Back from a family trip to Northwest China with my 6-year-old! Don't go to this place casually…

I took my 6-year-old to Northwest China last month, and the whole family "regretted" it after returning — we regretted not discovering this amazing place sooner! I thought it would be a dusty trip, but Emerald Lake was so beautiful that we didn't want to leave 😭 🚗 Itinerary: Xining, Qinghai → Qilian Mountains Grassland → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Jiayuguan Pass → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Let me tell you about Dachaidan Emerald Lake, which completely changed my perception❗ 💣Things to avoid: Don't casually wear flip-flops to Emerald Lake! The salt flats will hurt your feet. Don't casually wear sunglasses! My child said it felt like being in a cartoon. Don't casually take photos! Your phone's storage will explode💥 💎Emerald Lake Guide: 1⃣ Take the small train directly to the last stop (don't listen to advice to get off midway), it's easier to play backward. 2⃣ Salt Lake No. 5 has the same piano 🎹 as in the movie *A Little Red Flower*. My child excitedly played "Air Sonata" for half an hour. 3⃣ The emerald green of Salt Lake No. 3 is like an overturned paint palette, and the Tiffany blue of Salt Lake No. 4 is more healing than the Maldives💙 4⃣ Don't crowd the popular photo spots! Walk 200 meters to the left, and there's a hidden heart-shaped lake + blue hole, all to yourself. 📸Tips for taking photos with kids: ✔ The light is most magical before 11:00 am / after 5:00 pm ✔ Dress your child in bright yellow/red clothes, and they'll instantly become a fairy tale character ✔ Use a drone to take "walking on water" misplaced photos. My child kept saying he wanted to be Spiderman. ⚠Lessons learned: 1⃣ Bring enough sunscreen! The UV rays are intense. 2⃣ Bring a bottle of mineral water to rinse your feet (salt crystals will stick to your shoes) 3⃣ It's more cost-effective to rent a car at Golmud Station. I recommend choosing an SUV. 4⃣ Don't stay inside the scenic area! Choose a hotel in Dachaidan Town for more comfort. 🌈Real experience: I thought my child would be bored, but he couldn't stop picking up "gems" (actually salt crystals) at the salt lake! At night, he insisted on taking a bottle of "Emerald Lake water" home🤣 On the way back, he kept asking: "Can we come back to dig for treasure next year?" ✈Transportation advice: Fly to [Golmud Airport] or [Delingha Airport] Taking the high-speed train to [Golmud Station/Delingha Station] is more flexible. 💌Truth be told: This place is addictive! Before going, I was afraid of the desolation; after going, I'm afraid I won't be able to let it go😍 Now the whole family's phone screensavers are Emerald Lake, and even the kindergarten teacher is asking for tips… So don't go casually, I'm afraid you'll fall in love with Northwest China!