Detailed daily itinerary and exclusive precautions

Day1: Various places → Gather in Xining · First encounter the plateau, adapt to rest

Main line of itinerary

Tourists from all over the world arrive in Xining on their own, freely explore the city after checking in at the hotel, and participate in an itinerary briefing in the evening to warm up for the follow-up journey.

Schedule

1. Morning: First arrive in Xining with your personal transportation voucher, go to the comfortable hotel in the city designated by the travel agency (near the city center, convenient to travel) to check in, and take a break after placing your luggage.

2. Afternoon: Then you can visit characteristic places such as Tal Temple, Dongguan Halal Temple or Shuijingxiang Pedestrian Street to experience the humanistic customs of Xining in an immersive manner.

3. Evening: Then all gather to participate in the itinerary briefing. The tour guide will explain the itinerary details, safety regulations and arrangements for the next day in detail, and finally enjoy a team dinner after the briefing.

Core attraction experience

• Tal Temple: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a must-see for butter flowers, murals, and the “three wonders” of embroidery. The red walls and golden roofs of the temple form a unique landscape for devout believers. It is recommended to reserve 2-3 hours for a tour.
• Shuijingxiang Pedestrian Street: A veteran commercial street in Xining, with a wide range of specialties such as dried yak meat, Qinghai old yogurt, and Tibetan jewelry. You can also taste local snacks such as stuffed skins and sweet rice grains as a taste experience for the first time in the northwest.

Day2: Xining →Qinghai Lake * Holy Lake treading the waves, looking for scenery on the grassland

Main line of itinerary

Starting from Xining, go to the core scenic area of Qinghai Lake to visit, stroll around Huanhu West Road to enjoy the beauty of the huguang grassland, and arrive in Heimahe Township in the evening to rest and prepare for the possible sunrise the next day.

Schedule

1. Morning: First meet in the lobby of the hotel, take a tour bus to Qinghai Lake, and start a tour of the core scenic spots after arrival.

2. Noon: Then enjoy a team lunch at a restaurant near the scenic area, and take a break to adjust after the meal.

3. Afternoon: Then take a car to Huanhu West Road, stop along the way to watch the scenery, enjoy the grassland and lake scenery of ‘lake and sky’, and then go to Heimahe Township.

4. Evening: Finally, enjoy a team dinner in Heimahe Township, rest after check-in, and prepare for a possible sunrise the next day.

Core attraction experience

• Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area: Get up close and personal with “China’s largest inland lake”, you can stroll along the plank road to see the azure lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, or you can take a cruise deep into the lake at your own expense to feel the vastness of the holy Lake (It is recommended to wear light-colored clothing to take pictures, which contrasts with the lake).
• Huanhu West Road: One of the “most beautiful Huanhu Sections” of Qinghai Lake. On one side of the road is the boundless lake and on the other side is the turquoise grassland. From time to time, you can see herdsmen’s tents and herds of cattle and sheep. A shot is wallpaper-level scenery.

Day3: Qinghai Lake → Caka Salt Lake → Dachaidan Emerald Lake Looking for shadows, Gobi Walks through

Main line of itinerary

After voluntarily watching the sunrise from Qinghai Lake, go to the ”Mirror of the Sky’ Chaka Salt Lake to visit, and cross the Gobi to Dachaidan Town in the afternoon to rest and relieve the fatigue of the drive.

Schedule

1. Early morning (optional): Those who volunteer to get up early can go to the sunrise point to watch the sunrise on Qinghai Lake with the assistance of a tour guide. Those who are not watching can continue to rest.

2. Morning: All enjoy breakfast first, then set off for Chaka Salt Lake. After arriving, you can start a tour. You can take a small train and watch the salt sculptures.

3. Noon: Then enjoy a team lunch near the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area.

4. Afternoon: Then drive across the Gobi to Dachaidan Town by car, and check in at the hotel after arrival.

5. Evening: Finally enjoy the team dinner. It is recommended to rest after the meal to avoid going out and catching a cold.

Core attraction experience

• Sunrise at Qinghai Lake (optional): The sun leaps out of the lake in the early morning, and golden light shines on the lake, sparkling, forming a beautiful picture with the grassland and mountains. It is recommended to wear a thick coat and bring a thermos cup of hot water.
• Chaka Salt Lake: The ”Mirror of the Sky’ is well-deserved. The light is soft from 9 to 11 in the morning and the reflection is clear. It is recommended to wear white clothing and rent shoe covers (10-20 yuan/pair) to go deep into the salt Lake, take a small train (at your own expense) to the heart of the lake, and take a picture of “people in the mirror”.Dreamy photos; the salt carvings (such as the statue of Genghis Khan) in the scenic area are also worth a look.

Day4: Dachaidan →Dunhuang Looking for tranquility in the desert, looking for taste in the night market

Main line of itinerary

Depart from Dachaidan in the early morning, cross the Gobi to Dunhuang, explore Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in the afternoon, experience desert camel bells and sunset scenery, and visit Shazhou Night Market in the evening to taste Dunhuang specialties.

Schedule

1. Morning: Enjoy breakfast first, then take a tour bus from Dachaidan to Dunhuang, stopping in the service area on the way.

2. Noon: Then enjoy a team lunch in the service area on the way, and continue on the road after a break.

3. Afternoon: First arrive at the hotel in Dunhuang City to check in, take a break after leaving your luggage, and then go to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area to experience camel riding, climbing sand mountain, and watching the sunset.

4. Evening: Then leave the scenic area and return to the city, go to Shazhou Night Market for free dining and sightseeing, and finally gather and return to the hotel to rest.

Core attraction experience

• Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A wonder where the desert and Qingquan coexist. Enter the park after 4pm to avoid the scorching sun. You can ride a camel at your own expense (about 100 yuan/person, 1 hour) and walk through the desert listening to camel bells. You can also climb Mingsha Mountain and overlook the panoramic view of Crescent Spring after reaching the top. SunsetOccupy a seat 1 hour before and take a beautiful view of ”Desert Sunset + Crescent Spring’ in the same frame.
• Shazhou Night Market: Dunhuang’s ‘food culture business card”, with special snacks such as donkey meat yellow noodles, apricot skin water, roast lamb kebabs, puer oil cakes, etc., you can also buy luminous cups, Dunhuang colorful sculptures and other handicrafts. It is recommended to eat at the wrong peak and avoid the peak flow of people from 20:00-21:00.

Day5: Dunhuang All Day Murals for History, Culture for Roots

Main line of itinerary

Experience Dunhuang culture in depth throughout the day. In the morning, visit the Mogao Grottoes to interpret the Silk Road story in the thousand-year-old murals. In the afternoon, you can explore the Dunhuang Museum or the ruins of Yumenguan to supplement your historical knowledge.

Schedule

1. Morning: First enjoy breakfast, then set off to Mogao Grottoes, first watch the digital exhibition to understand the history and artistic value of murals, and then visit the core caves under the leadership of the docent.

2. Noon: Then enjoy a team lunch near Mogao Grottoes.

3. Afternoon: Start free activities again, you can go to the Dunhuang Museum or the Yumenguan Ruins by yourself (you need to inform your tour guide in advance).

4. Evening: Finally, return to the city for a team dinner. After the meal, you can freely explore the night view of Dunhuang.

Core attraction experience

• Mogao Grottoes: A treasure trove of Buddhist art in the world. The digital exhibition restores the details of the murals through high-definition images. The murals such as ‘Flying Sky’ and ‘Nine-color Deer’ in the physical cave are lifelike. The docent will tell the historical allusions behind the murals to visualize the story of the thousand-year Silk Road. Follow the team during the visit without leaving the explanation group.
• Dunhuang Museum (optional): It is open for free (advance reservation required). It has a collection of pottery, documents, mural fragments and other cultural relics. It systematically shows the development of Dunhuang from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, and supplements the historical background for the Mogao Grottoes tour. It is recommended to reserve 1.5 hours.
• Yumenguan Ruins (optional): The ruins of an important ancient Silk Road pass, the ruins of the inner city wall and beacon tower still exist. Standing on the ruins, you can imagine the grandeur of the “spring breeze does not pass through Yumenguan” back then. It is about 100km from the city. It takes 3 hours to travel. You need to inform your tour guide in advance.

Day6: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye * Xiongguan searching for traces, Danxia searching for color

Main line of itinerary

Depart from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, climb to the ”No. 1 Xiongguan in the World’ to feel the momentum of the military fortress, go to Zhangye in the afternoon, watch the Danxia sunset in the evening, and encounter the magnificence of the colorful hills.

Schedule

1. Morning: Enjoy breakfast first, then set off for Jiayuguan. After arriving, visit Jiayuguan Customs City to feel the momentum of the ancient military fortress.

2. Noon: Then enjoy a team lunch near Guancheng.

3. Afternoon: First take a car to Zhangye. After arriving at Zhangye Danxia Geopark, take a sightseeing bus to visit the observation decks. In the evening, watch the sunset at Danxia from the best observation deck.

4. Evening: Then go to Zhangye City, enjoy a team dinner and check in at the hotel to rest.

Core attraction experience

• Guancheng, Jiayuguan: The western starting point of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, ”The World’s No. 1 Xiongguan’ is well-deserved. You can overlook the layout of Guancheng from the tower, watch the city wall meander into the distance, and feel the grandeur of the ancient military defense system; In the scenic area, legends such as “Dingcheng Brick” and “Hitting Stone Yanming” can be explained by your guide to add to the fun of the tour..
• Zhangye Danxia Geopark: The world’s rare colorful Danxia landform. The sightseeing bus travels according to ”Observation Deck 1→2→3→4′. Platform 1 offers panoramic views, and Platform 4 is the best point for sunset. Under the setting sun, the colors of red, yellow, orange, and green are clearly layered, just like nature overturned.Palette, it is recommended to wear dark clothing to take pictures, in contrast to Danxia.

Day7: Zhangye→ Danxia, looking for the sun everywhere, return with a full load

Main line of itinerary

After voluntarily watching the sunrise from Danxia in Zhangye, go to Bindukou (optional in summer) to feel the grassland flowers, then gather for the return journey, end the journey to Xigan, and take away the good memories of the northwest.

Schedule

1. Early morning (optional): Voluntary early risers can go to Zhangye Danxia Geopark to watch the sunrise with the assistance of a tour guide, and those who are not watching can continue to rest.

2. Morning: All enjoy breakfast first, then you can go to Bindukou for a tour (optional in summer from July to August), and then gather to start the return journey.

3. Noon: Enjoy a team lunch at the Chinese restaurant on the way, and continue on the road after the meal.

4. Afternoon: Finally arrive at the return point (Xining/Lanzhou or Zhangye Airport), and the trip is officially over.

Core attraction experience

• Sunrise in Danxia, Zhangye (optional): The light in the early morning is soft, the color of Danxia is more saturated, and the sense of layering is stronger. Within 1 hour after sunrise is the best time to shoot. It is recommended to wear a thick coat and bring a thermos cup to keep out the cold.
• Bindukou (optional in summer): The “Golden Sea of Flowers” at the foot of Qilian Mountain, 10,000 mu of rapeseed flowers are in full bloom from July to August, reflecting the turquoise grassland and towering snow-capped mountains. It is a unique summer scene. You can take pictures in the sea of flowers and feel the freshness of the northwest grassland.

2. End: Go to a Northwest appointment

In 7 days, from the sacred Lake on the plateau of Qinghai to the ancient city of the Silk Road in Gansu, from the purity of the salt Lake to the magnificence of Danxia, from the thickness of the murals to the grandeur of Xiongguan, the journey to Xigan presents all the diverse beauty of the Northwest. This strategy has sorted out the context of your daily itinerary for you, and marked the key details of each place, so that you don’t need to bother with planning, just set off with longing. When the wind in Qinghai blows across your cheeks, and when the sand of Dunhuang touches the corners of your clothes, you will find that the beauty of the northwest is hidden in every stop and look back. Pack your bags, the mountains and rivers of Qinggan are waiting for you to meet!

If you want to continue to explore more attractive places, our team of professional travel consultants can serve you. The consultants are familiar with the attractions, terroir and popular routes in various regions of the mainland, and can tailor exclusive trips according to your preferences, budget and time, so that the journey is full of surprises.

Don’t hesitate, contact our travel consultant!

“Sacred Lake of Plateau + Ancient City of Silk Road” Qinggan, 7th day in depth最先出现在大象旅行网。

——From the azure depths of Qinghai Lake to the millennia-old echoes of Dunhuang, a pilgrimage across the northwest, spanning nature and civilization.

Embarking on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is a tribute to boundless expanse and desolate grandeur. This classic route traversing Qinghai and Gansu weaves together highland lakes, snow-capped grasslands, salt lake mirages, water-eroded landforms, desert oases, frontier fortresses, and colorful Danxia landscapes into a flowing panorama. Over seven days, we embarked from Xining, circling 2,800 kilometers to penetrate the heart of the Qaidam Basin, traverse the Gobi’s uninhabited wilderness, explore millennia-old grottoes, and finally return to our starting point amidst rapeseed flower seas beneath the Qilian Mountains. This journey transcended mere travel, becoming a profound experience of time, space, and life itself.

Itinerary

day	Itinerary	Accommodation	Distance traveled
day 1	Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town	Chaka Town	About 300km
day 2	Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan	Da Chai Dan	About 520km
day 3	Dachaidan → Yadan on Water → South Eight Immortals Yadan → Back to Dachaidan	Da Chai Dan	Approximately 400km (round trip)
day 4	Dachaidan → Aksai Petroleum Town → Dunhuang Ancient City → Desert Camping or Dunhuang City	Dunhuang/Desert Camp	About 380km
day 5	Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Shazhou Night Market	Dunhuang	About 50km (in the city)
day 6	Dunhuang → Jiayuguan (Son of Changes to the Earth/Unique) → Zhangye Colorful Danxia → Zhangye City	Zhangye	About 550km
day 7	Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower (End of July) → Xining	——	About 580km

detailed itinerary

DAY 1: Starting from Xining, I will meet the two lakes in the plateau – Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake

Departing from Xining at dawn, traverse the Sun and Moon Mountains to enter the gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The first stop is Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake. Its waters shimmer like sapphires, and in summer, the shores burst with blooming rapeseed flowers, creating breathtaking scenery. Cycle along the eastern lakeside road or ascend Erlangjian Scenic Area for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Afternoon brings a visit to the “Sky Mirror”—Chaka Salt Lake. When shallow rainwater covers the lake surface, the reflections of sky and earth merge seamlessly, creating the illusion of walking on clouds. Evening accommodations in Chaka Town prepare travelers for the next day’s extended journey..

Day 2: Cross the largest salt lake in China, and meet the plateau palette – Chaerhan Salt Lake & Emerald Lake

Embark on a breathtaking visual journey today. Drive across the Qarhan Salt Lake—China’s largest salt lake, five times the size of Qinghai Lake! National Highway G315 traverses its surface, forming the renowned “Ten-Thousand-Foot Salt Bridge.” The lake glistens like a white jade carpet, while brine pools shimmer in vibrant hues. Continuing westward, arrive at [Dachadan Emerald Lake], originally a brine pool left behind by salt mining. Rich in minerals, it displays dreamlike hues of emerald green, sapphire blue, and amber yellow, making it a wildly popular photography spot in recent years. Reach Dachadan Town by evening to experience the tranquility of this Gobi Desert outpost.

Day 3: Explore the world’s only water Yadan, enter the alien landform of the earth

Today we make a special trip to visit the world’s only [water-based Yadan landform]. This cluster of wind-eroded earthen mounds stands amidst the azure waters of Lake Taijinier, their reflections swaying gently. In the morning light, they resemble the ruins of a floating ancient city—mysterious and dreamlike. Next, we head to the [Southern Eight Immortals Yadan], also known as the “Devil’s City.” Its wind-eroded pillars form a forest of bizarre shapes, desolate yet ruggedly beautiful—an ideal spot for capturing the iconic image of “solitary smoke rising in the desert.” In the afternoon, we return to Dacidian Town to rest and reflect on this extraordinary landscape, often called “the place on Earth that most resembles Mars.”

Day 4: Cross the Gobi, into the ruins of film and television – Aksai Oil Town & Ancient City of Dunhuang

Departing from Daxaidam, travel along National Highway G315 through the Qaidam Basin. Stop briefly at the U-shaped Highway for aerial photography. Arrive in the afternoon at Aksai Oil Town (Boluozhuanjing Film Base), the filming location for movies like The Nine-Story Demon Tower and Sewing Machine Band. Abandoned office buildings, schools, and hospitals stand silently, as if time has frozen. Arrive in Dunhuang by evening. Choose to stay downtown or experience a [desert camping] adventure. Listen to the desert winds beneath the starry sky, feeling the desolate grandeur and romantic allure of the millennia-old Silk Road.

Day 5: Step into the millennia-old grottoes and touch the Silk Road civilization— Mogao Caves & Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake

Full-day in-depth exploration of Dunhuang’s cultural heartland. Morning visit to the Mogao Caves—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and millennia-old treasure trove of Buddhist art. Pre-booked Category A tickets grant access to the caves with a professional guide, immersing you in the splendor of murals and colored sculptures. Afternoon: Journey to [Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake], where golden dunes cradle a clear spring that has never dried up for a thousand years. Enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, or climb to the summit for panoramic views. Evening: Explore [Shazhou Night Market], savoring authentic Northwest delicacies like donkey meat noodles, apricot kernel water, and grilled lamb ribs, adding a touch of local flavor to your journey.

Day 6: From the Majestic Frontier Pass to the Colorful Hills—Jiayuguan & Zhangye Danxia

Depart early in the morning, passing through Jiayuguan—the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Ascend the city tower for sweeping views of the Gobi Desert and experience the grandeur of the “First Pass Under Heaven.” Alternatively, visit land art installations like Son of the Earth or Boundless for a modern artistic dialogue with the desert landscape. Arrive at Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in the afternoon. This UNESCO Global Geopark features multicolored hills that blaze like fiery flames under the setting sun, creating breathtaking shifts of light and shadow. Settle into your accommodation in downtown Zhangye for the evening and savor a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup.

Day 7: Cross the Qilian Mountains and return to the starting point – the grassland, the sea of flowers and the way home

On the final day, we traversed the Biandukou Gorge along National Highway 227, entering the Qilian Grasslands. Herds of cattle and sheep grazed amidst towering snow-capped mountains, creating a scene straight out of a painting. Late July marks the peak blooming season for the Menyuan rapeseed flowers. A sea of golden blossoms spanning 600,000 mu (approximately 40,000 hectares) intertwines with the Qilian snow-capped mountains, creating the most magnificent finale to this journey. Along the way, you can stop multiple times to take photos before finally returning to Xining, concluding this 7-day grand loop adventure spanning plateaus, salt lakes, deserts, and civilizations.

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Ending

Over these seven days, we traversed China’s most expansive hinterlands, witnessing nature’s awe-inspiring wonders and the enduring resilience of human civilization. From the serene tranquility of Qinghai Lake to the resplendent splendor of Dunhuang, from the fantastical landscapes of the water-eroded Yadan formations to the dazzling hues of the multicolored Danxia landforms—every frame of scenery is worth treasuring. The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is more than a geographical route—it’s a spiritual journey. Standing in the heart of the Gobi Desert, gazing up at the starry sky, you’ll realize: the world is vast enough to be measured by our footsteps.

In 2025, let us set out together to complete this must-see journey through Northwest China.

If you wish to explore more captivating destinations, our team of professional travel consultants stands ready to assist. Our advisors possess deep knowledge of attractions, local customs, and popular routes across the mainland. They can tailor a personalized itinerary based on your preferences, budget, and schedule, ensuring your journey is filled with delightful surprises.

Don’t hesitate—contact our travel consultants today!

Contact details

7-Day Classic Clockwise Tour of Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop最先出现在大象旅行网。

When the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop ignites in summer with seas of rapeseed flowers, crowds, and sunshine, winter unveils its own quiet splendor: Qinghai Lake draped in silver, the mirror-like frozen surface of Taka Salt Lake, snow-covered Yadan landscapes in desolate wilderness, and the Gobi night sky where the Milky Way hangs low… The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in winter sheds its bustle, returning to vastness and purity—a secret path seldom traveled yet profoundly awe-inspiring.

From December to February each year, the Qinghai-Gansu Loop enters its off-season. Gone are the golden seas of 600,000 acres of rapeseed flowers in Menyuan during July, and the crowds of peak season. Instead, visitors are greeted by majestic snowy landscapes, exceptional value for money, and profound tranquility. The plateau sheds its vibrant hues during this season, gaining instead a sense of vastness and poetry—snow-capped mountains appear whiter, frozen lakes bluer, and the starry sky brighter. This winter-exclusive route is tailor-made for photography enthusiasts, stargazers, and deep-travel explorers.

Winter vs. Summer: What Makes the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Different in Winter?

Item	Summer（7-8月）	Winter（12月-2月）
Climate	Gentle, 15-25°C during the day	Cold, -5~5℃ during the day and -20℃ at night
People’s flow	During the peak season, tourists are dense	In the off-season, there are few people in the scenic spot, and the experience is quiet
Rape blossoms	The flower fields of Menyuan are in full bloom, a sea of golden yellow.	❌ There is no sea of flowers, but you can enjoy snowfields and ice lakes
Qinghai Lake	The waves ripple gently, and the grass is lush and green.	❄️ Some of the lake surface may be completely frozen, you can take pictures of blue ice, snowfield, and ice cracks
Chaka Salt Lake	‘Mirror of the Sky’ effect depends on rain	❄️ The ice surface is as flat as a mirror, and it is more pure after the snow, suitable for shooting minimalist ice and snow blockbusters
Accommodation and Price	The price is high, you need to book in advance	Prices are as low as 50% off in the peak season, wherever you go
Traffic	Good road conditions, large traffic	The road conditions are stable, but you need to pay attention to the ice and snow sections. It is recommended to use four-wheel drive vehicles or snow chains

Winter highlights:
✅ Qinghai Lake Blue Ice Wonders
✅ Caka Salt Lake ‘Ice and Snow Mirror’
✅ The Yadan on the water stands in the snow, like an alien ruins
✅ The night sky of the Gobi is clear and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
✅ There are few cultural scenic spots such as Mogao Grottoes and Danxia, so you can visit in-depth

winter precautions

About the weather

✔️The temperature difference between the Qinghai section is relatively large. In late October, the temperature will fall below 0 degrees, and the winter mode will be started after entering November, and it can reach about minus ten degrees in the morning and evening. But it’s not too cold during the day, and the sun is shining enough

✔️ The overall temperature in the Gansu section is about 5-10 ℃ higher than that of Qinghai.

✔️There will be rain and snow weather, but it is mainly sunny, so don’t worry too much.

✔️ Entering late October, Qinghai starts heating.

Scenic Highlights of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

1. Apart from rapeseed flowers and grassland scenery, which are seasonal, other landscapes remain unaffected by the time of year. The salt lake stays ice-free year-round, while Qinghai Lake only begins to freeze in late November. Overall, the impact on scenery is minimal.

2. The feeling of having the entire scenic area to yourself is absolutely amazing.

3. After November, some scenic spots offer half-price admission, while others provide free entry. Very few attractions close during this period. The Mogao Caves remain open year-round, with half-price admission for viewing 12 caves starting in December. Camel rides at Mingsha Mountain also operate normally throughout the winter.

Friendly suggestion:

1. Cold-proof clothing, especially hats, gloves, masks

2. Anti-drying equipment, lipstick, etc.

3. Sun protection equipment, do not ignore this item in winter

4, the vehicle is equipped with a non-slip chain, and the old battery is easy to lose electricity when the weather is cold

5. The design of the itinerary should be more loose, and it will be dark early in winter

Itinerary

Day	Itinerary	Places Passed	Accommodation	Distance traveled
day 1	Arrived in Xining	Free time, adapt to the plateau	Xining	——
day 2	Xining → Qinghai Lake → Tianjun Stone Forest → Delingha	Frozen Qinghai Lake, Blue Ice Wonders, Tianjun Stone Forest Snow Scenery	Dingha	About 380km
day 3	Delingha → Caka Salt Lake → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Delingha/Daidaidan	Ice and Snow Caka Salt Lake, Winter Emerald Lake Dream Colors	Delingha or Dachaidan	About 450km
day 4	Dachaidan → U-shaped highway → Yadan on the water	G315 U-road, Tiffany Blue Lake, Yadan on the snow, night viewing starry sky	Dachaidan or Water Yadan Camp	About 350km
day 5	Dachaidan → Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Desert Camping	Mogao Grottoes In-depth Tour, Crescent Moon Spring, Desert Star Camping	Dunhuang or Desert Camp	About 380km
day 6	Dunhuang → Jiayuguan (via) → Zhangye Colorful Danxia	Snow covers Danxia landform, light and shadow blockbuster	Zhangye	About 550km
day 7	Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Xuefeng → Xining	In winter, Qilian prairie and snow-capped mountains overlook	——	About 580km

Tips: The opening hours of some scenic spots in winter may be adjusted, it is recommended to check in advance; vehicles are recommended to use four-wheel drive or equipped with snow chains, and pay attention to the safety of driving on ice and snow roads.

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xining, start a plateau journey

• Arriving in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, it is recommended to choose to arrive before noon to adapt to the altitude (about 2200 meters).
• In the afternoon, free activities, it is recommended to visit [Dongguan Mosque] or [Qinghai Provincial Museum] to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and plateau culture.
• For dinner, you can taste the local characteristics: hand-picked mutton, old yogurt, and stuffed skin.
• Accommodation: Hotels in Xining City (recommended to choose oxygen-containing rooms or floor heating rooms).

Day 2: Xining → Qinghai Lake (Frozen Blue Ice) → Tianjun Stone Forest → Delingha

• Depart early and go to [Qinghai Lake] along G109 National Highway, which takes about 3 hours.
• Qinghai Lake in winter Frozen on the lake, the ice is thick and can be photographed at close range Blue ice, ice cracks, snow waves Wait for the spectacle (pay attention to safety, do not go deep into the undeveloped ice area).
• Continue westward and visit [Tianjun Stone Forest] – called ‘Yugong Mountain’ in Tibetan.
• Arrive at [Delingha] in the evening, and live in the city, where you can overlook the night view of the small Gobi town under the snow-capped mountains.
• Accommodation: Delingha City Hotel.

Day 3: Caka Salt Lake (Ice and Snow Mirror) → Emerald Lake → Delingha

• Driving to [Caka Salt Lake], there are few tourists in winter, the lake is icy, and after the snow, it is like a ‘mirror of ice and snow’, which is suitable for shooting minimalist style blockbusters.
• In the afternoon, go to [Dachaidan Emerald Lake], the water color of the lake is more intense in winter, as green as jade, blue as gemstones, and the snow and the salt lake complement each other, just like a fairy tale world.
• Return to Delingha in the evening or directly stay in Dachaidan Town (depending on the road conditions and physical strength).
• Accommodation: Delingha or Dachaidan Town.

Day 4: Dachaidan → U-shaped highway → water Yadan (starting at the starry sky at night)

• Starting from Dachaidan, cross the [G315 U-shaped road], the straight road extends to the sky, the snow field is boundless, and the aerial photography effect is shocking.
• In the afternoon, go deep into the [Water Yadan Geological Park], which is the only Yadan group in the world that ‘floating on the water’.
• Camping in the evening or staying near the scenic spot,There is no light pollution at night, and the Milky Way is clearly visible, is an excellent place to shoot the starry sky and star trails.
• Accommodation: Yadan camp on the water or return to Dachaidan.

Day 5: Dunhuang → Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring

• Drive to [Dunhuang] (about 4 hours), the Gobi Snowfield is vast along the way.
• In the afternoon, visit the [Mogao Grottoes]. There are few tourists in the off-season. You can focus more on the art of murals.
• In the evening, go to [Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring], the sand temperature is low in winter, and the sand skiing experience is slightly different, but after the snow, the sand mountain and Qingquan complement each other, which has a unique artistic conception.
• Accommodation: Dunhuang city or desert camp.

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Day 6: Zhangye Colorful Danxia (Danxia in the Snow)

• Starting from Dunhuang, go to [Zhangye Colorful Danxia] (about 5 hours by car).
• In winter, the color of the Danxia landform is slightly calm, but Snow over the hills It forms a unique landscape of red and white, and the light and shadow in the morning light are clear, which is suitable for shooting blockbusters.
• Arrive in the urban area of Zhangye in the evening, you can taste the authentic Lanzhou beef noodles.
• Accommodation: Zhangye City Hotel.

Day 7: Qilian Mountain Prairie → Gangshika Xuefeng → Return to Xining

• Return along the 227 National Highway, cross the [Qilian Mountains Prairie], wrap the grassland in silver in winter, and flocks of cattle and sheep, just like the Nordic scenery.
• Passing through the [Gangshika Snow Peak] – one of the highest peaks in the Qilian Mountains, it covers snow all year round, and it is even more majestic and holy in winter, so you can overlook the photos.
• Return to Xining in the afternoon, ending this quiet and shocking winter trip.
• It is recommended to rest for one night in Xining and return the next day.

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Conclusion

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in winter is a journey of solitude.

Without the summer bustle, the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in winter resembles a poem written to the earth. It seals away the clamor with ice and snow, yet offers a baptism for the soul through blue ice, starry skies, snowfields, and profound silence.
This route is perfect for off-peak travel, offering unparalleled scenery and immersive experiences. If you’ve grown weary of crowded tourist spots and yearn to rediscover inner peace amidst vast landscapes, this winter, embark on the Qinghai-Gansu Loop. Touch the snow-covered expanse and listen to the echoes of wind sweeping through the Yadan formations.
The northwest in winter isn’t desolate—it’s a different kind of ultimate beauty.

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Winter Adventure: Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 7-Day Tour最先出现在大象旅行网。