography Station 6: Check-in signboard, movie filming location, starting point for sand motorbikes 🗺️ Two Route Recommendations ► Lazy Essentials: Take the small train directly to Station 2, then explore backward to Station 6, saving time and effort ► In-depth Exploration: Hike into undeveloped areas to find more niche salt lake colors, suitable for families with good stamina 💡 Notes ► Undeveloped areas have no signposts, it’s recommended to use your phone’s satellite map mode for navigation; different lake colors are clearly visible ► Be sure to come on a sunny day! Lake colors directly depend on sunlight intensity ► There is an amber-colored salt pool at the entrance, known as the "Honey Wax Lake substitute," don’t miss it ► Altitude about 3150 meters, avoid running and jumping, beware of altitude sickness ► No need to bring shoe covers, light gear makes for better photos

Qinghai hides so many beautiful sceneries, but the truly shocking ones are little known! Oboliang Sulfur Lake—this magical lake located in the Yadan uninhabited area has colors as vivid as an alien planet! We shot it on July 24th, and the real scene is even more dreamlike than the photos. The lake water glows golden under the sunlight, like molten lava flowing across the earth! 📍Exact location: Lenghu Town, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, deep within the Oboliang Yadan Scenic Area. From the sulfur spring, continue downhill to the left for about 2-3 kilometers. It is recommended to use the navigation tablet provided by Mars Camp to locate the "Sulfur Spring," then explore downhill along the slope. 🎫Ticket: 500 RMB per vehicle (scenic area vehicle access fee) 🚙 Traffic warning: A four-wheel-drive hardcore off-road vehicle is a must! Ordinary SUVs are very prone to getting stuck. It’s best to enter with 2-3 vehicles together. Rescue costs in the uninhabited area are very high, and solo adventures are extremely dangerous. 🔍 Tips for finding it: After arriving at the "Sulfur Spring" with the navigation tablet, drive about 3 kilometers downhill to the left, paying attention to the sand tracks. If the ground is hard to distinguish, use a drone to scout from above. The sulfur lake is very conspicuous from the aerial view. Oboliang allows drone flights. The high-altitude view of the Yadan landforms intertwined with the lake’s colors is stunning! 🌋 Recommended in-depth travel route (off the beaten path): D1 Xining - Gangcha - Qinghai Lake Cliff - Delingha D2 Delingha - Emerald Lake - Stay in Dachaidan D3 Dachaidan - Hanhai Desert - Sugan Mountain - Mogan Mountain - Lenghu Town D4 Lenghu - Oil Ruins - Mars No.1 Highway - Mars Camp - Oboliang Crossing - Sulfur Lake - Return to Lenghu D5 Lenghu - Two-colored Lake - Water Yadan - Dongtai Jinaier Lake - Highway 315 - Earth’s Blood - Dachaidan D6 Dachaidan - Tosu Lake - Tianjun County D7 Tianjun - Jinsha Bay Desert - Xining 💡 Reminder: Oboliang has officially started charging fees, and the northwest secret realm is gradually being developed. The sulfur lake changes color with the seasons, dazzling golden in summer. You have to see it with your own eyes to appreciate nature’s masterpiece! Hurry to experience it in its most pristine state!

🚏 Family-friendly Route Optimized original route to avoid dangerous sections, increasing animal observation time: Golmud → Kunlun Holy Spring (40 minutes) → Wuji Longfeng Palace (including lunch) → Tibetan Antelope Observation Point (key stop) → Quick check-in at Kunlun Mountain Pass 📅 Family Schedule ◽️07:30 Delayed Departure Let the kids sleep an extra hour, prepare car neck pillows and picture books Take fun misaligned photos with the Kunlun Mountain gate stone tablet, simulating holding the mountains in your hands ◽️10:30 Holy Spring Natural Science Class Use a thermometer to measure the spring water’s constant 4°C temperature, prepare a water filter to collect samples Tell the historical story of Princess Wencheng and the pilgrimage route ◽️11:20 Taoist Culture Enlightenment Dao De Jing stele rubbing activity (bring your own rice paper) Find dragon and phoenix totems in the building complex, train observation skills ◽️12:50 Animal Observation Handbook Distribute homemade field guides (Tibetan antelope / wild donkey / Tibetan fox) Reward system: stamp for each animal found, collect stamps to exchange for small gifts ◽️14:00 Ecological Protection Practice Use binoculars at the viewing platform to record animal population numbers Explain the work of the Sonam Dargye Protection Station, cultivate environmental awareness 💡 Family Tips Bring glucose oral solution to cope with altitude sickness, children’s blood oxygen drops faster Carry a portable toilet, as roadside dry toilets have poor hygiene Prepare snack packs to offset discomfort from bumpy roads 🐾 Bonus Itinerary On the return trip, detour to the Unfrozen Spring Wetland, with a chance to see Tibetan antelopes drinking water The driver is familiar with marmot burrow locations, adding unexpected surprises

🚏 Complete Transportation Record Golmud hotel pickup → Kunlun Mountain Gate → Sacred Spring Water Collection → Taoist Holy Site → Yuzhu Peak Snow Scenery → Plateau Mountain Pass → Tibetan Antelope Observation Point The entire journey is by off-road vehicle, with 90% on gravel roads, so it is recommended to choose a front seat. Helpful Tip: Prepare motion sickness medicine before departure; visibility is less than 50 meters in heavy truck dust sections. 📅 Detailed Timeline ▫️07:20 Hotel Pickup The last row of the 7-seat business van is cramped; communicate in advance to get priority seating. First stop: Kunlun Mountain Gate to check in at the twin stone tablets; it is recommended to wear bright-colored jackets to contrast with the ochre mountain body. ▫️10:20 Kunlun Sacred Spring Experience Glacial meltwater is sweet and icy cold; you can use a mineral water bottle to collect it. Legend says Princess Wencheng’s tears formed this spring, and the spring eye never freezes all year round. ▫️11:00 Visit the 3800m Altitude Taoist Temple Wu Ji Long Feng Palace prayer flags frame the snow-capped mountains; the Tao Te Ching stele forest is perfect for Hanfu photos. Be careful to slow down on the stairs to avoid altitude sickness. ▫️12:10 Animal Encounter Moment At the Yuzhu Peak viewing platform, we unexpectedly met a Korean mountaineering group. Along the way, herds of Tibetan wild donkeys stroll by, and the popular wild wolves will approach vehicles (feeding is prohibited). ▫️13:10 Plateau Reaction Warning The wind is strong at the Kunlun Mountain Pass monument; take quick photos with the Sonam Dargye statue. It is recommended to carry a portable oxygen bottle and limit your stay to no more than 10 minutes. ▫️14:30 Hoh Xil Viewing Platform When Yuxu Peak is shrouded in mist, it looks like a fairyland; on clear days, glacier patterns are visible. The service area’s ramen is very cost-effective, with free soup refills to keep warm. 💡 Practical Experience Be sure to apply dust-proof film on car windows! Cameras easily get sand in dusty sections. Wear a thin sweater under a down jacket; the perceived temperature at the viewing platform drops by 10 degrees. Tibetan antelope herds often appear around 15:00 near the protection station.

Second round of Haixi family route! Kids bounced around with no altitude sickness, nature lessons + great photo opportunities both on point💥 📍Day 1: Dacaidan Emerald Lake "Palette Adventure" Take the small train directly to Station 5 to save legs, unlock the "Earth Piano" check-in spot with the kids, step on black and white salt patterns for fun photos～ Collect task cards to gather blue, green, and yellow lake views to exchange for an emerald rabbit fridge magnet, kids focus on learning colors while playing! Remember to wear tall rain boots to protect from brine, lake colors are most vivid after 2 PM, neon outfits make photos pop🌟 Picnic by the lake at dusk with yak jerky and highland barley cakes, kids collect salt crystals like "diamonds" filling small bottles. 📍Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake "Sky Classroom" Rent red rain boots to step into the salt lake, teach kids to capture symmetrical reflections, jump and snap water splashes for lively shots! Must try salt sculpture workshop, make mini salt camels with the master, finished pieces can be exchanged for salt lamp souvenirs🎐 At the Salt Lake Museum, see salt flower crystals, learn mining history, collect different salt crystals in small bottles to grow crystals at home～ In the afternoon, visit a nearby ranch to feed lambs, Tibetan kids teach the Guozhuang dance, kids scream "so sweet" when milking yaks! 📍Day 3: Mars Camp "Interstellar Travel" Stay in a space capsule, super novel! Watch the Yadan sunrise at Eboliang in the morning, feels like walking on Mars, kids chase the light and shadows nonstop. In the afternoon, join a geology class, use a geological hammer to break mineral specimens, listen to the guide explain Danxia landform formation. Night stargazing is stunning, see the Milky Way with the naked eye, tell kids constellation stories, 100 times more vivid than picture books🌌 🍽️ Kid-approved delicious food list ✅ Yak bone soup: milky broth absorbs marrow, kids slurp it deliciously ✅ Yogurt zanba: sprinkled with sugar like eating ice cream, learn to pinch dough like herders without sticking hands ✅ Goji berry sweet soup: made with fresh Qaidam goji berries, sweet and refreshing 💡 Tested tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Sunscreen is a must! SPF50+ face cover + windproof jacket, UV rays at the salt lake are very strong 2. Altitude sickness prevention: stay in Chaka town (altitude 3100m), bring glucose and warm water to take 3. Transportation: rent an SUV with child seat in Xining, 400 RMB/day, self-driving is very flexible 4. Shopping: stock up on black goji berries and 3 RMB prayer wheels at Erlangjian market, choose salt sculpture crafts as needed Walking on salt grains, chasing the starry river, learning knowledge in Haixi with kids—this kind of nature art education can never be replaced by early education classes～ This is the must-go family route this year, hurry and take your kids on the trip! Need me to help organize this guide into an Excel itinerary with attraction opening times, tickets, and family suitability marked?

Join me to unlock the ultimate romance of the Great Northwest!✨ This 9-day deep travel plan takes you to Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, 315 U-shaped Highway, Water Yadan, Eboliang Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Rainbow Mountains... witness the most breathtaking natural wonders of Northwest China! 🚗 Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake Morning: Depart from Xining → pass by Riyue Mountain (perfect for photos) → Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake Afternoon: Cycling/boat tour by Qinghai Lake (Ticket: 90 RMB) Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in Heimahe Town💫 Recommended to try yak meat hotpot 🚗 Day 2: Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Early morning: Sunrise at Qinghai Lake (absolutely stunning!) Morning: Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (Location: Wulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) Afternoon: Check in at the "Mirror of the Sky"📸 Essential: shoe covers & sunscreen Evening: Stay in a starry sky room in Chaka Town🌌 🚗 Day 3: Chaka → Dachaidan Emerald Lake Morning: Cross the Qaidam Basin (great highway scenery shots!) Afternoon: Visit Emerald Lake (Ticket: 50 RMB) with ever-changing water colors💚💙 🚗 Day 4: Dachaidan → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan Morning: Check out Qinghai’s most beautiful "Route 66" (photography safety first⚠️) Afternoon: Explore Water Yadan (Ticket: 60 RMB) – a wonder of half lake, half desert🔮 🚗 Day 5: Water Yadan → Oil Town → Eboliang Morning: Explore the abandoned oil town (super cyberpunk vibe) Afternoon: Eboliang Mars-like landform (recommended to cross by off-road vehicle🚙) 🚗 Day 6: Lenghu → Dunhuang Afternoon: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (Ticket: 110 RMB) Camel ride to watch the sunset Evening: Visit Dunhuang Night Market (must-try grilled lamb skewers🍢) 🚗 Day 7: Dunhuang All day: Mogao Caves (tickets must be booked 1 month in advance) deeply experience millennium-old mural art🎨 🚗 Day 8: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan Afternoon: Visit the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven (Ticket: 110 RMB) feel the heroic spirit of the frontier🏰 🚗 Day 9: Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains Afternoon: Best photo time at Zhangye Rainbow Mountains: 4-6pm🌈 Evening: Stay at a unique guesthouse in the scenic area 🚗 Day 10: Zhangye → Qilian Mountains → Xining All day: Cross the snow line of the Qilian Mountains⛰️ Stunning scenery all along the way! ✨ Travel Tips: 1️⃣ Sunscreen + hydration! The UV rays in the Northwest are very strong🌞 2️⃣ Prepare clothes for big temperature differences🧥 3️⃣ Bring some cash for emergencies💰 4️⃣ Remember to register drones in advance for filming📷

World Heritage Highlights: 📍 Location: Western Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🏆 Title: Listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2017 💯 Reason for Selection: Meets World Heritage criteria (vii) and (x) 📏 Area: 45,000 square kilometers ≈ 3 times the size of Beijing! (Photography by Chenyu) 🌈 Interpretation of Criterion (vii): ✨ One of the last pristine natural beauties on Earth ▫️ Snow Crown: Continuous snow-capped mountains and glaciers 🏔️ ▫️ Mirror of the Sky: Numerous scattered lakes 💦 ▫️ Annual Spectacle: Famous Tibetan antelope migration scene 🦌 👉🏻 Every snapshot is National Geographic-level! 🐾 Decoding Criterion (x): 🌍 The Ark of Plateau Biodiversity ▫️ Star Attraction: Tibetan antelope nursery (Zhuonai Lake/Sun Lake) ▫️ Supporting Cast: Wild yak/Tibetan wild donkey/Brown bear... 🐂🦬🐺 ▫️ Hidden Boss: Plateau pika (ecosystem ATM) ✨ Four Must-Visit Wonders ✨ 1️⃣ 【Tibetan Antelope Kindergarten】 Summer exclusive every year! Watch expectant mothers gather to give birth 👶🏻 Best viewing spot: Around Zhuonai Lake 📸 (The Tibetan antelope’s comeback from endangered to near-threatened is thanks to this!) 2️⃣ 【Cool Guys Club】 ▫️ Wild Yak: The heavy tank of the plateau 🐂 ▫️ Tibetan Wild Donkey: The parkour athlete of the wilderness 🏃 ▫️ Golden Eagle: King of the skies 🦅 👉🏻 Very high chance to encounter~ 3️⃣ 【Fairy Water Collection】 ▫️ Tuotuo River: The youthful phase of the Yangtze River 💧 ▫️ Hoh Xil Lake: A sapphire fallen from the sky 💎 ▫️ Wulan Wula Lake: The runway show for waterfowl 🦢 4️⃣ 【No Man’s Land Experience Card】 ⚠️ Notes: ▫️ Average altitude 4500m (higher than Lhasa!) ▫️ Day-night temperature difference can reach 30℃ ❄️☀️ ▫️ Remember to bring oxygen tanks + strong sun protection! 💌 Conservation Appeal: Every animal here is a national treasure‼️ Please do not feed, chase, or use drones.

📍Travel Itinerary Day 1: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake Day 2: U-shaped Highway, Water Yadan Day 3: Emerald Lake, Heidushan Day 4: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Day 5: Rainbow Danxia Day 6: Qilian Mountain Grassland 🍴 Food Recommendations: Kang pot, hand-pulled noodles, yak hotpot, grilled lamb skewers, sand scallion beef pancake, lamb head stew, spicy lamb trotters, butter tea 💡 Notes: 1. Prepare various emergency medicines, pharmacies are hard to find; 2. It’s cold in winter, wear thick clothes; 3. Those prone to motion sickness should bring medicine, the car rides are long

Parents who dare to challenge Cocoxili with their kids are true warriors! In this "scientific exploration" guide, we follow the protection station rangers deep into animal habitats. The kids learned to identify species by their droppings and even earned the "Little Guardian" certificate! 📝 Trip Highlights • Professional Guidance: Retired ranger from Sonam Dargye Station provides full explanations, teaching kids to identify animals by their footprints. • Interactive Tasks: Issuance of "Scientific Exploration Handbook" to record the number of Tibetan antelopes and take photos of plant samples. • Volunteer Certificate: Complete observation tasks to receive a volunteer commemorative certificate from the protection station. 🗓️ 5-Day In-Depth Itinerary Day 1-2: Golmud Adaptation + Training • Visit the Qinghai-Tibet Line simulation sand table and learn plateau safety rules. • Simulated patrol game: Kids use toy cars to practice intercepting poachers. Day 3: Buzong Spring → Chumar River • Field tracking: Follow the frozen soil road to find wild Tibetan donkeys and learn about group defense behaviors. • Evening riverbank animal bone collection (observation only, no collection), with explanations of the food chain. Day 4: Sonam Dargye Station Practice • Assist in cleaning up the protected area’s trash (clippers and gloves provided), kids make animal ingestion warning signs by hand. • Night star observation: Compare city and plateau star visibility, discuss the impact of light pollution. Day 5: Return and Summary • Sharing session: Kids showcase their experiences through drawings, with ranger feedback and encouragement. 🎒 Pre-Trip Training • Physical: Start jogging and hiking with kids one month in advance to build lung capacity. • Knowledge: Watch the animated documentary version of "Cocoxili" and read the picture book "My Tibetan Antelope Friend." • Mental: Inform about harsh conditions (dry toilets, no signal) to cultivate an "explorer" mindset. 💡 Hardcore Preparation • Vehicle: Rent an off-road vehicle + experienced driver, equipped with recovery boards and satellite phone. • Medicine: Portable oxygen machine, ibuprofen suspension (for children’s altitude headache). • Environment: Biodegradable trash bags, leave no waste behind. This journey is not just a trip, but a life education. See you in the next Qinghai Lake guide!💛

Hi~ I’m Keke’s Mom! Autumn in Kekexili has no summer crowds but is the golden season for wildlife watching! We took our 5-year-old on the Qinghai-Tibet route and saw Tibetan antelopes, wild donkeys, and meerkats. The kid came home and made an “Animal Diary”! Sharing a 4-day, 3-night itinerary👇 🚗 Itinerary: Enter and exit from Golmud, gradual altitude adaptation Day 1: Gather in Golmud (altitude 2800m) • Buy oxygen tanks and snacks, take the kid to visit General’s Tower Park to learn about the history of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. • Recommended stay: “Golmud Jinling Hotel,” which has oxygen rooms. Day 2: Golmud → Budongquan (280km, 5h) • Stop along the way: Kunlun Pass (4768m), short break to take photos of the snow-capped mountains, bring portable oxygen. • Hidden activity: Budongquan Protection Station, listen to rangers’ stories about rescuing Tibetan antelopes. Day 3: Budongquan → Sonam Dargye Station → Golmud • Morning patrol with the protection station vehicle (reservation required), use binoculars to spot Tibetan antelope herds (their yellow-brown autumn fur blends with the grassland). • Afternoon return trip stop at Wuji Longfeng Palace, kid feeds the fearless wild sheep. Day 4: Return from Golmud or head to Dunhuang 🐐 Parent-Child Wildlife Watching Guide Observation times: Animals are active from 8-10 AM and 5-7 PM; mostly hiding at noon. Gear: Binoculars (8x or higher), telephoto lens (200mm+), animal identification cards. Safe distance: Observe from at least 100 meters away; wild donkeys are very alert, do not approach. 👶 Thoughtful Arrangements for Young Kids • Split driving time: daily driving ≤5 hours, with 2-3 rest stops along the way. • Food assurance: self-heating rice meals + fruit; children’s food can be replenished in Golmud. • Altitude sickness plan: doctor’s phone on standby, blood oxygen monitor for real-time checks. 🌟 Inspiring Education • At the Sonam Dargye Memorial, read the story of protecting Tibetan antelopes to the kid, planting the seed of environmental awareness. • Bring back a Tibetan antelope plush toy; the kid said, “We must protect their home.” Autumn in Kekexili is vast and precious. See you next at Qinghai Lake! ✨

[5 Days 3 Nights, RMB 6800 per person! Golmud Guide: Gateway to the Plateau, an Epic Journey Through Kunlun and the Wilderness] Day 1: Fly to **Golmud Airport** (direct flights recommended from Xining/Xi'an), check into a comfortable downtown hotel (e.g., Kaituo International, GreenTree Inn, RMB 800/night × 3 = RMB 2400). Acclimatize to the altitude (2800 meters), take a leisurely stroll through [General's Mansion Park] to learn about General Mushengzhong's heroic feat of building the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. For dinner, try authentic Kangguo Lamb, Niangpi, and Tianpei. Day 2: Charter a car to [Kekexili Sonam Dargye Protection Station] (approx. 2.5 hours one way, round-trip car fare RMB 900) – spot Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys from afar, paying tribute to the protectors. Along the way, pass through [Kunlun Pass] (4768 meters, parking fee RMB 20), check in at the "Majestic Kunlun" monument, and gaze at the snow-capped Yuxu Peak. On the return journey in the evening, admire the red water scenery of the Chumar River. Day 3: Explore [Qarhan Salt Lake] (admission RMB 100) – China's largest salt lake, with vast expanses of crystals resembling a mirror-like land, perfect for capturing a "hardcore" version of the "Sky Mirror." Walk on the salt bridge boardwalk and watch the Qinghai-Tibet Railway traverse the lake. In the afternoon, visit the [Salt Lake Museum] to learn about the legendary potash fertilizer industry. Day 4: Head to [Dongtai Jinair Lake] (2.5-hour drive, round-trip car charter approx. RMB 1000) – Tiffany blue lake water + white salt flats, like a Martian wonderland. En route, pass through the [U-shaped Highway] (classic section of G315 National Highway) to capture stunning photos of the road entering the lake. Pay attention to safety and do not stay for long periods. Day 5: Ascend [Kunlun Sacred Temple] (free admission) – a modern, antique-style architectural complex offering panoramic views of Golmud. Visit the [Qinghai-Tibet Railway Memorial Hall] to experience the spirit of the "Sky Road." Return as appropriate. 💰Budget Breakdown: Flights RMB 3200 + Accommodation RMB 2400 + Car Charter & Transportation RMB 1200 + Dining & Admission approx. RMB 400 + Shopping Reserve RMB 200 ≈ **RMB 6600** 📌Tips: - The G315 section has many loose stones and strong winds; be careful of vehicles when taking photos. - The salt lake has large temperature differences; bring windproof and warm clothing. - Illegal entry into Kekexili is prohibited; only designated areas are open for viewing. ⚠️Avoid: ❌ "Low-cost entry to Kekexili" often involves illegal private cars, which carry extremely high risks. ❌ The salt crusts by the lake are brittle; do not venture deep or step on them. Five days and three nights, step into Golmud. This is not the end, but the starting point for journeys to Qiangtang and Lhasa. Come here, traverse salt lakes and wilderness, and at the foot of Kunlun, touch China's vastness and resilience.

2 Days 1 Night Kekexili Adventure Guide (Budget 2000 RMB) Suitable for: Travelers who love the wilderness, pursue extreme landscapes, and can adapt to high altitudes Core experiences: Tibetan antelope observation, Kunlun Snow Mountain, no-man’s land highway, starry Milky Way 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Sonam Dargye Protection Station → Buzdong Spring Day 2: Buzdong Spring → Kekexili hinterland (Tibetan antelope watching) → Return to Golmud 💰 Budget Allocation (2 people traveling together, 1000 RMB per person) Item Cost (per person) Remarks Transportation 600 RMB Chartered/shared car round trip from Golmud (including fuel) Accommodation 150 RMB Simple bed at Buzdong Spring Protection Station Meals 150 RMB Bring your own dry food + simple hot meals Others 100 RMB Oxygen cylinder, medicine, miscellaneous expenses 🚗 Day 1: Golmud → Kunlun Pass → Buzdong Spring Morning: 7:00 Depart from Golmud by charter/shared car (4WD off-road vehicle recommended, 300 RMB per person/day). 9:30 Pass by Kunlun Holy Spring (free, can fill glacier water), distant view of Yuzhu Peak. Noon: 12:00 Arrive at Kunlun Pass (altitude 4768m), take photos at the monument, simple roadside meal (self-prepared). Afternoon: 14:00 Visit Sonam Dargye Protection Station (free, learn about Tibetan antelope conservation). 16:00 Arrive at Buzdong Spring Protection Station for check-in (bed 150 RMB/person, basic but warm). Night: 20:00 Stargazing near the protection station (no light pollution, Milky Way clearly visible). 🦌 Day 2: Buzdong Spring → Kekexili Hinterland → Golmud Early morning: 6:30 Depart at sunrise, head deep into Kekexili along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, searching for Tibetan antelope and wild donkeys (higher chance in summer). Morning: 9:00 Arrive near Chumar River or Wudaoliang (frequent animal activity area), quietly wait for photos. 11:00 Return trip, possibly encounter Tibetan fox or wolves on the way (keep distance!). Afternoon: 14:00 Return to Golmud, stop to retake photos of Kunlun Snow Mountain. ⚠️ Important Tips Safety first: Travel in groups, no unauthorized entry into no-man’s land (advance registration required). Bring enough altitude sickness medicine (Rhodiola, ibuprofen), portable oxygen cylinders (30 RMB/can). Transportation advice: Shared rides are more cost-effective (hostels in Golmud can form groups), charter about 1200 RMB/day (price negotiable). Many large trucks on Qinghai-Tibet Highway, drive carefully. Minimal gear: -15℃ warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), power bank (unstable power supply at protection station). 🌍 Soul experience: Touch the wilderness heartbeat of the world’s Third Pole at the lowest cost, perfect for "ascetic" travel lovers! Actual expenses may exceed budget (e.g., emergency treatment for altitude sickness or vehicle repairs).