9-Day Epic Adventure on the Qinghai-Gansu Loop!

Comprehensive Guide for Travelers Highlights Overview Day 1: Arrival in Xining → Must-try: Roasted Lamb Ribs + Warming Tea, Overnight Stay in Xining Day 2: Qinghai Lake Erlangjian → Chaka Sky No. 1 → Rent an electric bike (60 RMB/hour) for Qinghai Lake cycling, head straight to Erlangjian to avoid crowds → Chaka Sky No. 1 (Highly Recommended!): Submerged Walkway + Mirror-like Lake Views, best photos of "Sky Mirror" after 5 PM! Wear bright-colored long dresses to avoid clashing with red outfits Day 3: Chahann Salt Lake → Dachaidan → Chahann Salt Lake (Apple-green lake surface! 56 times larger than Chaka, drone shots resemble emerald plates) → Overnight stay in Dachaidan, altitude over 3000m, avoid washing hair on the first night to prevent altitude sickness Day 4: Emerald Lake → Yangguan Ruins → Dunhuang → Emerald Lake (Same spot as Yi Yang Qian Xi! Best lighting at 4 PM, take a one-way train ride for scenic photos) → Yangguan Ruins, capturing the poetic essence of Wang Wei's verse: "Beyond Yangguan, no old friends remain" Day 5: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake → Mogao Caves → Enter Mingsha Mountain at 6 PM! Ride camels to watch the sunset (100 RMB), stay until 9 PM for a starry galaxy view → Mogao Caves (A tickets must be booked 30 days in advance on the official website! Special caves open at 2:30 PM, don't miss out) Day 6: Yulin Caves → Jiayuguan Fortress → Yulin Caves, a hidden gem with more original murals → Quick photo stop at Jiayuguan Fortress gate, save time for Danxia Day 7: Zhangye Rainbow Danxia → Qilian → Danxia Scenic Area, Observation Deck No. 4 (Rain + Sunset = Stunning Palette Explosion! Hot air balloons add a dreamy touch) Day 8: Mount Zhuo'er → Arou Temple → Menyuan → Xining → Mount Zhuo'er, "Oriental Switzerland" with snow-capped mountains and grasslands → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields (Late July golden waves! Free roadside spots offer better views than observation decks) Photo Tips 📸 Salt Lake Outfits → Chaka/Chahann: White or fluorescent long dresses + ethnic shawls, perfect for dreamy reflections → Emerald Lake: Bright yellow or royal blue dresses, drone shots create "emerald puzzle" effect Road Trip Shots → 315 U-shaped Highway: Denim shorts + combat boots + sunglasses, low-angle shots near slopes for a sky-reaching effect (⚠️ Avoid standing in the middle of the road! Trucks can't brake in time) Dunhuang Exotic Style → Mingsha Mountain: Flying fairy Hanfu + orange sand-proof shoe covers (rent for 15 RMB at the site, but they look unattractive, better to bring your own) Essential Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ✅ Accommodation Tips Stay in stargazing tents inside Chaka Scenic Area ⛺️ for night galaxy shots and sunrise views (book 20 days in advance!) Dachaidan prices triple during peak season ✅ Ticket Saving Tips Chaka free entry for Zhejiang residents, half-price for teachers/students Crescent Lake tickets valid for 3 days after facial recognition! Enter at 6 AM for sunrise views ✅ High-Altitude Survival Kit Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen + face scarf + sunglasses (UV rays can cause severe sunburn) Altitude sickness prevention: Glucose oral solution > Rhodiola, avoid intense running or jumping