Start this dreamy Qinghai journey

🌄 Qinghai-Gansu Grand Crossing: A Must-Visit Wonderland in Northwest China Dear friends, if you haven’t been to Qinghai yet, make sure to add it to your travel list! Here you’ll find vast endless grasslands, clear blue skies, crystal-clear lakes, and mysterious salt lakes. Every scene lets you feel the marvels of nature’s craftsmanship. Now, let me take you on a dreamy Qinghai journey! 🌈 Itinerary Day 1: Xining - Ta'er Monastery - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake ● Ta'er Monastery: Arrive in Xining in the morning and head to Ta'er Monastery first. It is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in China, with magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and profound cultural heritage. Here, you can experience a strong religious atmosphere and admire exquisite murals, embroidery, and butter sculptures. ● Laji Mountain: After leaving Ta'er Monastery, go to Laji Mountain. It is at a high altitude with spectacular mountain views, where you can see continuous mountain ranges and vast grasslands. At the summit, you can take photos and feel the charm of nature. ● Qinghai Lake: Arrive at Qinghai Lake in the afternoon, the largest inland lake in China, with clear blue water surrounded by endless grasslands and snow-capped mountains. You can choose to cycle around the lake or take a boat to enjoy the lake scenery. Stay overnight at a guesthouse by Qinghai Lake and admire the beautiful starry sky. Day 2: Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha ● Chaka Salt Lake: Get up early to watch the sunrise at Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky." The lake water is crystal clear, perfectly reflecting the sky. Here, you can wear bright clothes and take stunning photos. ● Delingha: In the afternoon, head to Delingha, a city located in the Qaidam Basin surrounded by vast Gobi desert. In Delingha, you can visit Keluke Lake and Tosu Lake to experience the wonders of nature. Day 3: Delingha - Water Yadan - South Baxian Yadan ● Water Yadan: After breakfast, depart for Water Yadan, the only water Yadan landform in the world. The Yadan landforms here vary in shape and look especially beautiful reflected in the lake water. You can take a boat tour to explore Water Yadan and appreciate nature’s artistry. ● South Baxian Yadan: In the afternoon, go to South Baxian Yadan, one of China’s largest Yadan landform clusters. The Yadan landforms glow golden under the sunset, creating a magnificent view. You can hike here and feel the mystery of nature. Day 4: South Baxian Yadan - Oil Town - Yangguan - Dunhuang ● Oil Town: Depart from South Baxian Yadan in the morning to Oil Town. Once a prosperous oil town, it is now abandoned and has become a popular spot for photos. You can take vintage-style photos here and feel the passage of time. ● Yangguan: In the afternoon, visit Yangguan, an important pass on the ancient Silk Road. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road and appreciate the wisdom and courage of ancient people. ● Dunhuang: Arrive in Dunhuang in the evening, a key city on the ancient Silk Road with rich historical and cultural heritage. You can enjoy local cuisine in Dunhuang city and experience its unique charm. Day 5: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake ● Mogao Caves: Visit the Mogao Caves in the morning, the largest and richest Buddhist art site in the world. The murals and sculptures in the caves are exquisite and breathtaking. Here, you can learn about the development and evolution of ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. ● Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: In the afternoon, go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, iconic attractions in Dunhuang. The sand of Mingsha Mountain is fine and soft, glowing golden under the sun. Crescent Lake looks like a crescent moon embedded in the desert, very beautiful. You can ride camels and sandboard here to enjoy desert fun. Day 6: Dunhuang - Guazhou - Zhangye Danxia Landform ● Guazhou: Depart from Dunhuang in the morning to Guazhou, famous for its sweet melons and fruits. You can taste local fruits here and enjoy nature’s gifts. ● Zhangye Danxia Landform: Arrive at Zhangye Danxia Landform in the afternoon, one of China’s most beautiful Danxia landforms. The colorful and varied shapes of the Danxia landform are spectacular. You can take a sightseeing bus to tour the Danxia and admire nature’s masterpiece. Day 7: Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan - Xining ● Biandukou: Depart from Zhangye in the morning to Biandukou, a scenic mountain pass with beautiful grasslands, forests, and rivers. You can hike here and enjoy the freshness and tranquility of nature. ● Qilian Grassland: After Biandukou, head to Qilian Grassland, one of China’s most beautiful grasslands with vast expanses and herds of cattle and sheep. You can ride horses and shoot arrows here to feel the freedom and passion of the grassland. ● Menyuan: In the afternoon, visit Menyuan, famous for its rapeseed flowers. From July to August every year, Menyuan’s rapeseed flowers bloom, forming a golden sea. You can enjoy the beautiful rapeseed flowers and take wonderful photos. ● Xining: Return to Xining in the evening, concluding this unforgettable Qinghai journey. 💰 Budget ● Transportation: Costs vary depending on travel mode and itinerary. Generally, car rental or charter costs around 3000-5000 RMB, while public transportation costs about 1000-2000 RMB. ● Accommodation: Qinghai’s accommodation is relatively affordable. Guesthouses usually cost 100-300 RMB per night, and hotels range from 200-500 RMB per night. ● Meals: Qinghai offers rich cuisine, and meal costs depend on personal spending. Typically, daily meal expenses are around 100-200 RMB. ● Entrance Fees: Qinghai’s attraction tickets are relatively expensive, generally costing 1000-2000 RMB. 📌 Notes ● Altitude Sickness: Qinghai’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness. It is recommended to take preventive measures in advance, such as taking altitude sickness medication and avoiding strenuous exercise. ● Weather Changes: Qinghai’s weather varies greatly with large temperature differences between day and night. Bring warm clothes and rain gear to stay warm and dry. ● Sun Protection: Qinghai has strong UV rays. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun. ● Respect Local Culture: Qinghai is a multi-ethnic region with diverse cultures and customs. Respect local culture and customs to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Dear friends, Qinghai’s beautiful scenery is waiting for you. Pack your bags and start this dreamy Qinghai journey now! 🎉