The winds of the Northwest are always wild, and the beauty of the vast Northwest is never defined!

Best time to travel - June–September: This is the best time for in-depth travel in the Northwest. During this period, the snow melts from the mountains, the salt lakes are crystal clear, the grasslands are lush and green, and the rapeseed flowers are in full bloom. July–August is the peak season with more tourists and higher accommodation costs. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose off-season travel in early June or mid-September. Transportation - External transportation: You can choose to arrive at Xining Caojiabao Airport or Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport first, and then transfer to other means of transportation to reach your destination. - Internal transportation: If you have a larger group and can drive, you can choose to rent a car for a more flexible itinerary. If you don't want to drive, you can also choose public transportation such as trains and long-distance buses. There are also special tourist buses between some scenic spots. Recommended attractions - Qinghai Lake: The largest inland lake and saltwater lake in China. In summer, the sea of rapeseed flowers contrasts with the blue lake water, creating a picturesque scene.  - Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky," the lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, just like a fairy tale world.  - Mogao Caves: A World Cultural Heritage site with many well-preserved grottoes and exquisite murals. It is a treasure trove of Eastern art.  - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: A spectacle in the desert. Mingsha Mountain is known for its unique singing sand, and Crescent Moon Spring is amazing for its clear water source.  - Zhangye Danxia Landform: Colorful and layered, it is known as one of the "25 Dream Travel Destinations in the World."  Recommended food - Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup: The noodles are chewy, and the soup is delicious. - Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Tender and juicy, with an original flavor. - Grilled Lamb Skewers: A must-try Northwest barbecue. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili peppers, it has an alluring aroma. - Tianpeizi: A sweet fermented pasta with a unique taste. It is refreshing and appetizing. Accommodation recommendations - Xining: For budget-friendly options, stay in Chengdong District or Chengzhong District. For cost-effective options, stay in Haihu New District. - Delingha: There are many accommodation options. - Dachaidan: It is a small town, so book your accommodation in advance. - Dunhuang: You can choose to stay near the Crescent Moon Spring Farmhouse Inn Street or the Shazhou Night Market. - Zhangye: You can stay in Danxia Town at the entrance of the scenic area or in the city. Things to note - Sun protection and moisturizing: The Northwest has a dry climate and strong ultraviolet rays. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, etc. Also, remember to drink plenty of water and moisturize. - Altitude sickness prevention: Some areas have high altitudes. Take precautions against altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise, and prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance. - Book in advance: Accommodation is tight during peak season, and tickets for popular attractions such as the Mogao Caves need to be booked in advance. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and book accommodation and tickets.