The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is one of China’s most iconic northwest self-drive routes, connecting natural wonders and cultural treasures across Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Spanning approximately 2,800 kilometers, it is ideal for an in-depth 7-10 day journey. The route begins in Xining, passing through Qinghai Lake, Taka Salt Lake, Qilian Mountain Grasslands, and the rapeseed flower fields of Menyuan. It then enters Gansu’s Zhangye Danxia Landform Geopark, traverses Biandukou Gorge, Jiayuguan Pass, the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, and the Singing Sand Dunes with Crescent Moon Spring. Continuing through Guazhou and Delingha, it finally returns to Xining, forming a complete loop.
The journey showcases breathtakingly diverse landscapes—highland lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, Gobi deserts, Yadan formations, millennia-old grottoes, and ancient frontier cities—earning it the title of “a road you must travel in your lifetime.” July-August offers peak beauty, with Menyuan’s golden fields contrasting against Qinghai Lake’s azure waters. Autumn’s crisp skies make it ideal for exploring Dunhuang’s cultural treasures, while winter offers the desolate grandeur of desert smoke rising over the dunes. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a nature traveler, this route promises profound spiritual resonance and awe-inspiring moments. The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop transcends mere geography—it is a visual feast and spiritual pilgrimage that spans time and space.
- Menyuan rapeseed Flower
- Film and television Ruins in the Gobi: Akse Oil Town
- Devil City of the Southern Eight Immortals
- Plateau Sapphire-Qinghai Lake
- Heavenly Realm Qilian Mountain Grassland
- Mars One Highway: An Interstellar Journey beyond the Earth
- Caka Salt Lake: China’s “Mirror of the Sky”
- Chal Khan Salt Lake: The largest salt Lake in China
- G315 U-shaped highway: China’s most “photogenic” highway
- Zhangye Danxia: Nature’s Palette and Geological Epic
- The First Great Pass Under Heaven: Jiayuguan Scenic Area
- Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: A Desert Wonder
- Total length: Approximately 2,800 kilometers.
- Recommended duration: 7–10 days. The exact number of days depends on your points of interest, desired length of stays, and mode of transportation. If time permits, we recommend allowing around 10 days to fully experience each attraction.
- Summer (July-August): This is the most popular season, especially for viewing the rapeseed flower fields in Menyuan and Qinghai Lake at their peak. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 15-25°C during the day, though there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening.
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is cool, ideal for hiking and photography, particularly for visiting attractions like the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the multicolored Danxia landforms in Zhangye.
- Winter (November–March): Though cold, this season offers unique vistas of the snow-capped Qilian Mountains and Qinghai Lake, appealing to travelers who appreciate stark, wintry landscapes.
- Spring (April–June): As temperatures gradually rise, this is an ideal time to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a tranquil journey.
The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop typically begins and ends in Xining or Lanzhou, forming a complete closed circuit. Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, and Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, both serve as major transportation hubs in Northwest China. With convenient access, multiple daily flights, high-speed rail, and conventional trains connect these cities to major national hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Guangzhou, allowing travelers flexible entry and exit arrangements. Departing from Lanzhou, travelers can seamlessly connect to the loop via National Highway 227 or the Lianhuo Expressway. This route also smoothly links core attractions like Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang, offering greater itinerary flexibility. It is an ideal choice for travelers originating from different locations.
Self-driving: The most flexible option, ideal for families or small groups. Road conditions are generally good along the route, with the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, and major national highways covering most sections. However, some areas near scenic spots (such as the Qinghai Lake Ring Road and Gobi Desert connecting roads) feature two-lane, two-way highways with numerous curves. Exercise caution while driving, especially avoiding nighttime travel.
Chartered/Shared Vehicle: If you’re unfamiliar with high-altitude driving or prefer a hassle-free journey, opt for a reputable chartered service. Professional drivers know the routes well and can double as guides, allowing flexible stops for photos—safe and convenient. Small groups of 4-7 people offer great value, typically using minivans or SUVs, perfect for friends traveling together or solo travelers joining a group.
Public Transportation: Trains and long-distance buses connect major cities like Xining, Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. However, reaching attractions such as Chaka Salt Lake, Qilian Mountains, and Danxia Landform requires transferring to local transport, resulting in fragmented itineraries. This option suits independent travelers with ample time who aren’t rushed to see specific sights.
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- Qinghai Lake: China’s largest inland saltwater lake, its waters as deep blue as sapphires. Surrounded by vast grasslands and encircled by rapeseed flowers in summer, it symbolizes the fusion of plateau ecology and culture. Cycle along the eastern lakeside road or ascend Erlangjian Scenic Area for panoramic views.
- Caka Salt Lake: Hailed as the “Mirror of the Sky,” this lake transforms into a vast, shimmering expanse after rain, reflecting the sky and earth in perfect harmony—a surreal experience akin to walking on clouds. At sunrise and sunset, the play of light and shadow creates breathtaking scenes, making it a dream destination for photographers.
- Qilian Mountain Grasslands: Stretching for thousands of miles, these alpine meadows feature herds of cattle and sheep against the backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. Passing through Biandu Pass and Zhuo’er Mountain, this region is often called the “Eastern Switzerland.” In summer, wildflowers blanket the fields, and the sound of pastoral songs fills the air, showcasing the poetic beauty of the plateau.
- Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea: Each July, 600,000 mu of rapeseed blossoms surge like golden waves across the Haomen River Valley, mirroring the Qilian snow-capped peaks. This is the world’s highest-altitude and largest rapeseed flower landscape.
- Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park: A UNESCO Global Geopark, these multicolored hills formed by millions of years of geological activity feature striking stripes of crimson, orange, and gray-green. Especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, they blaze like fiery flames, leaving visitors awestruck.
- Jiayuguan Great Wall: The western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, hailed as “The First Majestic Pass Under Heaven.” Rising from the Gobi Desert, its watchtowers stand tall, bearing witness to the military campaigns and historical vicissitudes of the ancient Silk Road.
- Dunhuang Mogao Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and millennia-old treasure trove of Buddhist art. With 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 colored sculptures, it stands as the pinnacle of fusion between Chinese civilization and Western Region cultures.
- Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring: A desert marvel where golden sand dunes cradle a crescent-shaped spring that has never dried up for a thousand years. Ride camels, sandboard, or climb to the summit for panoramic views, immersing yourself in the romantic imagery of “solitary smoke rising over the desert.”
- Qarhan Salt Lake: China’s largest salt lake, spanning 5,856 square kilometers—five times larger than Qinghai Lake! Its surface resembles a vast expanse of white jade, dotted with emerald brine pools. The G315 National Highway traverses this expanse, forming the renowned “Ten-Thousand-Foot Salt Bridge.”
- Dachadan Emerald Lake: Originally a brine pool left behind by salt mining, it now displays vibrant hues of emerald green, sapphire blue, and amber yellow due to its mineral richness. Resembling a scattered palette on the plateau, it has become a wildly popular photography spot in recent years.
- Qinghai Water Yadan: Located in the Taijinier Lake area, this is the world’s only “floating yadan cluster.” Wind-eroded mounds rise from the azure waves, their reflections swaying like an alien wonderland, especially dreamlike at sunrise.
- U-shaped Highway (G315 National Highway Section): A straight stretch of road cutting through the heart of the Qaidam Basin. Flanked by endless desert, the horizon curves gracefully into the distance. Vehicles traveling along it appear to float in mid-air, making it a classic aerial photography spot.
- Heidu Mountain: Dubbed “Earth’s most moon-like landscape,” this mountain is pitch-black, formed by weathered iron-rich rock layers. Its stark contrast against the surrounding yellow desert sands creates a mysterious, desolate, and visually striking scene.
Most sections of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop traverse plateau regions at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. First-time visitors to high-altitude areas may experience mild altitude sickness, manifesting as headaches, shortness of breath, and insomnia. Below are recommendations for managing altitude sickness:
- Acclimatize Early: Upon arrival in Xining or Lanzhou, rest for one or two days to allow your body to gradually adjust to the high-altitude environment.
- Medication Prevention: Prepare altitude sickness medications such as Rhodiola rosea or Gaoyuan’an. Starting them one week before departure yields better results.
- Stay Hydrated: Maintain adequate water intake and avoid strenuous exercise or excessive fatigue.
- Ascend Gradually: Avoid rapid ascents to high altitudes whenever possible, giving your body sufficient time to adapt.
- Dietary Considerations: Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and greasy foods.
- Accommodation: Hotels, inns, and homestays are available in major cities and near scenic areas along the route, ranging from budget to luxury options. During peak season (July-August), advance booking is recommended, especially for popular destinations like Dunhuang and Zhangye.
- Dining: Cuisine in Qinghai and Gansu centers on noodles and mutton, with signature dishes including Qinghai-style yogurt, hand-pulled mutton, liangpi noodles, and beef noodle soup. Most scenic areas feature restaurants and food stalls catering to diverse tastes.
Clothing: The plateau experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, so even in summer, pack windproof and insulated outerwear. We recommend bringing a windbreaker, down jacket, hat, and scarf.
Sun Protection: UV rays are intense at high altitudes. Be sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Medications: In addition to altitude sickness medication, consider packing common remedies like cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills.
Photography Gear: The scenery along the route is breathtaking. Bring a camera and tripod to capture every stunning moment.
High-Altitude Driving: Maintain controlled speeds, especially on mountain roads and curves, and avoid driving while fatigued.
Environmental Awareness: Refrain from littering to protect the fragile high-altitude ecosystem.
Weather Conditions: High-altitude weather is unpredictable. Monitor forecasts regularly and prepare for sudden weather changes.
Communication Coverage: Remote areas may experience signal gaps. Download offline maps and inform family members of your itinerary in advance.
Day 1-2: Xining/Lanzhou → Qinghai Lake → Caka Salt Lake
Day 3-4: Caka Salt Lake → Qilian Mountains → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea
Day 5-6: Menyuan → Zhangye Danxia Landform Geopark → Jiayuguan Pass
Day 7-8: Jiayuguan → Dunhuang Mogao Caves → Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring
Day 9-10: Dunhuang → Delingha → Xining/Lanzhou
Based on your personal interests and schedule, you can flexibly adjust your itinerary to ensure each journey is filled with surprises and rewarding experiences.
The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop can be traveled clockwise or counterclockwise based on your departure point, schedule, and preferences. Both directions have their advantages, with no absolute superiority. However, the mainstream recommendation is the clockwise route (Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Qilian → Menyuan → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang) for the following reasons:
- Clockwise advantage：
- The itinerary gradually transitions from lower to higher altitudes, allowing the body to acclimate more effectively and reducing the risk of altitude sickness;
- Visit popular attractions like Qinghai Lake and Caka Salt Lake first to avoid peak traffic returning from the Dunhuang direction;
- During the peak season of July-August, rapeseed flowers in Menyuan bloom sequentially from east to west, allowing a clockwise route to coincide with the optimal blooming period;
- Most tour groups and chartered vehicle services default to this route, ensuring well-established supporting resources.
- Counterclockwise Advantage：
- Ideal for travelers concluding their journey in Dunhuang who require direct flights out (e.g., flying from Dunhuang to Lanzhou/Xi’an);
- Allows avoidance of the morning rush hour exiting Xining, suitable for those with tight schedules or seeking off-peak travel;
- Advance reservations are recommended for Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves. A counterclockwise itinerary places cultural attractions in the first half of the trip, preserving energy levels.
✅ Recommendation：First-time travelers on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop are recommended to take the clockwise route. If your schedule is flexible or you have specific needs, the counterclockwise direction is also an option. We offer well-established itineraries for both directions. Join our classic small group tours where everything is handled by professional guides—travel stress-free and focus on the scenery!
Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Clockwise 
Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Counterclockwise Qing