2025 Zhidoi County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

China's Northwest: Extreme Scenery and Humanistic Epic China's Great Northwest (usually referring to Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang and western Inner Mongolia) is one of the most magnificent and wildest regions on Earth. With its world-class natural scenery, rich historical culture and unique ethnic customs, it is the ultimate destination for explorers, photographers, cultural scholars and food lovers. 1. Geography and Climate: A Symphony of Wilderness and Extremes The landform diversity of the Northwest is the highest in China: - Loess Plateau (Shaanxi, Gansu): Thousands of ravines and gullies, cave villages, the cradle of Chinese civilization. - Hexi Corridor (Gansu): The throat of the Silk Road, with snow-capped mountains, Gobi deserts and oases interlaced. - The edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (Qinghai): Hoh Xil, Sanjiangyuan, the wild beauty of the roof of the world. - Taklimakan Desert (Xinjiang): China’s largest desert, the legend of poplar trees in the “Sea of ​​Death”. - Tianshan and Altai Mountains (Xinjiang): snow-capped steppes, summer pastures for Kazakh herders. Climate characteristics: - Dry and little rain (annual precipitation is generally less than 200mm) - Large temperature difference between day and night ("wear a fur coat in the morning and a gauze dress in the afternoon") - Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong (sunscreen is a must) 2. Natural landscape: the most alien-like place on Earth Zhangye Danxia in Gansu: "God's overturned palette", the colorful hills show brilliant colors under the sun. Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai: the second largest salt lake in the world, purer and with fewer tourists than Chaka Salt Lake. Kanas, Xinjiang: "The most beautiful autumn colors in China", from late September to early October, Siberian larch dyes the entire valley red. Ningxia Tengger Desert: One of the four major deserts in China, suitable for desert camping and starry sky photography. 3. Humanities and History: The Silk Road and the Integration of Multiple Ethnic Groups Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang: "The Louvre of the East", with 735 existing caves and 45,000 square meters of murals. Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Xi'an: "The Eighth Wonder of the World", Qin Shihuang's underground army. Kashgar Ancient City in Xinjiang: A "living thousand-year-old city" and the core of Uyghur culture. 4. Food: A paradise for carb and meat eaters Shaanxi: Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo, and Yangrou Pao Mo Gansu: Lanzhou beef noodles, Zhangye fish noodles Xinjiang: grilled lamb skewers, big plate chicken, hand-pulled rice Qinghai: Yak beef hotpot, yogurt, sweet mash 5. Travel advice Best season: May to October Transportation: Self-driving/chartered car is the best Note: - Altitude sickness (some areas in Qinghai are over 3000m above sea level) - Sun protection and sand protection - Respect ethnic minority customs The Northwest has both the vastness of "the lone smoke rising in the desert" and the vitality of "the wind blowing the grass low and the cattle and sheep can be seen". Whether you are a history lover, landscape photographer, or food explorer, you can find your own shock here.

During the Qingming holiday, why not embark on a spontaneous journey! Visit the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to explore the mysterious Kekexili, where you might encounter the highland antelope. Then check out China's version of the Maldives - the beautiful Dongtai Jinaier Lake. This 5-day tour will definitely be worth your while! -------- 🚗Route Overview: Day 1: Qinghai Lake > Chaka Salt Lake On the first day, we'll visit the majestic Qinghai Lake to experience its tranquil and vast waters. Then, we'll head to Chaka Salt Lake to stroll on the Mirror of the Sky and enjoy dreamlike scenery. Day 2: Xiaoqaidan Lake > Qarhan Salt Lake > Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge On the second day, we'll explore the mysterious Xiaoqaidan Lake, then visit the magnificent Qarhan Salt Lake to witness nature's incredible craftsmanship. Finally, we'll walk on the Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge for a unique experience. Day 3: Nachitai > Wuji Dragon Phoenix Palace > Yuzhufeng Peak > Kunlun Mountain Pass > Unfrozen Spring in Kekexili Nature Reserve On the third day, we'll explore deeper, starting with experiencing the highland culture at Nachitai, then visiting the mysterious Wuji Dragon Phoenix Palace. Afterward, we'll view the majestic Yuzhufeng Peak, cross the Kunlun Mountain Pass, and finally reach the Kekexili Nature Reserve to search for Tibetan antelopes and experience the unique charm of this land. Day 4: Salt Lake Yadan Scenic Area > Dongtai Jinaier Lake > Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park On the fourth day, we'll visit the Salt Lake Yadan Scenic Area to admire its unique landforms. Then, we'll proceed to Dongtai Jinaier Lake, known as China's Maldives, to experience its crystal-clear waters. Finally, we'll explore the Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park to appreciate nature's wonders. Day 5: West Lake Circuit > Jinyintan Prairie On the final day, we'll travel along the West Lake Circuit to enjoy the lakeside scenery. Our journey ends at Jinyintan Prairie, where we'll create lasting memories on this vast grassland. -------- Travel Tips: 🌸 In March, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has pleasant weather with an average temperature of 20°C. Days are comfortably warm while nights are cooler, so remember to bring a light jacket. 🍽️ Don't miss Tibetan specialties like tsampa, hand-pulled mutton, and rich butter tea for an exotic culinary experience! 🎉 Immerse yourself in Tibetan customs and participate in folk activities to experience the warmth and simplicity of local people, making your journey more memorable! 📸 Ayang Zhoma Snow Mountain and Guide Yellow River Scenic Area are perfect spots for photography enthusiasts - don't forget your camera! 🚗 Self-driving is a great way to explore the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, but remember to check your vehicle condition to ensure a safe journey. -------- 🎉The journey ends, but beautiful memories last forever! Looking forward to exploring more beauty and wonders of the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture next time!🌈

New winter travel experience in Tibet! 4-day in-depth tour of Lhasa-Nagqu-Golmud, explore the unique charm of the snowy plateau! Save this itinerary now! . 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Namtso Lake Visit Namtso Lake, the pearl of the plateau, and enjoy the tranquility and magnificence of the lake. 🌊 Day 2: Hoh Xil Tibetan Antelope Viewing Platform - Kunlun Pass Admire the Tibetan antelope at the Hoh Xil Tibetan Antelope Viewing Platform, then head to Kunlun Pass to experience the vastness and mystery of the plateau. 🏞️ Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake - Qinghai Lake Immerse yourself in the mirror of the sky at Chaka Salt Lake, then head to Qinghai Lake to experience the magnificence and tranquility of the lake. 🌅 Day 4: Qinghai Lake - Xining (150 km) Drive from Qinghai Lake to Xining, ending this plateau journey. 🚗 Return home with unforgettable memories and unique experiences! 🏠 . **Notes**: - Nagqu's cordyceps are of high quality but expensive, so be sure to shop around before buying. 🛍️ - There is an airport bus from Lhasa Airport to the city center, which is convenient and fast, so you don't have to worry about transportation. 🚌 - In Golmud, be sure to try the local specialty - hand-grabbed mutton, which is tender and juicy and definitely worth a try! 🍖 - Altitude sickness is a common problem, so it is recommended to bring common medicines and take proper rest. 💊 - Respect local culture and customs, and do not take photos of local residents and religious sites without permission. 📸 . The faith of Lhasa, the nature of Nagqu, and the mystery of Golmud, the scenery and stories along the way are waiting for you to experience and discover!

Day 1 The first stop of the Northwest Ring Road Hoh Xil! The altitude here is about 4,700 meters We set off from Golmud City and chose the Queen Mother of the West's Jade Pool It takes about 4 hours to drive one way 🚗 The road conditions are relatively friendly There are many trucks on National Highway 109, so be sure to pay attention to safety No cell phone signal in Hoh Xil 📶 There is no food inside ❗️ Be sure to bring your own dry food ❗️ On the way back, around 6 pm I saw running Tibetan antelopes on the right hand side 🐑 There is also the Milky Way around 9 pm 🌌 Friends with good physical strength can create to the fullest It was almost midnight when we returned to Golmud City ⚠️The whole itinerary strategy Day 1 Chongqing - Aba County Stay in Aba Day 2 Aba County - Golmud Stay in Golmud You can walk and stop along the way Day 3 Golmud - Hoh Xil - Golmud Stay in Golmud Day 4 Golmud - Chaka Salt Lake - Water Yadan Stay in Water Yadan Day 5 Water Yadan - Mangya Stay in Mangya Day 6 Mangya - Heidushan - Eboliang Stay in the car at night to take pictures of the starry sky Day 7 Heidushan - Delingha Stay in Delingha Day 8 Delingha - Qinghai Lake Stay in Qinghai Lake Day 9 Qinghai Lake - Chongqing

All the way🚗from Dongtaijinaier Lake to Hoh Xil💠 The water in Dongtaijinaier Lake has almost evaporated, leaving only a ditch, but the color of the water is really blue💧It disappeared for three years before and reappeared in April this year, but it only lasted for 5 months. It is not clear how long it will disappear this time. Friends who have not visited may have to wait again. Hoh Xil Snow Mountain Observation Deck We set out in the morning and have been on the road ever since. The scenery along the way is stunning. After arriving at the Hoh Xil Observation Deck, we went to the Hoh Xil Tibetan Antelope Observation Deck, where we saw a wolf. This wolf was not afraid of people, probably because it was used to being fed. The moment I saw the snow-capped mountains was really shocking💥 Respect nature, respect life, and cherish the scenery I see in front of me. I strongly recommend friends to come and experience Kekexili, it is worth a visit [!]

Starting from Golmud, we joined a one-day tour to Hoh Xil. The weather was bad that day, gray and rainy. When we signed up for the tour, we didn't notice that the altitude would reach more than 4,700 meters. The driver also said he would feel dizzy. It was snowing when the car reached the highest altitude and the temperature was only 0 degrees. If you want to join this tour, you must bring warm clothes. For lunch, I had a bowl of beef noodles at a restaurant on the way. It was not very tasty even though I had to wait for a long time. I suggest you bring your own food. This trip was well worth it as I saw a family of Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys. 💡Notes:

👉 Gongsar Monastery, with a history of over 800 years. The ancient monastery stands on the slope of Jiajiani Gabao Mountain at an altitude of 4300 meters. The red, yellow, and white houses are layered on the Jialuo Grassland. 👉 The bronze statue of Tsongkhapa in the monastery has set a Guinness World Record. The monastery houses countless Buddhist scriptures and many precious historical Buddhist documents. 👉 The human geography of Gongsar Monastery is a must-visit place in summer. There are mountains, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. The monastery is rich in cultural connotations and has beautiful natural scenery. 📍 Address: West of Zhiduo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🚘 Transportation: Self-drive to Gongsar Monastery, 9 kilometers from Zhiduo County ❤️ Features: In Tibetan, Zhiduo means the source of the Yangtze River, so Zhiduo is also known as the "First County of the Yangtze River." Gongsar Monastery is the only monastery in Zhiduo County and is also known as the "First Temple of the Yangtze River." 🏞️ Activities: 1️⃣ The summer climate is comfortable, with geological wonders of the Yangtze River source plateau, rich and colorful folk culture, and pristine natural resources. 2️⃣ Every year, traditional festivals and monastery Buddhist activities are held at the Jialuo Ranch of Gongsar Monastery, attracting a large number of people. 3️⃣ The monastery covers 16 scenic spots, including the Red Palace ruins, Jialuo Ranch, Golden Lake, Silver Lake, Zhumu Bath, Nieqia River, Six Valleys of the Sacred Mountain, Horse Herding Spring, Stone Carving Wonders, and Black Thorn Forest Landscape. Gongsar Monastery

🌟This is the only city in the country where admission is free. The name "Yushu" is a Tibetan transliteration, which means "ruins". The reputation of this place can be counted on one hand: "the ocean of singing and dancing", "the hometown of singing and dancing", "the ancestor of famous mountains", "the source of rivers", "the land of yak", "the world closest to the sky" … - 🌟Yushu occupies one-third of Qinghai’s area and one-third of Qinghai’s beauty. The average altitude is above 4,000 meters. Although it lacks oxygen, it does not lack faith. This is not Tibet, but you can feel the power of faith better than Tibet. ✅Four days and three nights travel guide 1⃣day 1 Yushu【Jiegu Temple】 You can fly directly to Yushu Batang Airport from Chengdu or Xining. The average altitude here is about 4,000. After arriving in the city, you can take a short rest and then visit the highest point in the city: Jiegu Temple Tourist Scenic Area, which is the highest temple in the city. The temple is built on the mountain, with halls and monks' houses scattered in an orderly manner. Accommodation: You can stay at the Gesar Palace Hotel, which should be one of the best hotels in the city. The accommodation conditions are not bad. - 2⃣day 2 Zhiduo County [First County on the Yangtze River] [Chumar River] In the morning, you can set off to Zhiduo County, which is two and a half hours' drive from Yushu city. You can see a lot of beautiful scenery along the way. "Zhiduo" means "the source of the Yangtze River" in Tibetan, and is also known as "the first county on the Yangtze River. It is known as the source of the Yangtze River, the animal kingdom, and the Chinese Water Tower. It is also the Sanjiangyuan National Park and the largest county in China. The first national park. In the afternoon, it takes about three and a half hours to set off from Zhiduo County to the Chumal River (Red River). The Chumal River belongs to the Yangtze River Source Nature Reserve, and the upstream area is the center of the Hoh Xil Reserve. The river here flows through the flat beaches, turning into colorful and ever-changing pictures. In an instant, you can take in the unspeakable beauty of nature and return to Zhiduo County to stay overnight. Accommodation: Queen Gesar Hotel, there are many restaurants nearby. - 3⃣day 3 Yushu [Xinzhai Mani Stone Pile] [Princess Wencheng Temple] Two and a half hours' drive back to Yushu from Zhiduo County, you can visit the Manidui, which are mostly piles of white stones used for praying, with Buddha statues or scriptures engraved on them. People in Tibetan areas here will circle around the Manidui, chanting words, calling the gods, and praying for God's gifts and blessings. In the afternoon, you can visit Princess Wencheng Temple. Near the airport, Princess Wencheng Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,300 years. It is one of the important cultural relics of the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road.

When it comes to the first bend of the Yangtze River, many people will think of the first bend of the Yangtze River in Lijiang, Yunnan, but they don't know about the first bend of the Yangtze River in Yeqing Village, Zhi Duo County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai, which is the Tongtian River in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. This is the famous Tongtian River in 'Journey to the West'. The river course naturally forms a natural arc river bend around the mountain. The altitude here is 4200 meters, and the scenery is very magnificent. Now the first bend of the Yangtze River that spans thousands of miles has also built pedestrian walkways and viewing platforms. Cars can drive to the mountainside, and the construction of the scenic area has initially formed a scale. At present, there is no admission fee, so it is very worth visiting. Transportation: You need to drive by yourself, about 3 hours drive from Yushu Prefecture. Accommodation: You can stay in Zhi Duo County or in Yushu Dining: It is recommended to eat in Zhi Duo County, there is no place to eat near the scenic area.

This is the only city in China with free admission. The name "Yushu" is a Tibetan translation, meaning "ruins". The reputation here can't be counted with one hand: "Sea of Dance", "Hometown of Dance", "Ancestor of Famous Mountains", "Source of Rivers", "Land of Yaks", "The world closest to the sky"... -Yushu occupies one-third of Qinghai, and it also occupies one-third of the beauty of Qinghai. The average altitude is over 4000 meters. Although it lacks oxygen, it does not lack faith. It's not Tibet, but it feels the power of faith more than Tibet. The travel strategy is for four days and three nights 1️⃣day 1 Yushu You can fly directly to Yushu Batang Airport from Chengdu or Xining. I can fly from Chengdu to Yushu City in an hour and a half. Take a taxi to Yushu City for half an hour. The average altitude here is about 4000 pounds. After arriving in the city, you can rest for a while, and then visit the highest point in the city: Jiegu Temple tourist area. This is the highest temple in the city. The temple is built on the mountain, and the temple and the monks' houses are scattered together. Accommodation: You can stay at the Gesar Palace Hotel, which should be one of the best hotels in the city, and the accommodation conditions are also good. -2️⃣day 2 Zhiduo County You can set off to Zhiduo County in the morning, two and a half hours drive from Yushu City. You can see a lot of beautiful scenery along the way. In Tibetan, "Zhiduo" means "source of the Yangtze River", also known as "the first county of the Yangtze River". It is known as the source of the Yangtze River, the animal kingdom, and the water tower of China. It is also the Sanjiangyuan National Park, and China's first national park. In the afternoon, it takes about three and a half hours from Zhiduo County to Chumar River (Red River). The Chumar River belongs to the Yangtze River Source Nature Reserve, and the upstream area is the core area of the Kekexili Reserve. The rivers here flow through flat beaches, fantasizing about colorful and ever-changing gorgeous pictures. In an instant, nature cannot be captured in full view, and stay overnight in many counties. Accommodation: Ling·Gesar Queen's Hotel, there is more food around. -3️⃣day 3 Yushu It takes two and a half hours to drive back to Yushu from Zhiduo County. You can go to see the Mani pile, mainly the accumulation of white stones, used for prayer, carved with Buddha or scriptures. The Tibetans here will circle around the Mani pile, read words, call God, and pray for God's gifts and blessings. In the afternoon, you can visit the Princess Wencheng Temple. The Princess Wencheng Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1300 years. It is one of the important cultural relics of the Tang Fan Ancient Road.