Northwest Loop: A Must-See Guide for Capturing the Starry Sky

🚄 7-Day 6-Night Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Itinerary is here! Experience the stunning landscapes of China, including deserts, grasslands, salt lakes, Gobi deserts, and snow-capped mountains. If you're planning a trip to the Northwest, make sure to save this guide. -------------- 🧰 Travel Preparation ✅ Documents: Student ID, military ID, journalist ID, and other IDs for discounts 👕 Clothing: The Northwest has significant temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring a windbreaker or down jacket for cooler weather, and a jacket for warmer days. 📱 Electronics: Drone, power bank, headphones, chargers, etc. 💊 Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, etc. Other essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella, disposable bed sheets, disposable toilet seat covers, etc. ---------------------------------- Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Chaka Salt Lake 7-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining---Sun and Moon Mountain---Qinghai Lake (Heimahe)---Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka---Chaka Salt Lake---Golmud (Overnight) Day 3: Golmud---U-shaped Highway---Dongtai Jinel Lake---Water Yadan---Dachaidan Emerald Lake (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan---Black Mountain---Petroleum Town---Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang---Mogao Caves (Best to book tickets for around 9 AM)---Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake---Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City---via Jiayuguan---Zhangye Rainbow Mountains---Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye---Qilian Mountain Grasslands---Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)---Xining (End) ------------ 🏖 Highlights Qinghai Lake: The largest inland saltwater lake in China, with crystal-clear blue waters. It's an ideal spot for enjoying natural scenery and observing bird migrations. Chaka Salt Lake: Walking here feels like stepping into a dreamlike world. Dunhuang Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving exquisite murals and sculptures, offering a window into ancient Buddhist art. Zhangye Rainbow Mountains: Vibrant and layered, resembling a spilled palette of colors across the land. A spectacular sight and a classic attraction in Gansu. --------------- 💡 Gansu·Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain Mingsha Mountain, located in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, is a mesmerizing stargazing destination. Standing atop the mountain feels like being in a cosmic observatory, with dazzling stars adorning the night sky like a magnificent painting. The Milky Way is clearly visible, resembling a silver ribbon stretching across the heavens. Stargazing Advantages 👍️ Dry climate, low rainfall, high number of clear days Stargazing Spots ⭐️ Back mountain desert of Mingsha Mountain; desert interior of Mingsha Mountain ------------------ 🔜 Northwest Travel Tips 🔚 1️⃣ Most hotels and restaurants along the Northwest Grand Loop accept Alipay, so there's no need to carry large amounts of cash. 2️⃣ Economic development in the Qinghai-Gansu region is relatively lagging, and hotel conditions along the route may be limited. Be mentally prepared if you have high expectations for accommodations. 3️⃣ Qinghai has significant temperature differences between morning and evening, especially due to its higher altitude on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Be sure to bring warm clothing to prevent catching a cold. 4️⃣ Avoid buying tickets directly at the scenic spots; it's better to book online in advance. ----------------- 🌤 Weather & 👠 Outfit Suggestions ✨ June-August: 8°-32°C, recommended attire: sun-protective clothing, long dresses, short skirts, shorts, T-shirts, light jackets ✨ September-November: -8°-20°C, recommended attire: warm clothing, down jackets, windbreakers ------------------ 🚦 Tips: The Northwest has a dry climate, so stay hydrated and moisturized. The UV rays are strong, so don't forget sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other protective gear. Some scenic spots are at high altitudes; avoid strenuous activities to prevent altitude sickness.