Northwest Grand Circuit Travel Optimization Plan (Peak Season: June-September)

■ Circuit Itinerary Planning D1: Depart from Xining → Qinghai Lake (Heima River) → Chaka Salt Lake → Stay in Chaka Town D2: Chaka Town → Qarhan Salt Lake → Stay in Da Qaidam/Golmud D3: Da Qaidam/Golmud → Water Yardang → National Highway 315 U-shaped Road → Return to Da Qaidam D4: Da Qaidam Jade Lake → Aksai Oil Town → Silk Road Heritage City → Arrive in Dunhuang D5: In-depth Dunhuang Tour: Mogao Grottoes → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring → Shazhou Night Market → Continue stay in Dunhuang D6: Dunhuang → Guazhou (melon tasting) → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Danxia → Stay in Danxia Town/Zhangye D7: Zhangye → Biandu Valley Scenic Belt → Qilian Grassland → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea → Return to Xining ■ Essential Travel Guide 【Clothing Solutions】 Plateau temperature protection: Windproof jacket/light down jacket + quick-dry clothing combination Hexi Corridor gear: Breathable casual wear + sun protection clothing (UPF50+) Photography outfit suggestions: Solid color long dress/ethnic style shawl (warm layers needed for temperature differences between morning and evening) 【Document Management】 Required documents: Second-generation ID card + discount certificates (student/medical staff ID) Cash preparation: 1 yuan bills (some scenic area restrooms charge fees) 【Personal Care Checklist】 Sun protection system: High SPF sunscreen + physical sun protection trio (sunglasses/bucket hat/cooling sleeves) Moisturizing kit: Recovery face masks + lip balm + portable humidifier Cleansing set: Travel-size toiletries + makeup remover wipes + foldable tooth-brushing cup 【Personal Equipment】 Digital accessories: 3-in-1 charging cable + 20,000mAh power bank Hiking gear: Sand-proof shoe covers + trekking poles (for Mingsha Mountain) Emergency supplies: Mini first-aid kit + sealed garbage bags 【Health Management】 Altitude prevention: Take rhodiola 7 days in advance (liquid form for better absorption) Digestive care: Montmorillonite powder + oral rehydration salts Special care: Nasal moisturizing spray + artificial tears 【Food and Accommodation Tips】 Energy supply: Compressed biscuits + energy gel (for long driving sections) Accommodation advice: Book scenic view rooms 15 days in advance (tight availability during summer) Night safety: Keep personal belongings secure at Dunhuang Night Market 【Photography Special Notes】 Equipment protection: Camera dust cover + lens cleaning pen Shooting time: Choose early morning/evening for salt lakes, post-rain clear weather for Danxia landforms No-fly notice: Drones prohibited throughout Mogao Grottoes area ■ Special Precautions 1. Salt lake protection: Wear waterproof shoe covers to prevent corrosion, rinse promptly after contact with lake water 2. Road safety: Assign safety observer when taking photos on National Highway 315 3. Cultural relics protection: Photography prohibited inside Mogao Grottoes, use cold light source flashlights to observe murals 4. Environmental protection: No climbing on Yardang landforms, stay out of rapeseed cultivation areas