Delingha Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Tree of Life Filming Location (Keluke Town)

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Recommended stays in Delingha

Discover the most popular places to stay in Delingha, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

MEHOOD LESTIE Hotel (Haixi Delingha Central Plaza)

9.5/10287 Reviews

Guest User: A group of people came to Delingha by car and finalized their stay at Meihao Lizhi Hotel. After staying, they were not disappointed. The hotel is in the bustling area of the city, and it is very convenient to go out for food and purchase materials. The lobby is clean and elegant, the check-in process is smooth, the staff is gentle, and questions will be answered patiently. The rooms are well lit, the space is open, and the whole house is clean. The bedding is skin-friendly and soft, and you can relax quickly after a tiring day. The hot water in the room came out quickly, the water pressure was stable, and the washing was very comfortable. Delingha's climate is dry, and the humidifier equipped in the room solves the problem of dry discomfort. The hotel has plenty of parking areas and it is very worry-free to travel by car. The whole hotel is quiet and sleeps peacefully at night. It is a very good place to stay in Delingha. I will give priority to this place next time.

No. 19 Chaidamu East Road

From US$ 26

Deling Ha Yi Boutique Hotel

9.2/10904 Reviews

netbadfox: This time I stayed at Delingha Yiyi Boutique Hotel and the experience exceeded expectations! Originally booked the second floor slow ladder Jingwu parent-child room in the courtyard. The front desk lady was particularly intimate to help upgrade to the third floor parent-child room for free, which was a surprise. The room was clean and bright, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the plateau was very good to come back for a day. The location is close to the life tree, and it is very convenient to travel and play. The staff is gentle, the check-in is efficient, and the service is very warm. The overall price is online, I recommend this place to travel to Delingha overnight, and I live in peace of mind and comfort.

Shops, 1st Floor and 3rd-5th Floors, Zone B, Xianfeng Gongmao Engineering Co., Ltd., at the intersection of Huanghe Road and Dulan Road, Hedong Subdistrict

From US$ 14

DeLingHa Chaidam Hotel

9.4/10881 Reviews

Guest User: When I first came to Qinghai in 2024, I decided to stay in Delingha for one night. The hotel manager upgraded the room type for us that day. The scenery in the room was particularly beautiful. It overlooked the most prosperous area of Delingha. It was backed by the continuous mountains and surrounded by the Bayin River. Downstairs is the Haizi Poetry Hall, especially poetic and picturesque. Because the next day, we needed to get up early, so we asked the front desk to help us prepare early in advance. The breakfast was particularly rich. Every real food was separated. We also apologized for the inconvenience of the trip and could not be filled with liquids. Maybe it was because of that fate, let us come to Delingha again in 2026, and did not hesitate to choose to stay for 6 nights. The room was still upgraded. It happened that the upgraded room was the same as the 24-year room type, but it was a layer higher, and even we were connected to the WIFI of the room that once was. Later, I heard that the original staff of ”Tree of Life” also lived here, and there was a feeling of destiny. In addition: the hotel's wolfberry cake is particularly delicious, the hotel **, specially bought a few boxes to go back to send friends. In general, it is really a particularly good stay experience!

No. 2 Ge'ermu West Road

From US$ 57

JI Oxygen-enriched Hotel (Deqingha Bayin River Branch)

9.6/101.3k Reviews

Guest User: The overall environmental facilities are very good. I deliberately chose an oxygen-supply hotel for fear that my family will have a high reaction. The oxygen supply mode can be selected, very intimate. The bedding was very comfortable to sleep in, which was the most comfortable night we slept in this time. The hygiene is also very clean, the response to any needs is very fast, and the service attitude is also very good. Breakfast was good, but we didn't try pancakes. And there is a floor-to-ceiling window that is beautiful. Parking is also very convenient, there is free parking, someone will coordinate the parking space. The whole is very advanced, go out to play and sleep a little better to have the energy to continue playing!

About 190 meters south of Renhe Jiayuan, Binhe East Road

From US$ 31

Delingha Chushan Yunjv Homestay (Olympic Plaza)

9.6/10176 Reviews

Changkong1hao: At the beginning, the navigation led to a residential area of self-built houses, which was a bit of a bad feeling, but when I opened it to the innermost, I dispelled my concerns after seeing the hotel. The hotel is very design, clean and tidy, and there are flowers and plants everywhere. It can be seen that the boss is a person who loves life. The room was very satisfactory and the children liked it very much. Clean is the most important thing, the bedding is very comfortable, and there is an oxygen generator. Very good 👍👍👍👍; rarely write reviews so seriously, there is a real feeling good to write reviews without perfunctory.

No. 3-5, Row 5 East, Self-built Houses, Dongshan Village, Ge'ermu East Road

From US$ 39

R ROYALSS HOTEL

9.5/101k Reviews

Guest User: First of all, I should praise Xiao Zhang at the front desk. Although he took the intern license, he was very skilled. Check-in was very fast and introduced me to the hotel's various facilities. There was a male waiter with glasses at the door, who took the initiative to help us carry our luggage to the room and introduce us to the use of the room facilities. The hotel is very close to the Bayin River, the room is large, the facilities are very new, the toiletries are very complete, the sanitary napkin bathroom is separated from wet and dry, small intelligent control, and air conditioning. The most amazing thing is the breakfast, especially delicious, comprehensive variety, the restaurant's big sister is like her own family, every table is cold and warm, ask how the taste is, A must-choice hotel on Qinggan Dahuan!

Intersection of Lianhu Road and Xinyuan Road

From US$ 25

Deji villahotel

9.3/1075 Reviews

Guest User: The front desk staff is particularly friendly, take the initiative to remind the temperature difference between morning and evening, recommend the local antelope chops old store, check-in speed is fast, the overall quiet is not noisy, you can sleep well for a day, the price is full, it is highly recommended to pass by friends!

No. 8-1 Changjiang North Road

From US$ 37

HanTing Express Oxygen-enriched Hotel (Delingha Central Square)

9.9/1040 Reviews

Guest User: Going to Chaidamu Gobi, came to the poetic Delingha, chose this Hanting oxygen-rich superior bed room. I drove all the way, I was worried that I could not sleep well at night without oxygen. The oxygen supply effect in the room was very good. I finally could sleep well. Hotel parking is very convenient, especially friendly to self-driving tourists running the Haixi Ring Line. Not far from Haizi Poetry Hall and Bayin River, you can go to the river in the evening to feel the evening wind and night that belong to Delingha. The rooms are cleaned and the hot water is stable. As a stopover for the journey of the small city of Gobi, it is very reassuring. I will stay here next time I come to Delingha.

No. 6-1 Changjiang North Road, Hexi Subdistrict

From US$ 21

RuJia Pebble Hotel (Delingha Lianhu Road Bayin River)

8.7/10407 Reviews

Guest User: Very satisfied with the all-round experience! The location is excellent and the travel is convenient. The front desk staff was warm and courteous, and the check-in was quick and efficient. The room was cleaned very clean, the facilities were complete and intact, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the sound insulation was good. The hot water is stable, the network speed is smooth, the overall environment is quiet and comfortable, and the price is very high.

Beside Tongxin Supermarket, Lianhu Road

From US$ 13

Delingha Shicheng Garden Hotel

9.3/1051 Reviews

Guest User: The hotel is located on the edge of the city, but very close to the city, about 10 minutes drive out for dinner. The room was spacious, clean and well decorated. There were two floors in total. Although there was no elevator, the front desk service was very good and helped us get the luggage upstairs. The parking lot is large, there are charging piles, the surroundings are quiet, and it is quiet to sleep at night. The only downside is that the breakfast is a bit less, and you will not be able to eat anything when you go late. At night, I drove around the Deling Habayin River for a while. The weather was cool, very casual and very comfortable.

About 110 meters northeast of Delingha Tourist Service Center, Dulan West Road

From US$ 39

Must-try food in Delingha

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Delingha dishes and foodie spots.

Quick bites

Barbecue

Bakery

青海省德令哈市固时汗祁家传统手工面

4/55 ReviewsUS$2

青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州德令哈市格尔木东路与滨河东路交叉口东40米

舌尖上的面片

4.4/57 ReviewsUS$4

新源路新世纪花苑6号楼商铺

清真·蔡总烤羊肉

3.8/55 ReviewsUS$6

民生巷新世纪花苑东南50米

德克士(兆通店)

4/58 ReviewsUS$4

柴达木东路6号美食广场

尕平烤羊肉

3/511 ReviewsUS$9

昆仑路工商银行对面新世纪花苑西门

兰州九鼎牛肉面(民生巷店)

5/55 ReviewsUS$2

盛源小区对面

春花面馆(昆仑花苑1期店)

3.7/56 ReviewsUS$5

昆仑花苑长江路13号楼13-5(内街)

清真老穆萨羊肠面

4.4/511 ReviewsUS$3

新源路晨兴花苑西区正对面

宜宾燃面(盛源小区店)

3.3/53 ReviewsUS$1

交通巷南3号附近

程记面庄

3.7/53 Reviews

天峻西路新华都超市东五十米

尔洒烤肉王(总店)

4.4/59 ReviewsUS$7

民生巷晨兴花苑西区东门

西行老严烤羊肉(滨河西路店)

3/56 ReviewsUS$6

青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州德令哈市河西街道滨河西路13号祥和花园东北(祥和二期东门)

刘杰烤羊肉(义凯小区店)

3.4/58 ReviewsUS$6

民生巷蔡总烤羊肉斜对面

老高烤羊肉(德令哈总店)

4.1/57 ReviewsUS$7

柴达木西路2号

小祝烤肉城

4.6/510 Reviews

天峻西路福源小区

变脸烤翅(托素湖路店)

3.4/58 Reviews

青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州德令哈市河东街道体育场东侧托素湖路九号

牛鼎炭火烤肉

4.7/59 Reviews

天俊西路福源小区38号商铺

塞奇动物奶油生日蛋糕(德令哈店)

3/52 ReviewsUS$3

祁连路19号

蜜雪冰城(金源商贸店)

5/52 Reviews

柴达木路24号

菓树主题烘焙吧(菓树德令哈店)

3.4/55 ReviewsUS$1

柴达木西路坤谊大酒店对面

味之语主题烘焙吧(步行街店)

5/51 Review

河东街道美食城北门(步行街交汇处)

贝甜烘焙(柴达木西路店)

3.5/54 Reviews

河西街道柴达木西路五号楼自北向南第二家

Delingha itinerary ideas

Delingha 1-Day Tour：Quiet Moments of Lakeside Poetry

1 Days

This one-day Delingha route keeps the pace gentle: start with open water and plateau light at Kelukehu Tourism Area, return to town for an easy walk through Xihai Park, then slow down at Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall, where the city’s quiet, literary side feels especially close.

DAY01Kelukehu Tourism AreaXihai ParkHaizi Poetry Exhibition Hall

Delingha 3-Day Trip: Lakeside Calm on the Qaidam Plateau

3 Days

DAY01Qinghai Delingha Gahai National Wetland ParkGahai LakeDelingha Astronomy Science Museum
DAY02Bayinguole RiverHeishishan ReservoirXihai ParkHaizi Poetry Exhibition Hall
DAY03Delingha Great MosqueKelukehu Tourism AreaTuosu Lake

Delingha 2-Day Trip: Salt Lakes and Starry Wonders

2 Days

DAY01Kelukehu Tourism AreaTuosu LakeHaixi LibraryDelingha Great Mosque
DAY02Delingha Astronomy Science MuseumXihai Park

Traveller photos and experiences

After watching "The Tree of Life,"

I feel like something has taken root in my heart. His story has ended, but Qinghai's hasn't 😭 Thinking back to a few years ago when I drove into the Great Northwest 🚗 for a 4,000 km journey across the Gobi and the plateau. 📸 My lens captured 18 moments, each holding an answer to life: 1️⃣📍U-shaped Road Tires rolling over the skyline, the thrill of reaching out and touching the clouds ☁️ 2️⃣📍Qarhan Salt Lake An emerald in the Gobi, salt flowers glistening in the sun ✨ 3️⃣📍Rainbow Danxia Star Valley A blend of Danxia and Yardang landforms, vast and colorful mountains 🎨 4️⃣📍Blood of the Earth A red riverbed cutting through the road, the burning pulse of the earth ❤️‍🔥 5️⃣📍Mangya Ekin Spring The "Eye of Hell" gazing at the sky, the spring bubbling with mystery 👁️ 6️⃣📍Heidu Mountain Venturing into the ink-black wilderness, feeling the lonely aesthetics of an alien planet 🪐 7️⃣📍Delingha Photovoltaic Power Station The "white light" on the Gobi, a collision of technology and nature ⚡ 8️⃣📍Hala Lake A hidden gem deep in the Qilian Mountains, clear water reflecting the snow-capped peaks 🏔️ 9️⃣📍Water Yardang Wind-eroded stone pillars standing in the lake, breathtaking when the sunset turns to gold 🌅 🔟📍Mangya Emerald Lake An emerald plate dropped by God, the turquoise water healing all inner exhaustion 💚 1️⃣1️⃣📍Mangya Blue Hole & Heart Lake A blue secret and a heart-shaped lake, romantic to a fault 💙 1️⃣2️⃣📍Da Qaidam Salt Lake Lying in the center of the salt lake, clear and one with the sky 🩵 1️⃣3️⃣📍Qinghai Lake A sapphire on the plateau, the Queen Mother of the West statue standing in the water 💎 1️⃣4️⃣📍"Boundless" Sculpture Steel art on the Gobi, feeling the resonance of the soul in the vastness 🎭 1️⃣5️⃣📍Sanjiangyuan The source of the "Water Tower of China," clear streams nourishing the land 🌊 1️⃣6️⃣📍Mingsha Mountain Sand grains singing with the wind, Crescent Lake resting quietly in the desert for millennia 🏜️ 1️⃣7️⃣📍Mirror of the Sky (Chaka Salt Lake) Mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains, blurring the line between heaven and earth 🪞 1️⃣8️⃣📍Zhangye Tree of Life A natural miracle in the Danxia landform, the vitality of life rooted in the earth 🌲 The beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is truly worth the flight! Someone asked, "Just for 18 photos?" — It's worth it! Because this is not just scenery, but the answer to life. If you ever set foot in Qinghai, remember to look up at the vastness of the sky and look down to touch the permafrost beneath your feet — inside it hides an evergreen Tree of Life 🌲 Its roots are connected to the souls of heroes, and its branches reach toward all living beings 😭 Travel tips 💡: ☀️ Qinghai is on a plateau with large temperature differences between day and night, so remember to bring a thick jacket 👟 Some attractions require hiking, so comfortable shoes are recommended 📷 Best time for photos: sunrise and sunset, when the light is stunning

Barnes Jennifer Jenn

Thanks to Yang Zi. I rarely describe a place as stunning!

Traveled deep into the Gobi west of Delingha ✨ Encountered a hidden treasure in the wasteland — Rainbow Danxia · Star Valley 🌈 This place was also a filming location for "Pegasus 3" and "The Tree of Life" 🎬 I've seen countless Danxia formations, but this one completely changed my understanding of northwest landscapes 🤯 Far from commercial crowds, all that's left is the wind across the open land Desolation and brilliance intertwine, serene and soothing 🍃 The lake reflects the distant snow-capped mountains 🏔️ Daylight spills over the ridges, and every shot looks cinematic 📸 🚗 Getting there About 1.5 hours from Delingha. Navigate to "Rainbow Danxia · Star Valley" to get there. ⛰️ Viewing platforms ▫️ Viewing platform 1 A ridge boardwalk unfurls, layers of crimson rock stacked one after another. Sunlight washes over the ravines like a flowing river of color 🌊 — instantly captivated by the grandeur of the northwest! ▫️ Viewing platform 2 The dinosaur skull–like formations are super photogenic 🦖 Gray-white and ocher interlace, the boardwalk stretches straight into the wilderness, and the vast sky makes every shot atmospheric 📷 ▫️ Viewing platform 3 The valley is wrapped in peach pink 🍑, mauve 💜, and custard yellow 💛. The colors are soft, not overpowering, smoothed by wind and sand like nature's palette 🎨 ▫️ Viewing platform 4 Danxia and yardang meet here. One side is soft and colorful, the other sharp and rugged. The clash of softness and strength is Star Valley's unique geological romance 💕 ✨ Tips 📍 Elevation about 3,300m, strong winds and intense UV — bring a windbreaker, sunglasses 🕶️, and sunscreen 🧴 📍 The light is best 2 hours before sunset 🌅. Colors are even more spectacular after rain when the sun returns 🌧️→☀️ Far from the noise, only the wind and your heartbeat remain 💓 This journey was worth it! 🥹✨

SiskoHakala

You might not know that the true essence of the Northwest is hidden in this small city. No crowds, no high admission fees, no commercial traps. The entire Gobi

You might not know that the true essence of the Northwest is hidden in this small city. No crowds, no high admission fees, no commercial traps. The entire Gobi, lakes, Danxia landforms, and starry skies are all pristine, wild secret spots. Desolate, healing, vast, and pure. This is the scenery that countless people travel thousands of miles to the Great Northwest to see. 🚗 Transportation: Self-driving/carpooling is the best choice. The beautiful scenery of Delingha is scattered along the way, so you must drive or carpool! Stop whenever you want, enjoy the freedom and relaxation, and easily unlock niche photo spots. No need to rush like a "special forces" traveler; just wander slowly and let the journey heal you. ✅ 5 free, incredible photo spots | You won't regret coming here 🌌 Star Valley · Rainbow Danxia A treasure trove in Delingha with both stunning sunsets and starry skies! The layered Danxia mountains are rich in color and depth. By day, it's a magnificent and vast Gobi painting. At dusk, the sunset paints the entire valley red, creating a desolate yet romantic atmosphere. At night, with zero light pollution, the Milky Way fills the sky. Every shot is a breathtaking starry masterpiece. 🐿️ Cypress Mountain · Wild healing valley It will overturn your impression that the Great Northwest is "all desert"! Here, green grass covers the fields, and the breeze blows through the forest, full of vitality. The forest ecology is excellent, and you can see small animals everywhere. Marmots, hares, and pikas scurry through the woods, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a wild fox. Far from the hustle and bustle, with gentle plants and trees, it's super healing for travel fatigue. 💎 Liuli Lake · Milky blue wild wonderland A newly popular, pristine lake this year! No tourists, no shops, no development. The lake water is a transparent, healing Tiffany milky blue. Surrounded by mountains, it's quiet and ethereal. The moment you stand by the lake, you will truly be stunned into silence by the pure beauty. 🌊 Tuosu Lake · Gobi gradient blue sea Traveling through the vast Gobi, you suddenly encounter a vast sea. Known as the "lake left behind by aliens," the water changes with the light, with layers of light blue, cyan, and cobalt blue. The lake surface is cold and ethereal, the wilderness is boundless. Desolation meets gentleness—the Northwest atmosphere is fully maxed out. 🌳 "Tree of Life" filming location The actual filming location of the hit drama starring Hu Ge and Yang Zi. Authentic Northwest mountain wilderness and simple, rustic natural scenery. Every frame has a cinematic quality. It's a niche spot for great photos, full of atmosphere, and very memorable for a visit. ⚠️ Must-read tips for avoiding pitfalls in Delingha 1. Many pristine gravel roads with bumpy conditions. An SUV is preferred for a more comfortable trip. 2. The plateau has huge temperature differences and fierce winds. Bring a windbreaker regardless of the season. 3. Few supply points along the way. Prepare drinking water, snacks, and dry food in advance. 4. All are wild natural landscapes. Practice "leave no trace" travel and take all trash with you. 5. The soil by the lake is soft. Do not get close to dangerous edges, and do not chase or feed wild animals. ✍️ Conclusion If Chaka and Qinghai Lake are the well-known, bustling spots, then Delingha is the deepest, hidden gentleness of the Great Northwest. Free, niche, primitive, and healing. It has Danxia landforms, blue seas, forests, and the Milky Way. If you want to experience the purest Great Northwest, be sure to set aside 2 days to slowly understand the vastness and romance of Delingha 🌍

santana_emmett_77

Braving northwest China with a 4-year-old, we were so stunned by the rainbow Danxia we could barely move!

So far, this is the most breathtaking place I've taken my kid to‼️ Braving the northwest with a 4-year-old, we were literally stopped in our tracks here~👣 📍Rainbow Danxia · Star valley Filming location for the films "Pegasus 3" and "The Tree of Life"🎬 This rare area where Danxia and yardang landforms coexist is like an open-air geology museum🏛️, letting kids touch rock layers that are millions of years old and learn natural science while playing—especially friendly for school-age children! My little one was stunned at first sight by the colorful slopes😲, and it was perfect for using the rock strata there to simply explain the difference between the two landforms~ ✅ Danxia landform: rainbow mountains carved by water🌈 This is a lake basin where sediment was deposited in layers. Iron in the rock slowly dyed the stones red, orange, pink, yellow, and other colors. The large areas of deep red, warm-toned colored mountains in Star valley are typical Danxia; in sunlight they look like a spread-out sunset☀️ My kid kept saying it looked as beautiful as on TV! ✅ Yardang landform: Gobi hills sculpted by strong winds🌪️ Compared with the brightly colored Danxia, yardang tones tend toward gray-white and light brown, with vertical grooves formed by wind erosion that kids can spot at a glance~ The park has gentle wooden boardwalks, so you don't have to climb steep slopes—taking a kid here is not tiring for mom at all👩🏻. There are multiple viewing platforms where you can stop and observe slowly. At each viewpoint, my little one would crouch down to touch the rock cross-sections and look at the sediment layers, sometimes asking, "Mom, why are some mountains red and others black?" Compared with textbook pictures, touching geological traces makes the memory much deeper! On the plane home he kept repeating, "Mom, I know now—the colorful ones are Danxia, the black-and-white ones are yardang, so amazing…"✈️ ⏰ Suggested visit time: about 3 hours. Enter after 3 PM for softer light and more vivid mountain colors; the light before sunset is the most photogenic📸 🍜 Food and supplies: There is a small shop inside the park where you can buy water and snacks for simple supplies. There is also a hot pot restaurant, so if you're tired from touring you don't have to rush back to the city—you can have a hot, proper meal on site and don't need to carry too much food for the kids🍲 🐶 This is also a pet-friendly park! You may encounter deer and small dogs inside the park and interact with them, and you can bring your own pets to visit~ 🎫 Tips: 🩷 The park has no general admission fee, and the sightseeing shuttle is optional ❤️ Sightseeing shuttle is free for children under 1.2m 🧡 Elevation is close to 3,000m, UV is strong—remember to bring sunscreen and a windproof jacket 💛 Drink more water, slow down the pace, and don't let kids run around vigorously Bring your kids during the holiday to experience the wonders of nature~🥰

RestlessWanderlust

Legendary Delingha | The ultimate free travel destination in the Great Northwest

An incredibly underrated small city in the Northwest! No crowds, no expensive tickets. Gobi, lakes, Danxia landforms, and the Milky Way—all pristine and natural. Shattering the stereotype that the Northwest is just a desert. Explore these hidden gems easily in 2 days; beginner-friendly. 🚗 Transportation | Self-driving/carpooling is the best choice. Stop anytime for photos and unlock unique shooting spots. Say no to rushed travel; slow travel through the wilderness is super healing. ✨ 5 free, heavenly check-in spots ▫️ Star Valley · Rainbow Danxia A secret spot with stunning sunsets and starry skies. The Danxia landforms are vibrant by day, and the Gobi is painted red by the sunset at dusk. No light pollution at night; the Milky Way is within reach. The peak of Northwest romance. ▫️ Baishu Mountain · Wild Valley A rare green mountain valley in the Northwest, covered in flowers and grass. A wildlife paradise where marmots and hares are everywhere. If you're lucky, you might spot a fox—it heals all the fatigue of your journey. ▫️ Liuli Lake · Milky Blue Secret A pristine, wild lake with Tiffany-blue water. Clear, quiet, surrounded by mountains, and off the beaten path. Important: No admission fees at all. ▫️ Tuosu Lake · Gobi Blue Sea Travel through the desolate Gobi and encounter a vast expanse of water. The lake's color changes with the light, transitioning from light blue to deep blue. The sense of wilderness solitude is off the charts; the atmosphere is legendary. ▫️ "Tree of Life" filming location The same filming location as Hu Ge & Yang Zi. Pristine Northwest mountain scenery; every shot looks like a movie scene. 💡 Travel tips ▪ The roads are mostly gravel and bumpy; an SUV is preferred. ▪ Huge temperature differences on the plateau and strong winds; a windbreaker and serious sun protection are essential. ▪ Few supply points along the way; stock up on water and snacks. ▪ Pristine wilderness; please practice Leave No Trace and take your trash with you. ▪ Stay away from dangerous areas near the lake and do not feed wild animals. While it's still uncrowded, beautiful, and free, you must come to Delingha for a date with the wilderness ✨

MichaelMcNeil291

Qinghai's hidden gem | Rainbow Danxia Star Valley, no crowds here

Skip the crowds in Zhangye This "Danxia + Yardang" landform in Dulan, Haixi is truly impressive—featuring crimson ridges, dinosaur head wind-eroded rocks, and the colorful stratification of the "Geocentric Rainbow." You can also stargaze at night, take photos, and enjoy a road trip. It's a perfect stop along the Qinghai-Gansu loop. "Pegasus 3" and "Tree of Life" were both filmed here. Fans have already started visiting! 📍 Location Rainbow Danxia Star Valley, Zongjia Town, Dulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai. Search for "Rainbow Danxia Star Valley" in your navigation app. 🚗 Transportation (Self-driving is the easiest) · From Delingha: Approx. 110 km, 1.5–2h. Take the Huainuo Highway direction. The final section is unpaved; sedans can pass if driven slowly, but an SUV is more comfortable. · Gobi signal is weak, so download offline maps in advance. Fill up your gas tank before entering the mountains; there are basically no shops inside the scenic area. 🎫 Admission/Activities (Subject to official daily updates) · Sightseeing bus: Adult CNY 60, Concession (children/seniors/students/teachers, etc.) CNY 30. · Private cars usually park at the visitor center, where you transfer to the sightseeing bus. · Opening hours are listed as 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on various platforms. 🗓 Recommended route Follow the main sightseeing bus route: Visitor Center (take bus) → Stop 1: Crimson Danxia (layered crimson, panoramic wooden boardwalk) → Stop 2: Dinosaur Head (wind-eroded Yardang + wilderness boardwalk backdrop) → Stop 3: Geocentric Rainbow/Rainbow Secret Realm (pink, orange, purple, and yellow colorful stratification, perfect for photos). 📸 Photo spots ✅️ Stop 1 Crimson Danxia: Use a wide-angle lens for the crimson ridges and a telephoto lens to compress the rock textures. Colors are less distinct with side lighting in the afternoon or overhead lighting at noon. ✅️ Stop 2 Dinosaur Head: Boardwalk extension + giant wind-eroded rocks, great for silhouette shots or a sense of desolate wilderness. ✅️ Stop 3 Geocentric Rainbow: Best for overhead shots and wide panoramas. ✅️ Drones are allowed; great for overhead and dramatic shots, but be cautious when taking off/landing due to strong Gobi winds. ‼️ Tips · Stay on the wooden boardwalks; do not step on or climb the colored rocks. · Avoid running or jumping at high altitudes; seniors and children should take it slow. If you experience mild headaches or palpitations, descend immediately and keep oxygen ready. · Drive slowly when passing other vehicles on the final gravel road. After rain or heavy storms, check with the visitor center for any restrictions, and do not drive off-road.

BAO. sunrise 2985

Sorry! It's a bit pricey, but this is a top-tier private tour of the Qinghai-Gansu loop.

When traveling the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, stop going clockwise! Especially during the National Day peak season, not only is there traffic, but the 3,200m altitude at Qinghai Lake can easily cause discomfort, forcing you to give up. The counter-clockwise route below is a proven game-changer! It allows your body to gradually adapt to the altitude, offering an experience far superior to standard routes. The best part? You wake up to stunning scenery every day! Stay at the Lonely Star Hotel in the Gobi Desert, watch the Milky Way from your glass cabin, and catch the Yadan sunset from a 40m-high observation deck—it's legendary. The Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel is like a desert art museum, with rammed-earth rooms overlooking Mingsha Mountain. Plus, enjoy lakefront hotels where you can see Qinghai Lake right from your window. · ⭕ Top-tier 8-day counter-clockwise loop · Avoid the crowds D1: Arrive in Xining - Free time D2: Xining - Horseback riding in Qilian Grassland to explore the lake - Erga Highway - Zhangye D3: Colorful Danxia VIP - Jiayuguan Pass - Custom desert dinner + camel riding + ATV + sand sliding D4: Mogao Caves - Desert hotel - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake D5: Dunhuang - Aerial photography at Heidu Mountain - Lonely Star Gobi Luxury Hotel D6: Water Yadan - 315 U-shaped Highway - Dachaidan Emerald Lake D7: Delingha - Chaka Salt Lake VIP ticket - Lakeview hotel D8: Qinghai Lake Erlangjian - Depart from Xining · ⭕ Top-tier hotels · Stay in the scenery Dunhuang Hotel Wabi-sabi style rammed-earth architecture that seems to grow naturally from the dunes. With its distinct Eastern aesthetic design, floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby, arched corridors, fire pits, and sand maze, every step is a new view, and every photo looks like a magazine spread. Villa A unique, light-luxury Han-Tang style castle. The Zhaixing Pavilion on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Mingsha Mountain, perfect for enjoying coffee while watching the sunset over the sand dunes. Star Gobi Luxury Hotel Located in the uninhabited Gobi Desert of Qinghai, right next to Water Yadan. The white ship-shaped buildings, circular dome rooms, and Yadan landforms combine to make you feel like you're on a Mars base. At night, you can easily watch the stars while lying in bed. Lake Lakeview International Hotel Located in the Nanshan area of Qinghai Lake, this 5-diamond property features private viewing balconies facing the stunning blue lake water. · ⭕ Top-tier experiences · VIP style ✔️ Private desert camp + custom dinner ✔️ Exclusive camel team, sand sliding, and ATV ✔️ Mogao Caves A-class ticket + in-depth guided tour ✔️ Core Danxia observation deck with exclusive guide to avoid crowds ✔️ Chaka Salt Lake fairy-tale train, no walking required ✔️ Horseback riding in Qilian Grassland to view snow-capped mountains ✔️ Private guide for Jiayuguan ✔️ Drone photography at Heidu Mountain/Emerald Lake ✔️ Night lighting ceremony/bonfire activities/Flying Apsaras photoshoot/clay tablet painting/sutra copying, etc., arranged according to your preferences · ⭕ Why choose Xiaoye Yiyou? ✨ Minimum 2 people to book, private group per booking, no strangers ✅ High-end customized service, suitable for families with children, friends, or honeymoons ✅ Stay in the best hotels throughout the trip, a must-visit for hotel enthusiasts ✅ 7/9-seater business van + experienced driver-guide, featuring Buick GL8 or Ford T6 ✅ Priority VIP tickets for attractions, less queuing and walking during peak season ✅ Unlock niche experiences, such as desert dinners and drone photography ✅ Dedicated trip planner + 24-hour travel butler, with flexible itinerary adjustments

Crims0nBlade

September is legendary! Haixi Dachaidan Emerald Lake + Water Yadan, a 3-day 2-night itinerary you can copy directly

Seriously! Haixi in September is truly breathtaking. Dachaidan Emerald Lake looks like spilled apple-green paint, and Water Yadan looks like an alien fleet parked on the lake. It is recommended to follow this route in order: Dachaidan Town → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → G315 U-bend Road → Dongtai Jinaier Lake → Wusuote Water Yadan. 3 days 2 nights, self-driving/chartered car is most comfortable. · -- Day 1: Arrive in Dachaidan · Emerald Lake sunset Route: Arrive in Dachaidan Town and check in first. In the afternoon, go to Dachaidan Emerald Lake. It is about 10–15 km from the town, a 15–20 minute drive. It is recommended to enter the scenic area around 4:00 PM, take the sightseeing bus to the depths, and wait for the sunset. The light is best 2 hours before sunset. Food & drink: · Breakfast/lunch: Beef noodles, paozhang noodles, steamed buns, soy milk in Dachaidan Town. · Dinner: Kangguo lamb, hand-grabbed lamb, Qinghai clay pot, grilled lamb skewers, paired with yak yogurt in Dachaidan Town. · Road snacks: Hot water, chocolate, bread. Accommodation: Stay in Dachaidan Town. There are many hotels, and conditions are better than in the scenic area. Book in advance. Autumn is easier to book than summer, but don't wait until the last minute. Photography: White, red, and bright yellow long dresses are the most photogenic. Salt lake reflections, heart-shaped lake, sunset golden light. Avoid: Do not step on salt crusts or salt caves, and do not litter. It is windy, so bring a windbreaker/down jacket. · -- Day 2: Dachaidan → U-bend Road → Dongtai Jinaier Lake → Water Yadan Route: Depart before 8:30 AM and fill up on gas in Dachaidan Town. Take G315 west: Xiaochaidan Lake → U-bend Road → Dongtai Jinaier Lake → Wusuote Water Yadan. The total distance is about 230 km, a 3.5–4 hour drive, and it will take longer with stops for photos along the way. Signal is poor, so download offline maps in advance. Food & drink: · Breakfast: Beef noodles/porridge/steamed buns in Dachaidan Town. · Lunch: Mostly road snacks, simple meals or self-heating rice at Dongtai service area. · Dinner: Simple meals at Water Yadan scenic area, or bring your own self-heating meals. Dining options in the scenic area are limited and expensive. Accommodation: Priority is to stay inside the Water Yadan scenic area or at nearby campsites for convenient sunrise and sunset views, but availability is low and prices are high, so you must book in advance. If you cannot book, stay at the Dongtai service area or return to Dachaidan Town, but be cautious when driving at night. Activities: Arrive at Water Yadan in the afternoon, take the sightseeing bus to the core area, and go to the high-altitude viewing platform. In mid-to-late September, the sunset is around 7:20 PM, so claim your spot 1 hour in advance. When taking photos on the U-bend Road, watch out for oncoming traffic and do not stand in the middle of the road! · -- Day 3: Water Yadan sunrise → Return trip Route: Arrive at the viewing platform before 7:00 AM to wait for the Water Yadan sunrise. In mid-to-late September, the sunrise is around 7:10 AM; check the specific time on the day. After watching the sunrise, start the return trip: about 3.5 hours back to Dachaidan; you can also head toward Delingha or Golmud. Food & drink: · Breakfast: Bring your own or simple meals in the scenic area. · Lunch: Return to Dachaidan for Kangguo lamb, noodles, or grilled skewers. · Dinner: Arrange according to your return city. Accommodation: Return or continue staying in Dachaidan. If you are doing the Qinghai-Gansu grand loop, your next stop could be Delingha or Dunhuang. · -- Food & drink list Must-eats in Dachaidan Town: Kangguo lamb, hand-grabbed lamb, Qinghai clay pot, grilled lamb skewers, yak yogurt, paozhang noodles, beef noodles, highland barley cake. Road essentials: Self-heating rice, bread, chocolate, hot water, glucose, lip balm. Water Yadan: Dining options are limited, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food and hot water. · -- Accommodation advice · Day 1: Dachaidan Town, many comfortable hotels. · Day 2: Inside Water Yadan scenic area/Dongtai service area/Dachaidan Town. · To photograph sunrise and sunset: Definitely prioritize booking inside the Water Yadan scenic area; it is expensive but saves trouble. · -- Travel & ticket info · Method: Self-driving/chartered car/carpooling, SUV is best. · Gas: Fill up in Dachaidan Town; there are few gas stations along the way. · Tickets: Emerald Lake and Water Yadan ticket + sightseeing bus prices are subject to the scenic area's daily announcements. · Budget: Approx. CNY 1,000–2,000 per person, excluding major transportation, depending on accommodation and chartered car standards. · -- Autumn attire & tips · Daytime is around 15°C, morning and evening are 0–8°C, bring a down jacket/fleece + windbreaker. · Sun protection trio: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. · Altitude is about 2,800–3,200 m, avoid strenuous running or jumping. · Drones must comply with scenic area regulations; be cautious when flying in high winds. · Salt lakes and Yadan landforms are fragile, do not step on them or carve into them

GlobetrottingSoul_3

6/7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Loop Road Trip Guide for National Day: No Traffic Jams

I still remember last year's Northwest road trip—it was incredibly healing. By avoiding the popular clockwise route and starting in reverse from Xining, I didn't encounter any traffic jams during the National Day holiday. I'm sharing this hassle-free route with everyone. Day 1: Xining → 3h 200km → Qilian Mountain Grassland → 2.5h 170km → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (watch the sunset, closes at 6:00 PM), stay in Zhangye Day 2: Zhangye → 2.5h 209km → Jiayuguan (rest and eat) → 4h 371km → Mogao Caves/Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring (split up for activities: photo shoot/makeup, sunset, mass singing), stay near Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market Day 3: Depart Dunhuang → 4.5h 265km Heidu Mountain → 3h 189km Aksai (stay) Day 4: Aksai → 3h 288km Dachaidan Emerald Lake → 20min 14km Dachaidan (stay) Day 5: Dachaidan → 3.5h 226km (via U-shaped Highway 315) → Water Yadan → 2.5h 210km → Qarhan Salt Lake (recommended) → 3.5h 275km → Delingha (stay) Day 6: Delingha → 4h 347km Qinghai Lake → 1.5h 86km (Riyue Mountain) → 1.2h 105km Xining Station (return car) With limited days during the National Day holiday, it's inevitable that the daily drive will be a bit long, but this reverse loop is definitely the best solution for working professionals to explore the great Northwest during National Day while avoiding congestion.

DEVIN SOTO

September–October Qinghai-Gansu Loop Weather | Qilian First Snow Guide

🚗 Autumn in Qinghai-Gansu really arrives in a flash! On September 7, the Qilian Grasslands saw their first snowfall of the season. Combined with strong winds, it feels quite cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing for your trip~ We've compiled the temperatures for locations along the Qinghai-Gansu Loop for the next month, covering mid-to-late September through early October, to help you plan your trip! ▪️ Xining (Qinghai) Sep 10–Sep 30: 7–21°C Oct 1–Oct 10: 4–16°C 👉 Significant temperature difference between day and night; temperatures are low at night, so just keep a light jacket handy ▪️ Chaka Salt Lake Sep 10–Sep 30: 4–19°C Oct 1–Oct 10: 2–14°C 👉 It's very windy in the salt lake area. By early October, nighttime temperatures approach freezing, so wind protection and warm clothing are essential ▪️ Da Qaidam (Emerald Lake area) Sep 10–Sep 30: 2–18°C Oct 1–Oct 10: 5–13°C 👉 This entire area has low nighttime temperatures. We recommend wearing a thick jacket or a light down jacket when watching the sunset or stargazing ▪️ Dunhuang (Gansu) Sep 10–Sep 30: 8–27°C Oct 1–Oct 10: 3–21°C 👉 Daytime temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, but it cools down quickly after the desert sunset ▪️ Zhangye Danxia Landform Sep 10–Sep 30: 7–24°C Oct 1–Oct 10: 2–17°C 👉 It's windy in the Danxia viewing area, so take measures to protect yourself from the wind while exploring 🧥 Packing, skincare & food list Clothing: Short-sleeved shirts, hoodies, long pants, and basic sneakers. Pack an extra winter coat to adapt to the variable temperatures Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed windproof hat, and sunglasses. The UV rays in the Northwest are strong, so stay protected throughout your trip Skincare essentials: Moisturizing cream, lip balm, hand cream, and nasal spray to effectively combat the dry climate in the Northwest Along the Qinghai route: Kangguo lamb chops, boneless yak meat, Ga noodles, and traditional Qinghai yogurt Along the Zhangye route: Chicken with rolled noodles, beef noodle soup, and Cuoyu noodles Along the Dunhuang route: Populus euphratica braised pancakes, donkey meat with yellow noodles, scrambled eggs with sand leeks, apricot skin tea, and desert roasted lamb 🌟 Travel tips 1. The weather in the Northwest is changeable, with significant temperature differences between day and night, and between sunny and cloudy days. Pack accordingly for a worry-free trip 2. There are many travelers during the National Day holiday, so we recommend planning your itinerary and booking tickets in advance 3. If you want to see the Populus euphratica forest, travel in late September for the best views 🚗 Optimized Qinghai-Gansu Loop (avoiding road closures) Day 1 Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Day 2 Chaka → Tree of Life filming location → Qarhan Salt Lake Day 3 U-shaped Road → Water Yadan → Da Qaidam Day 4 Emerald Lake → Heidu Mountain → Dunhuang Day 5 Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake Day 6 Dunhuang → Jiayuguan (via) → Zhangye Danxia Landform Day 7 Sunan → G213 Erga Highway → Ebao → Xining ⚠️ Tip: Traffic is heavy during the National Day holiday. Consider traveling the loop in reverse to avoid congestion on the return trip and make your journey more relaxed. Images and text are from the internet; please notify us if there is any infringement so we can remove it.

Northwest Guide — Fat Brother

What people are saying about Delingha

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Tuosu Lake

It is a protected area and the navigation system cannot help us get there. We followed an experienced off-road driver to enter. After walking on a washboard road, the Tiffany blue lake water hit us. It was so beautiful that we just wanted to stare blankly. There are so many levels of blue, milky blue, Tiffany blue, dark blue, and countless deep blue. We went to the alien ruins next to it. The landscape there is so strange that it doesn't look like something on Earth. There is also an extremely flat and smooth large turntable helipad that is hard to explain.

浅草茶客

Hala Lake

I personally feel that Hara Lake is a lake that never disappoints. Descending from the mountains, the first thing you see is the blue of the lake. 🔵 The deep blue is like a gem embedded in the mountains. The snow-capped Tuanjie Peak in the distance is so tranquil. Gradually, following the tracks of horses and carts, the blue of the lake turns green. 🟢 To my complete surprise, I watched the waves crash against the shore. A cool breeze blew against my cheeks, and in that moment, all the hard work was worth it. I felt my heartbeat. I felt nature.

西宁哥（带你去青海）

Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall

Many years ago, Hai Zi passed through Delingha and wrote a highly acclaimed poem, so I decided to visit Delingha. I arrived in the evening, but the Hai Zi Poetry Museum was still open and admission was free, so I made a special trip there. The museum consists of several interconnected rooms; it's not large, and it displays Hai Zi's poems and manuscripts. The Bayin River outside the museum has a magnificent musical fountain at night, and it was particularly pleasant to take a walk along the river after leaving the museum.

点都不沉默

Baishu Mountain

This is an undeveloped natural scenic spot, and the road is quite bumpy. You can take a taxi, sedan, SUV, or off-road vehicle. SUVs and off-road vehicles are preferred as their performance is better suited for the terrain; other vehicles require extra caution. The air on the mountain is very fresh, and the altitude isn't too high, around 2800-3000 meters. However, due to the dust generated by vehicles, those with rhinitis or sensitive nasal mucosa should bring masks. You can wear a 3-in-1 waterproof jacket or a waterproof outer layer with a down lining. Prepare food and water, as there are no toilets along the way.

兔子小姐Judy

Kelukehu Tourism Area

I choose what I like 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

梦旅

Haixi Prefecture Museum

The Haixi Prefecture Museum (commonly known as the Haixi Prefecture Nationalities Museum) is located in Delingha City, Qinghai Province. It is a comprehensive museum integrating collection, exhibition, and research, and is open to the public free of charge. It serves as an important window into understanding the history and culture of Haixi. The new museum is located near the auxiliary road of Taositu Road in Delingha City, with a larger building area and newer facilities. Core Exhibitions: The museum features exhibition areas for Haixi historical relics, natural resources, development achievements, and Kunlun culture, vividly showcasing the historical development of Haixi. Its rich collection includes precious artifacts such as a gilded crown with pearl tassels and dragon, phoenix, and lion patterns unearthed from a mural tomb dating back to the Tubo period in Wulanquangou, and a gold cup with four curved handles inlaid with turquoise. It also displays over 300 gold artifacts, Tang Dynasty silk, ancient mummies, and models of ancient tombs (such as a restored model of the Xuewei No. 1 Tomb), witnessing the glory of the "Qinghai Route" of the Silk Road.

水漫三楼

de ling ha nai zi hu

The lake, nestled in Cypress Mountain, has a beautiful pale blue pool!

nature-volunteer

Delingha Alien Site Scenic Area

Cut off thousands of troubles, a bowl of cloth to cover shame and ugliness, twist a wick, light a heart lamp, shake the chanting bucket in my hand, chant my past life and this life, solve my worldly affairs, solve my worldly sorrow, break my past life, regret my present life, chant her happiness and shadow, chant her glass and eyebrows From now on, I convert to Buddhism, a vegetarian, a clean water, a state of mind, a blessing, a person I was inspired by the alien ruins, please understand...

许仙和白素贞开了个酒吧

Delingha FAQ

What currency is used in Delingha?

The standard currency in Delingha is CNY

How do I exchange currency in Delingha?

Current exchange rate approx.: USD ≈7.0CNY (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.