Qinghai Lake

Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop | Nanny-Level Route Guide Sharing Used to the routine city life, why not experience the grandeur of the northwest with its 'vast desert and long river with a round sunset'? This place has all the terrains and landforms in the world: lakes, mountains, Danxia landforms, deserts, neighbors, hills, grasslands, plateaus, stone forests... A trip to the northwest is equivalent to traveling ten times. I have compiled a travel guide for everyone here! Northwest Third Pole Travel Takes You to the Northwest 💁‍♀️9 Days and 8 Nights Northwest Tour Route D1: Arrive in Xining - Free 24-hour airport/station pickup - Check-in at hotel D2: Riyue Mountain - Daotang River - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town (overnight) D3: Chaka - Xiaochaidan Lake - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan (overnight) D4: Dachaidan - U-shaped Road - Water Yadan - Dachaidan (overnight) D5: Emerald Lake - Heidushan - Oil Town - Dunhuang (overnight) D6: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - (Dunhuang) D7: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park - Zhangye (overnight) D8: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan Rapeseed Flower - Xining D9: Xining - Various destinations (free airport drop-off) 💞Scenic Spot Introduction 🌟Qinghai Lake: The sunrise and sunset are extremely beautiful, and there are golden rapeseed flowers by the lake in spring. 🌟Chaka Salt Lake: Be sure to take stunning reflection photos in the legendary Sky Mirror. 🌟Emerald Lake: Float on the emerald green lake in a transparent boat, aerial photography is amazing. 🌟Mogao Caves: The charm of the thousand-year-old cave murals is endless, and the guide's introduction is also very vivid. 🌟Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: Take photos riding a camel in a red dress, absolutely stunning. 🌟Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: The Danxia landform in the oil painting is vividly presented in front of you, super shocking. ~ 🙆🏻‍♀️Notes: ○ How to prevent and deal with altitude sickness ○ Avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive at the plateau ○ Do not drink alcohol or smoke when you first arrive at the plateau, wait until you adapt ○ Do not go to the plateau if you have a cold, as it can easily cause pulmonary edema ○ The northwest loop is located on the plateau, with strong sunlight and ultraviolet rays, so take sun protection measures ○ The temperature difference between morning and evening in the northwest is large, so keep warm

2021 Latest Recommended Route Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dongtai Jinel Lake, Dunhuang, Zhangye Seven-Day Loop Tour day1️⃣ Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Town Accommodation day2️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake—Qaidam Basin—Emerald Lake—Dachaidan Accommodation day3️⃣ Dachaidan—National Highway 315 (Most Beautiful Road)—Water Yadan—Dongtai Jinel Lake—Dachaidan Accommodation day4️⃣ Dachaidan—Qinghai Yadan Devil City—Dangjin Mountain Most Beautiful Road—Aksay—Yangguan—Dunhuang Accommodation day5️⃣ Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Dunhuang Accommodation day6️⃣ Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan Pass (The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven)—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park—Zhangye Danxia Accommodation day7️⃣ Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grassland—Ebo Silk Road—Gangshika Snow Peak (Distant View)—Menyuan—Xining (End)

Holiday! The super long holiday of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival is coming, why not pack up and set off! Many friends have consulted me about the Qinghai-Gansu big loop line, and I have organized some content about the Qinghai-Gansu big loop line self-driving that you must know, hurry up and like and collect it! 🔍About the Qinghai-Gansu loop line: The so-called big loop line is a self-driving route from Xining, Qinghai, all the way west to Dunhuang, then west to return to Gansu, along the Hexi Corridor and finally back to Xining. There are many scenic spots along the way, and the mainstream 5-day and 8-day routes on the Internet cannot perfectly cover all the scenic spots along the way. So in the choice of route, it depends on whether you focus on the scenery or culture. 🗓️Main scenic spot strategy: It's impossible to be meticulous, but there can be a focus. Combined with my own experience and online information, I have summarized a version of the recommended key scenic spots (with recommended reasons) ✔️Xining Ta'er Monastery: Gelugpa monastery, the master Tsongkhapa walked out from here, the red wall is very photogenic. ✔️Qinghai Lake: It is said that Tsangyang Gyatso died here, one of the highest lakes in the world. ✔️Chaka Salt Lake: The mirror of the sky, is one of the "55 places a person must go in his lifetime" selected by National Geographic magazine. ✔️Dachaidan Emerald Lake: Compared to the fame of Chaka Salt Lake, this place is relatively niche, especially suitable for aerial photography!!! ✔️Wuwei Leitai: The location of ancient Liangzhou, Gansu Wuwei, the famous horse stepping on the flying swallow is from the Leitai Han tomb here. ✔️Qilian Mountain: The part where Qinghai and Gansu meet, the Qilian Mountains have many birds and animals and beautiful scenery. ✔️Zhangye Colorful Danxia: God spilled the palette here, a typical representative of the Danxia landform. ✔️Jiayuguan: "The first strong pass in the world", many frontier poems are related to him, remember to take a photo with the popular Guanchang. ✔️Mingsha Mountain: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring is a must-visit attraction in Dunhuang, climb the sand dunes to overlook the Crescent Spring, wait for the moon to come out, super artistic conception. ✔️Mogao Grottoes: The most famous grottoes, the cultural value is immeasurable. ⚠️Don't drive alone!!! Coming out of Xining, the Ta'er Temple to Dachaidan section will have mild altitude sickness, rest appropriately, eat something, there is no need to buy oxygen. 🚗About self-driving: The whole journey is either a highway or a national road. As long as you don't want to challenge those sections that have not been repaired, a general car is fine. There are many people traveling during the small long holiday, and there will be traffic jams, which cannot be avoided. 📸Photography suggestions: 1️⃣There are different features all the way, it is recommended to bring a few more lenses, 16-35, 70-200 are the minimum. 2️⃣Drones are banned in Jiayuguan, Mogao Grottoes, Ta'er Temple and other places, be sure to understand in advance. I am Gala, an amateur photographer who likes to go on a whim, but doesn't know how to press the shutter~ 🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻🛻 🚙Transportation: Many routes are gathered from Xining, there are chartered tours, and there are travel groups. If you are self-driving, I suggest you can start from Lanzhou, stay for one more day, Lanzhou city is always easily overlooked. Like and follow to not get lost❤️

Qinghai Five-Day Tour Guide🎈is here The scenery is really too beautiful!! Day1️⃣ Arrive in Xining—Mo Street/Xin Qian Night Market Day2️⃣ Riyue Mountain (🎫Ticket 40💰) 8:00-17:00—Qinghai Lake (Erlang Sword Scenic Area🎫Ticket 90💰) 8:00-18:00 Day3️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake (🎫Ticket 60💰) 7:00-19:00—Zhuoer Mountain 7:00-20:00 (🎫Ticket 60💰) Day4️⃣ Qilian Mountain Grassland—Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (🎫Ticket 75💰) 6:30-18:00 Day5️⃣ Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers 📌Important Notes: 1. Qinghai is at a high altitude, you may experience mild altitude sickness upon arrival, avoid strenuous exercise 2. Take sun protection measures, the ultraviolet rays are strong 3. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, remember to bring warm clothes 4. Make sure to book hotels and homestays in advance during peak season 🤩Qinghai is really too beautiful, girls let's go!

Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in our country, although it has the word 'sea', it is actually an inland lake🌊, the Tibetan name is 'Co Wen Bu' meaning 'blue sea', clear and green, and you can't see the edge at a glance. It is said to be a 'Yaochi' of the legendary Queen Mother of the West—'Queen Mother'. 📍Address: Qinghai Lake Scenic Area, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Qinghai Lake—a jade hidden in the snow-capped plateau, is not only a masterpiece of nature, but also a sacred place in the hearts of every traveler🚶🏻‍♀️. 🕙Play time: 2-3 hours 🏔 Altitude: The lake surface is 3196 meters above sea level Play📸 Keep walking along the road, you will see the statue of the Queen Mother of the West🗿, located in the middle of the lake, with open arms embracing the entire lake, it's spectacular! If you go forward to the heart of the lake, you can take a large cruise ship🚢, play some lake entertainment projects🚣, feed seagulls🐦…. You can also go to the lake to play in the water and take pictures. The lake is really blue, really like sapphire💎, it's so lucky to have good weather! Dress suggestion👗 Sky blue, white or paired with ethnic shawls, under the contrast of blue sky and white clouds☁️ and lake water, you can take pictures in minutes✌🏻 🐾Surrounding attractions ✅Heima River 🎫Free ticket, scenic bus 20/person (free for children under 1.2 meters) 🅿️The parking lot is across the road, free, the parking lot is all mud after rain… 🌟There are relatively more people, there are more scenic buses (golf battery cars) back and forth, so you don't have to wait long. The toilets in the scenic area are also relatively clean, near the entrance visitor center. 🎡There is a horse riding project inside, which is charged separately. There are similar Wangzai small steamed buns by the river, which can feed seagulls, and you can also feed them with your own biscuits and bread. ✅Donggeer Observation Deck 🎫Free 🅿️The parking lot is across the road from the observation deck, free parking 🌟There are fewer people at the Donggeer Observation Deck, and the entire scenic area is quite clean. There is a market in the upper position, and you can drink tea and eat something simple near the lake. 🎡There is a horse riding project, you can join a group tour. Overall, Donggeer's management is more complete, the only shortcoming is that the scenic area has limited capacity, the parking lot is small, and parking is not allowed on the side of the road (located on the side of the mountain bend), and individual customers cannot go down to the lake at will. ✅Qinghai Lake Cliff ️🎫It is now in trial operation, free, scenic bus 20/person (free for children under 1.2 meters) 🅿️Free parking lot 🌟Compared with the previous two attractions, the landscape here is more open and richer. Because it is in trial operation, the scenic area is not perfect. The scenic bus is an old bus, there are only two, and one must be kept up and down the mountain. When there are fewer people, the waiting time is longer. ⭐Tips 1️⃣The temperature difference between morning and evening at Qinghai Lake is large, it is recommended that tourists prepare storm jackets or thick coats🧥. 2️⃣The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, and sun protection🌞 should not be ignored. ⚠️At Qinghai Lake, whether you are enjoying the lake view or taking pictures, please respect nature and protect the environment❗ When you encounter local guides or vendors, please clarify the price and service content to avoid unnecessary disputes❗ 🎫Tickets 90💰/person Round-trip electric car 20💰 Boat ticket 150💰 😋Eat The more characteristic ones are hand-grabbed lamb🐏, fried eggs with sand onions, ants on the tree, spicy stewed lamb leg, big plate chicken🐔, onion burst lamb, kang pot lamb, braised lamb, highland barley cake🫓, barley porridge, firecracker noodles Yak🐮 yogurt, kang potato…… 🚏Line 🚗It is recommended to drive by yourself, the route is Xining—Qinghai Lake, the whole journey is 213km, it takes about 3 hours. The scenery along the way is picturesque🖼️, every corner is worth staying☺️

We chose to travel the loop in an RV for several reasons: √ Close to Nature We arranged RV camping on the grasslands and in the desert, as well as 4-5 star city hotel accommodations. This allows children to connect with nature through camping, hiking, and stargazing, while also enjoying comfortable lodging. No need to worry about long drives and restroom issues. The distances between attractions are long, and the dry climate of the northwest requires frequent hydration. Kids can't hold it in for long, so traveling in an RV perfectly solves this problem. You can also prepare some toys, picture books, and games. √ Solves Luggage Issues RVs have ample space. The northwest experiences all four seasons in a day. If it rains, you'll need light down jackets in the morning and evening, but it gets very hot in Dunhuang, requiring dresses. So, you need to bring a lot of luggage, and kids' stuff too. The RV has enough space to store everything. ⛺【Activities】: How to Play with Kids: ◎ Horseback riding on the Qinghai Lake grasslands ◎ Observing the migration of Huang fish ◎ Feeding sika deer on the Qilian grasslands ◎ Unique geological classes at Danxia ◎ Camel riding in the desert and Tang Dynasty-style photo shoots ◎ In-depth tour of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang ◎ Traditional mural copying/Intangible cultural heritage handmade Mogao rubbings ◎ Desert bonfire with a study guide explaining Journey to the West ◎ Wearing Tibetan clothes, making Tsampa, and receiving a Tibetan welcome ceremony ◎ Watching shadow puppet performances of Journey to the West and learning about intangible cultural heritage ⛺【Itinerary】 D1: Arrive in Xining, explore the food street D2: Xining - Menyuan - Ohburg - Zhangye D3: Zhangye - Rainbow Mountains - Jiayuguan D4: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang D5: Dunhuang Mogao Caves D6: Dunhuang - Yangguan - Emerald Lake - Golmud D7: Golmud - Delingha D8: Delingha - Chaka - Qinghai Lake D9: Qinghai Lake - Xining - Home

【Introduction】: This is how you can enjoy a pure 7-day, 6-night trip in Qinghai and Gansu. 🛬【Itinerary】: 【D1】Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town (Overnight) [300km] 【D2】Chaka Salt Lake - Qaidam Basin - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Overnight) [400km] 【D3】Dachaidan - Chaka Salt Lake - U-shaped Road - Water Yadan - Dongtai Jinaier Lake - Dachaidan (Overnight) [550km] 【D4】Dachaidan - Oil Town - Yangguan - Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City - Dunhuang (Overnight) [420km] 【D5】Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Shazhou Night Market - Dunhuang (Overnight) [20km] 【D6】Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan Fortress - Rainbow Mountains Geological Park - Zhangye (Overnight) [600km] 【D7】Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan Flower Sea - Xining (End) [380km] ⛺【Must-visit Attractions】: Popular Qinghai Lake Black Horse River | Chaka | Chaka Salt Lake | U-shaped Road | Dunhuang | Rainbow Mountains | Son of the Earth | Borderless 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: The itinerary includes 3/4-star hotels, which can be freely chosen. The itinerary remains the same. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Travel by car throughout the journey, allowing for more freedom to stop and play as you wish. 🧡【Tips】: High-altitude travel still follows the old advice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Chaka Salt Lake

🔸Preparation (check the weather in advance, avoid peak periods, sun protection) I went to Qinghai Lake for a self-driving tour from Xining. It is currently the peak tourist season. It takes two hours to drive to the scenic area. I personally suggest that you must go early and definitely avoid the peak period!! I set off at more than 6 o'clock in the morning and arrived at about 9 o'clock. Otherwise, you will be stuck for several hours. Actually, the ultraviolet rays are not strong in the morning (check the weather, bring a jacket 🕶 or wear sun-protective clothing is also possible, you must do a good job in sun protection, the ultraviolet rays here are really strong! ❤️Travel guide You can buy tickets online by scanning the code, the ticket is 90 yuan, and there are cruise ships around 120~150, divided into ordinary cruise ships and luxury cruise ships, you can suggest to take one, (there are sightseeing cars and bicycles in the scenic area to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way) I personally suggest that you can take a boat directly to the opposite Erlang Sword Scenic Area, where there are relatively fewer people, and the scenery is also super beautiful! 📸Photo location selection After entering the scenic area, there are many people who like to gather. In fact, the Erlang Sword Scenic Area open in Qinghai Lake is super large. After getting off the boat, you can avoid the crowd and walk in the right direction. There are fewer people there and the scenery is also super good. I played for more than 5 hours by myself, choosing the scenery to take pictures feels like the whole scenic area is yours, it's really good!! And every photo doesn't need to be P, it's really super cool! In short, this trip to Qinghai Lake is really super satisfying, very happy!

🌟 **Selected four-day itinerary in the northwest** 🏜️ 🗺️ **Day1：** 🏔️ **Xining** → 🏞️ **Mingshan** → 🌊 **Qinghai Lake** → ✨ **Chaka Salt Lake** → 🌙 **Chaka** 🏡 Enjoy a night of tranquility and starry sky in beautiful Chaka, feel the charm of nature. 🌄 **Day2：** 🏔️ **Chaka** → 🛣️ **West Lake Road** → ❄️ **Ice Gully Forest Sea** → ⛰️ **Qizuoer Mountain** → 🌆 **Qilian County** Enjoy a night in Qilian County, ready to welcome the exciting journey ahead! 🏜️ **Day3：** 🌅 **Qilian County** → 🕌 **Arou Temple** → 🌈 **Zhangye Rainbow Danxia** Stay in Zhangye, prepare for tomorrow's adventure! 🌞 **Day4：** 🌄 **Zhangye** → 🏞️ **Biandukou** → 🌾 **Qilian Prairie** → 🏔 **Gangshika Snow Peak** → 🌼 **Menyuan Rapeseed Flower** → 🏔 **Xining** End the wonderful journey, leaving full memories and photos! 🏔 **Unlimited scenery, all in the northwest!** 🏜️ 🌤️ **Climate dressing suggestions:** 1. Prepare a thick coat in Qinghai to deal with possible snowfall; 2. In Dunhuang, Zhangye and other regions, the temperature is relatively warm, you can prepare spring and autumn equipment; 3. Sunglasses, scarves and other warm accessories are also indispensable. 📸 **Travel tips:** ✅ Play in the off-season, avoid peak crowds, and enjoy the scenery; ✅ Some scenic spots are free or half price, saving money and time; ✅ Remember to bring a camera and capture every beautiful moment! 👉👉👉 **Northwest trip, waiting for you to explore!** 🌟

The sky is azure, the sun is bright. In the distance, verdant mountains contrast with the vast lake, like a flowing painting. On the grassland by the lake, clusters of wildflowers bloom in competition, forming an interesting picture with the leisurely cows and sheep. The lake surface is sparkling, gently exuding a blue glow, like a dreamy fairyland. The charm of Qinghai Lake lies not only in its magnificent natural scenery, but also in its profound historical culture and rich human landscape. On the northeast shore of the lake, there is the famous Bird Island, which is a gathering place for various birds. Every spring, tens of thousands of migratory birds nest and reproduce here, forming a vivid ecological picture. Qinghai Lake is also a sacred place in the hearts of Tibetans. According to legend, it is a drop of sweet dew sprinkled by Guanyin Bodhisattva, which turned into clear lake water. Every year, thousands of Tibetans spontaneously go to Qinghai Lake for pilgrimage and sacrifice, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

🌄 Opening Journey: Departing from Xining Step onto the Qinghai mini circuit starting from Xining, the city on the plateau is your starting point. Xining Railway Station is located in the city center, with convenient transportation. Whether you take the airport shuttle bus or a ride-hailing service, you can easily get there. Fill your stomach, and we are about to set off! 🚗 First Day Tour: Ta'er Monastery and Qinghai Lake The first day's journey is 330km, where you will encounter the tranquility and mystery of Ta'er Monastery, the center of Tibetan Buddhism activities in the northwest region, telling stories of a thousand years. Then, drive to Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the inland, which will show its unique romance and grandeur. Stay near Qinghai Lake in Gonghe County or Chaka Town to rest up for tomorrow's adventure. 🌄 The Next Day's Adventure: Salt Lake and Cliffs The second day's journey is about 380km, and you will first set foot on Chaka Salt Lake, as if entering a kingdom of salt, where every step feels like walking in the clouds. Next, you will pass through the most beautiful lakeside road of Qinghai Lake and arrive at the cliffs, one of the four great 'seas' of Qinghai Lake, with breathtaking scenery. 🏔️ Third Day Exploration: Qilian Mountains and Flower Sea On the third day, starting from Qilian County, you will cross the Qilian Mountain grassland, feeling the endless yellow grass and snow-capped mountains. The beauty of Gangshita Snow Peak will make you feel as if you are in a dream. Finally, you will reach the Meiyuan rapeseed flower sea, a hundred-mile stretch of flower sea, which is a stunning view of Qinghai. 🎉 Closing Words: Qinghai's mini circuit, a journey well worth it On this Qinghai mini circuit trip, you will experience the grandeur and mystery of the plateau and the wonders of nature. Departing from Xining, passing through Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, the cliffs, Qilian Mountains, and finally to the Meiyuan rapeseed flower sea, each place is a beautiful painting. Qinghai, waiting for you to explore!🌈

🤩There is such a stunning salt lake in the Great Northwest - the dreamy Chaka Salt Lake! It's incredibly beautiful! 😉If you love the scenery of salt lakes, Chaka Salt Lake will definitely not disappoint you! 🌊This vast salt lake, white as snow, is comparable in size to 55 Chaka Salt Lakes, making it the second largest in the world and the largest in China without a doubt! 📍It is located in Chaka Town, Golmud City, Qinghai Province. The opening hours are 8:00-20:00, and the ticket price is 100 yuan per person. 🎈The best time to visit is from June to October every year🤗, when the climate is pleasant, the sun is abundant, and the beautiful scenery is in full view. Especially in autumn, the dried-up lake bed forms a red salt layer, which is spectacular! 🚗For transportation, first get to Xining, then drive or charter a car to Chaka Salt Lake (there is no public transportation). Why not take a trip around the Qinghai-Gansu loop, with plateaus, snow-capped mountains, lakes, yardangs, grasslands, deserts... a colorful landscape like a palette overturned by God! 👀Main attractions include: 🛣The Salt Bridge: A naturally formed salt road, 32km long and 15-18 meters thick, is an excellent place to view the salt lake. 🤩Dream Island: A small island in the center of the lake with pianos, swings, and beautiful salt flowers. The starry sky rooms on the island are a major highlight, where you can enjoy the starry sky and the lake light at night. 👉The Ship of Salt: A symbolic landscape, the boat-shaped salt crystals are like a giant wheel sailing on the salt lake. 📋Notes: ☀The sunlight reflection on the salt lake is strong, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and your eyes. 🚫Do not step on or damage the salt layer at will, and protect the natural wonder. 🤒Located in a high-altitude area, you may experience altitude sickness, so be sure to rest and hydrate appropriately. 🎊Recommended itinerary: D1: Xining → Qilian Grassland → Zhuoer Mountain → Qilian County D2: Qilian → Sui-Qi Highway → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Jiayuguan City D3: Jiayuguan → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town D5: Dachaidan → Water Yardang → U-shaped Highway → Golmud City D6: Golmud City → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town D7: Chaka Town → Nanshan Panorama → Qinghai Lake → Xining