July-August Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Guide: Weather, Itinerary, and Pitfall Avoidance Tips—Take the Advice and Avoid Trouble!

Recently, the weather in Qinghai and Gansu has been incredibly favorable, with real scenic shots that truly touch the heart. Don’t be discouraged by occasional fluctuations; this route is definitely worth it! First, understand the weather: the temperature difference is the "main event" - Qinghai section: cool and comfortable, about 10°C in the early morning and evening, over 20°C during the day, like a natural air conditioner; - Gansu section: fiery hot, 10-20°C in the early morning and evening, daytime temperatures can soar above 30°C, sunscreen is a must; - General characteristics: mostly sunny with rare continuous rain, but the day-night temperature difference is so large it feels like "four seasons in one day," so bring both thick outerwear and light clothes. Group Tour Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Remember these points - Choose small groups of fewer than 8 people for more flexibility, but be sure to find a legitimate travel agency and confirm itinerary details to ensure safety first; - Avoid tours claiming "drone footage throughout the trip"! Most scenic spots in Qinghai and Gansu prohibit drone flying, it’s just a gimmick; - Stay away from tours that only sign contracts upon arrival or force you to buy insurance—legitimate procedures won’t be so "sloppy." Must-visit spots in July-August: These places are breathtaking 1. Mogao Caves: A treasure trove of art spanning thousands of years, with murals hiding the romance of history; 2. Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain: Ride camels across the sand, camp under the stars at night, and encounter the gentle Crescent Lake; 3. Heidu Mountain: Like stepping into an ink painting, the black, white, and gray tones are sophisticated, every photo looks like a masterpiece; 4. Yadan Uninhabited Area: Traverse desolation and grandeur, feel the primal power of the earth; 5. Emerald Lake/Chaka Salt Lake: The water looks like a spilled palette, blending blues and greens, with mirror-like reflections that are stunning; 6. Qinghai Lake/Chaka Salt Lake: The "Pearl of the Plateau" lives up to its name, the "Sky Mirror" reflects the clouds perfectly; 7. Zhangye Danxia Landform: Nature’s palette, with the most stunning colors at sunset; 8. Jiayuguan Great Wall: Touch the historic walls and feel the grandeur of the frontier; 9. Qilian Mountain Grassland: Horse riding and wearing Tibetan clothes, grassland and snow mountains in one frame, full of healing vibes; 10. Menyuan Flower Sea: A hundred-mile sea of rapeseed flowers stretching to the horizon, a golden romance exclusive to July. Itinerary options: Choose from 6-7 day highlights routes 7-day Grand Loop - Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka - Day 2: Chaka → Emerald Lake/Chaka Salt Lake → Dachaidan - Day 3: National Highway 315 → Water Yadan → Nanbaxian → Dachaidan - Day 4: Dachaidan → Heidu Mountain → Yangguan Ruins → Dunhuang - Day 5: Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake - Day 6: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan Great Wall → Danxia Landform - Day 7: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan Flower Sea → Xining 6-day Grand Loop - Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha - Day 2: National Highway 315 → Water Yadan → Nanbaxian Yadan → Dachaidan - Day 3: Emerald Lake → Heidu Mountain → Yangguan → Dunhuang - Day 4: Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake - Day 5: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan Great Wall → Danxia Landform - Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan Flower Sea → Xining Final key points - Try the "reverse loop" to avoid traffic and have a more comfortable trip; - Mogao Caves tickets are extremely limited, be sure to book in advance, don’t wait until the last minute; - When traveling with elderly or children, remember to slow down the pace and prioritize comfort. This summer, go to Qinghai and Gansu to experience the collision of deserts and lakes, the encounter of grasslands and Danxia landforms—taking this advice won’t let you down~