7 Days 6 Nights Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop｜Lazy Travelers, Just Go! Babysitter-Level Guide

Babies! The tested 3-month Qinghai-Gansu loop guide is here～
Route without detours + outfit + accommodation all sorted, newbies just copy👇

1️⃣ 🚗 How to choose transportation?

- For 4-6 people, private car self-driving is recommended, about 500-700 RMB per person per day, super free to stop and take photos anytime

- If you want hassle-free, choose pure sightseeing group tours, make sure no shopping stops, all-inclusive 3000-4000 RMB, very worry-free
💡Tips: Distances between Northwest attractions often exceed 300km, buses take too long, these two options save a lot of time!

2️⃣ 📍7 Days 6 Nights Golden Route (clockwise without backtracking)
D1: Meet in Xining
▫️Visit Dongguan Mosque / eat sweet fermented rice and hand-pulled lamb at Mojia Street
▫️Stay in downtown (near West Gate/Da Shizi, 15 minutes to train station)

D2: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha
▫️Watch sunrise at Erlangjian, Chaka Sky No.1 is perfect for reflection photos from 3-5 pm
▫️About 4.5h driving (including sightseeing time)

D3: Delingha → Emerald Lake → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan → Dachaidan
▫️Arrive at Emerald Lake before 7:30 to shoot the "Tiffany Blue" empty scene! Be careful when taking photos on National Highway 315
▫️Stay at Qingyan Hotel in Dachaidan (super convenient walking to Emerald Lake)

D4: Dachaidan → Heidushan → Dangjin Mountain → Dunhuang
▫️Heidushan looks like the "moon surface," breathtaking at sunset!
▫️5h driving, remember to bring snacks + power bank

D5: Full day fun in Dunhuang
▫️Book Mogao Caves A-class tickets 1 month in advance (includes digital movie + 8 caves)
▫️Enter Mingsha Mountain after 7:30 pm to avoid crowds and watch sunset

D6: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia
▫️Take photos of "The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven" at Jiayuguan Fortress, wearing red looks amazing
▫️Enter Danxia after 6 pm, colors are most stunning at sunset

D7: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Xining
▫️Qilian grassland and snow mountains in one frame, rapeseed flower sea in July is stunning
▫️About 5h driving, choose window seat to enjoy the scenery all the way～

3️⃣ 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (Right stay saves half the worry)

- Xining: Atour Hotel (near West Gate, walking distance to Mojia Street)

- Chaka: Chaka Salt Lake Starry Inn (5 minutes walk to the scenic area)

- Dunhuang: Desert camping (Moshang Huakai has a stargazing platform)

- Zhangye: Danxia Pearl Hotel (10 minutes walk to the scenic entrance)

4️⃣ 👗 Outfit Guide (Four seasons in one day!)

- Qinghai Lake section: windbreaker + thin down jacket (day-night temperature difference 15℃+)

- Dunhuang section: arm sleeves + sun protection clothing + wide-brim hat (UV is very strong!)

- Zhangye section: bright long dress + straw hat (perfect match with Danxia)
💡Must-haves: sunglasses + SPF50+ sunscreen + lip balm + portable oxygen bottle

5️⃣ 📅 Best Time & Notes

- June to August for rapeseed flower sea, September to October for stunning autumn colors

- August is peak season, book accommodation and tickets 45 days in advance!

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop really looks like wallpaper in every frame～ Follow this route and you won’t go wrong!