Boyfriend's "Great Northwest" Map: Avoid Pitfalls with This Guide

June to September is the peak season for Northwest travel, and many people are eager to explore this region! 👉 Here, you'll find the pure and serene Chaka Salt Lake and Jade Lake, exuding romance. 👉 You'll also encounter the mysterious allure of Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain, and the Qaidam Basin. 👉 Plus, the breathtaking beauty of Rainbow Mountains, Qilian Grasslands, and Riyue Mountain awaits. This is a 7-day travel guide for the Northwest Grand Loop. 🙋🏻‍♀️ If you're planning a trip to the Northwest, save this now 🐴! No detours, just pure enjoyment‼ Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang-Zhangye-Water Yadan 7-Day Grand Loop: Day 1: Xining ------ Riyue Mountain ------ Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) ------ Chaka Salt Lake (Overnight) Day 2: Chaka ------- Cross Qaidam Basin -------- Jade Lake ----- Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 3: Dachaidan ------- U-shaped Highway ----- Dongtai Jinel Lake ------ Water Yadan ------ Dachaidan (Overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan --- Heidushan ----- Oil Town ------ Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang ------ Mogao Caves (best to book tickets for around 9 AM) -------- Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring ---- Shazhou Night Market ---- Dunhuang City (Overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City ------- via Jiayuguan ------- Zhangye Rainbow Mountains ---- Zhangye (Overnight) Day 7: Zhangye ------ Biandukou ------ Qilian Mountains and Qilian Grasslands ------- Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) ------ Xining (End) Highlights 🏞 📌 Qinghai Lake 🌊: The largest inland saltwater lake in China, with crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for enjoying natural scenery and bird migration. 📷 📌 Chaka Salt Lake 🌈: Walking here feels like stepping into a dreamlike world. 📌 Dunhuang Mogao Caves 🕍: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to exquisite murals and sculptures, offering a window into ancient Buddhist art. 📌 Zhangye Rainbow Mountains 🌄: Vibrant and layered, resembling a spilled palette of colors on the earth, a spectacular sight and a classic attraction in Gansu. 📢 Essential Packing List ✨ Sun protection gear (gloves, sleeves, sunscreen, face masks) ✨ (High-altitude sickness capsules, eye drops, nasal spray) ✨ Sand-proof shoe covers, sand-proof phone cases (Mingsha Mountain's sand gets everywhere) ✨ Clothing (black or bright-colored outfits for better photos) ✨ Hats (cowboy hats, baseball caps, etc.) 🚗 Transportation Guide: 🤔 How to get to the Northwest: The Northwest Grand Loop starts and ends in Xining. ✈️ By Air: Xining Caojiabao Airport 🚞 By Train: Xining East Station, Xining West Station, Xining Station 🚘 By Car: Xining Bus Terminal Accommodation Suggestions 💡 🔸 Xining: For budget options, stay in Chengdong or Chengzhong Districts; for high-value options, stay in Haihu New District. 🔸 Delingha: A city with plenty of accommodation choices. 🔸 Dachaidan: A small town with many hotel options. 🔸 Dunhuang: Stay near Crescent Spring Farmhouse Street or close to Shazhou Night Market. 🔸 Zhangye: Stay in Danxia Town near the scenic area or in the city center. ⚠️ Tips and Precautions 🔺 The Northwest has a dry climate and strong UV rays, so stay hydrated, moisturized, and protected from the sun! 🔺 Many attractions require walking, so wear comfortable sneakers. 🔺 Avoid bathing or strenuous activities 🏃‍♂️ when you first arrive to prevent altitude sickness. 🔺 The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack summer clothes 👗 as well as windbreakers and thick jackets. 🔺 Bring snacks for the road, as the region is vast and sparsely populated, and meal times may be irregular.