2026 Aksay Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

Real traveler experiences and travel guides for Aksay in March, 2026

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Most popular attractions in Aksay in March, 2026

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

Traveling during the Lunar New Year? This 5-day itinerary to Dunhuang, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake will let you experience the beauty and mystery of Northwest China. Don't miss out! -- 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining Check into your hotel and get ready for an exciting journey! Day 2: Riyue Mountain - Erlangjian Scenic Area - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake Cross Riyue Mountain, explore Erlangjian, enjoy Qinghai Lake, and finally, get lost in the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake. Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area - Dangjin Mountain Experience the unique charm of Emerald Lake, then head to Dangjin Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 4: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Mingsha Mountain - Mogao Caves Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Spring, and visit the thousand-year-old art treasures of the Mogao Caves. Day 5: Leave Dunhuang and end your journey Return home with fond memories and look forward to seeing you again! 👋 -- Must-see attractions: - 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A miracle in the desert! Climb the sand dunes, overlook Crescent Spring, and marvel at the wonders of nature. - 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt here is whiter than snow, and the lake reflects the blue sky like a mirror. Wear bright clothes and take stunning photos! - 🎭 Mogao Caves: More than just murals and Buddha statues, the dome theater will take you back in time to experience the rich Buddhist culture. -- Travel essentials: 🧳 👕 Clothing: Bring a thick coat and long pants to keep warm and protect against the wind, as well as stylish and comfortable clothes like hoodies and denim jackets. 👟 Shoes: Boots are suitable for sandy areas and the Yadan landform, sneakers for everyday wear, and sandals for Mingsha Mountain. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must to protect against the sun and look stylish. Bring an umbrella to protect against the high-altitude UV rays. 💳 Documents and money: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential. Don't forget them! 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medicine are also recommended, just in case. 📱 Electronics: Phone, charger, and camera to record your wonderful journey! 🍞 Food and water: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy during the trip. It's important! -- 🚗 The beauty of Dunhuang, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the magic of Chaka Salt Lake are waiting for you to explore. We hope your trip to Northwest China is full of surprises!

🌺Checked in at the Oil Town, a town full of legendary colors, and it's also the filming location of the movie 'The Nine-Tiered Demon Tower'. 🌺This place is now a film and television base. I personally think it's a great place for shooting, with ruins, unfinished buildings, etc. It feels a bit like the desert map in the game 'PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds'. 🌺Once you're here, you'll definitely be attracted by the natural scenery. The unique Danxia landform and the vast Gobi desert make you feel like you're in another world. 🌺It's about 110 kilometers from Dunhuang City to Aksei Oil Town, and it takes about 2 hours. We first played on the Qinghai side, came up from Dachaidan, and it took about four to five hours by car. ⚠️Important!! The navigation address is not 'Oil Town' but 'Boluo Transfer Well'. 🌺I got a lot of cool photos from the nearby Danxia landform. Here, you can admire the spectacular rock formations and marvel at the wonders of nature. Taking pictures here feels so good, the sense of picture is super strong, don't miss this unique town, come on a memorable trip to the Oil Town! And you can also get a bunch of cool photos!

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is a self-drive route connecting the ultimate landscapes of Qinghai and Gansu—gobi deserts, salt lakes, Danxia landforms, snow-capped mountains, grasslands... surprises all along the way! Here are some of my personal favorite must-visit spots 👇 Qinghai Lake The starting point of the Grand Loop, where deep blue waters blend with golden rapeseed flowers (best in July-August). Driving along the lake, the breeze feels like freedom itself. No need to go to Erlangjian Scenic Area; many herders’ trails along the way cost just a few dozen yuan to reach the lakeshore directly. Chaka Salt Lake The "Mirror of the Sky" lives up to its name. I recommend visiting at dusk when the sunset reflections are breathtaking. Be sure to ride the little train—it saves energy and makes for great photos. Remember to bring shoe covers; the salt crystals are sharp and uncomfortable. Wusute Water Yadan The world’s only water Yadan landform, a sudden blue-green lake in the desert paired with unique earth pillars, like an alien world. The aerial view is so stunning it leaves you speechless. Pingshanhu Grand Canyon A hidden gem in Zhangye, praised by China Geographic Magazine as "comparable to the Colorado Grand Canyon." The red layered landforms stack deeply and magnificently under the sun. I recommend hiking down to the canyon floor; looking up at the narrow sky is incredibly impressive. Fewer people than at the colorful Danxia, making for a full experience. Mogao Caves A must-visit in Dunhuang, the pinnacle of history and art. Be sure to book regular tickets a month in advance to see 8 caves. Emergency tickets only allow 4 caves and involve long queues. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake An oasis wonder in the desert. Climb the dunes at sunset and wait for the starry sky to rise at night—utterly romantic. Camel riding and sand sliding are both worth trying. Jiayuguan Fortress The mighty western end of the Ming Great Wall. Climb the fortress tower and imagine the camel bells and clashing armor of the Silk Road era; the sense of history is overwhelming. Dachaidan Emerald Lake Even more vibrant than Chaka Salt Lake, the lake’s mineral-rich waters display dreamy colors like emerald green and Tiffany blue, with salt pools scattered like shattered jade. Drone photography is highly recommended for stunning effects. Oil Town (Aksai) Filming location for "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe," an abandoned oil town with ruins and old cars full of post-apocalyptic vibes. Great for cinematic photos and perfect for a cool, edgy style check-in. Qilian Mountain Grassland A gentle finale to the loop, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and lush green grass underfoot, herds of cattle and sheep roaming. In summer, wildflowers bloom everywhere—ride horses or lie on the grass soaking up the sun, pure bliss. 🚗 Self-Drive Tips The entire loop is about 2,700 kilometers; 7-10 days is recommended, with daily driving limited to 4-6 hours. The Qinghai section is at high altitude; watch for altitude sickness and bring oxygen bottles and common medications. The temperature difference between day and night is huge; even in summer, bring a windbreaker. Gas stations are far apart; fill up whenever you find one. The beauty of Qinghai-Gansu can only be captured one-tenth by a camera—the rest you have to experience yourself. Let’s go, the most beautiful scenery is on the road! 🌄

Recently, a spontaneous trip to Northwest China is quietly emerging, taking you through the ancient passes and cultural Dunhuang, allowing you to experience the profound charm of Silk Road culture. Let’s embark on this meaningful journey together, broaden our horizons, and find a comfortable corner for the soul. - ✅ Itinerary: 🌟 Day 1: Xining — Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake — Chaka Salt Lake — Delingha 🌟 Day 2: Dachaidan — Emerald Lake — Oil Town — Dunhuang 🌟 Day 3: Dunhuang — Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring — Shazhou Night Market free activities — Dunhuang 🌟 Day 4: Dunhuang — Son of the Earth — Jiayuguan — Zhangye Danxia — Zhangye 🌟 Day 5: Zhangye — Biandukou — Qilian Grassland — Gangshika Snow Mountain — Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (late July) — Xining - 🔹 Popular Attractions Check-in: 💎 Qinghai Lake: Like a deep sapphire, peaceful and pure, a masterpiece of nature 💎 Chaka Salt Lake: A picturesque salt lake, dreamlike between heaven and earth 💎 Emerald Lake: A jade-like lake shining green in the desolate land, like a legend 💎 Mogao Caves: Standing firm after a thousand years of wind and rain, witnessing the grandeur of history 💎 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: Mountains and water coexist, crystal clear 💎 Zhangye Danxia: Brilliant and colorful like morning clouds, a maze-like wonder 💎 Qilian Grassland: Vast alpine grassland, with melodious pastoral songs and picturesque scenery - ✅ Transportation Guide Local transportation: Northwest attractions are scattered, often hundreds of kilometers apart, with few public transport routes and sparse schedules. To fully enjoy Northwest China, these two travel options are recommended. . 💢 Private car rental: Complete control over your itinerary pace, stop anytime for stunning views, but relatively expensive, suitable for travelers seeking deep freedom. . 💢 Group tours: Worry-free all-inclusive mode covering meals, accommodation, and transport, plus the chance to meet like-minded companions on the journey. Just be sure to choose pure tours without shopping stops to avoid pitfalls! - 💁 Trip Highlights 🎉 Relaxed travel: Private car pick-up and drop-off throughout, say goodbye to luggage hassles, stop and go freely, super flexible! 🎉 Selected accommodations: Stay in highly rated local hotels, rest well after a day of fun, truly relax your body and mind! 🎉 Must-see attractions: All the essential spots in Qinghai and Gansu connected, your social media grid won’t be enough to post them all! 🎉 Students: Can also easily enjoy, cost-effective and excellent value Northwest trip!

For friends planning to travel the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop in March or April, dressing properly is essential. The temperature difference between morning and evening in Northwest China is significant, and wearing the right clothes will make your trip more comfortable. Here’s a practical guide tailored to the current weather—keep it handy~ Recently, many friends have messaged asking if it’s cold in Northwest China during this period, whether it will snow, and how to arrange their outfits. We’ve specially compiled the spring temperature and dressing tips for Northwest China. Follow these suggestions for a perfect fit 👇 1⃣️ In March, Northwest China gradually warms up, with daytime temperatures around 5-15°C, and early mornings and evenings close to freezing, feeling quite cool. 2⃣️ Snowfall is not common during this time; mostly sunny days prevail, with occasional light snow flurries. 3⃣️ The day-night temperature difference is obvious, so be sure to bring warm clothing. It’s recommended to carry a down jacket or a windproof shell jacket. 4⃣️ Entering April, daytime temperatures in Qinghai rise to 5-20°C, while Gansu is warmer. Spring clothes are just right for daytime, and in some parts of Gansu, the weather feels warm enough for light summer wear. No need to worry too much about the cold in April. Recent travel tips for Northwest China: 1. The blue ice scenery of Qinghai Lake will likely start melting gradually by late March. Those wanting to visit should plan accordingly and set off early. 2. The current views of Emerald Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are excellent; the lake surfaces are not frozen, making for great photo opportunities. 3. Visiting the Mogao Caves before the end of March offers a 50% discount, allowing you to see 10 caves. From April 1, peak season policies will resume. 4. Desert camping projects are expected to open gradually in late April. Performances at Mingsha Mountain may be arranged during the May Day holiday, with full official opening around early June. Classic Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Itinerary Reference 🎈 Seven-day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop itinerary D1. Arrival in Xining by plane/train (overnight) D2. Xining - Riyue Mountain (drive-by) - Daotang River (pass by) - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha (overnight) D3. Delingha - U-shaped Wanghong Highway - Water Yadan - Nan Baxian Yadan - Dachaidan (overnight) D4. Dachaidan - Emerald Lake - Heidushan - Oil Town - Dunhuang (overnight) D5. Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (overnight) D6. Dunhuang - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (overnight) D7. Zhangye - Qilian Mountain Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak (view from afar) - Menyuan (pass by rapeseed flower sea, blooming July-August) - Xining 🎈 Six-day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop itinerary D1. Arrival in Xining by plane/train (overnight) D2. Xining - Riyue Mountain (drive-by) - Daotang River (pass by) - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha (overnight) D3. Delingha - Emerald Lake - Oil Town - Dunhuang (overnight) D4. Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (overnight) D5. Dunhuang - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (overnight) D6. Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Mountain Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak (view from afar) - Menyuan (pass by rapeseed flower sea, blooming July-August) - Xining Northwest Travel Timing Suggestions 🎈 1. March and April are great off-peak travel periods in Northwest China. Except for the Qilian Grassland, which hasn’t fully turned green yet, other attractions offer a very pleasant experience. 🎈 2. Late June to the end of August is the peak travel season in Northwest China, with many tourists. If possible, try to avoid this busy period. 🎈 3. Tourist numbers during the May Day holiday are not overwhelming. If you want to avoid crowds, this is a good time to travel the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop or the Gannan Loop. 🎈 4. Choose small groups or private car tours and prepare in advance for peace of mind. Focus on these points: verify the travel company’s official credentials, check past sales and user reviews on platforms, and sign formal electronic contracts to protect your rights. . Images and text sourced from the internet; please notify us for removal if there is any infringement.

🚗 If you're going to Northwest China, you must prepare a solid plan‼️✅ Today, I'm sharing this treasure trove of a travel guide that I stayed up late to organize. Big data suggests sharing it with sisters planning to take family and friends to Northwest China—quickly save and bookmark it! 🏯 Itinerary: ➡️ Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Town ➡️ Day 2: Chaka - Life Tree filming location - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Dachaidan ➡️ Day 3: Dachaidan - U-shaped Highway - Water Yadan - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan ➡️ Day 4: Dachaidan - Heidushan & Yanzhishan - Oil Town -› Dunhuang ➡️ Day 5: Dunhuang City - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring - Dunhuang ➡️ Day 6: Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan - Rainbow Mountains - Zhangye ➡️ Day 7: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan Rapeseed Flowers (visible in July/August) — Xining (end of trip) ⚠️ Qinghai and Gansu attractions are quite spread out. Drive carefully if self-driving (4-5 hours of driving daily, you’ll just want to sleep when you arrive, no energy to explore; no signal in uninhabited areas, no help if something goes wrong). 👚 Clothing Tips Onion-style layering is the best Cold mornings and evenings, hot at noon, and windy ✅ Must bring a windbreaker for wind and cold protection ✅ 2-3 skirts are enough, no time to wash when changing hotels daily ✅ Disposable underwear is a lifesaver, throw away daily, no washing needed 💰 Scenic Spot Ticket Discounts Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 (free admission) (small attractions, transportation on your own) Police officers, medical workers, groups specified by tourism law and national policies (enjoy free or discounted tickets) 💰 Discount policies for Chaka Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Emerald Lake, Chaerhan Salt Lake (free admission for Zhejiang residents) 🍲 Food Recommendations 💯 Qinghai: Qinghai old yogurt, thick and rich, sweet and sour delicious 💯 Kangguo lamb, tender and flavorful lamb with a variety of side dishes 💯 Niangpi (cold skin noodles) with a smooth and chewy texture, paired with spicy chili oil and other seasonings, super appetizing 🍲 Gansu: 💯 Dunhuang donkey meat yellow noodles: tender and juicy donkey meat, chewy yellow noodles 💯 Zhangye beef rice, noodle pieces shaped like rice grains, fresh and tasty soup 💯 Jiayuguan barbecue with many varieties, grilled lamb crispy outside and tender inside, aromatic 🥰【Why Choose Us】 ✅ Small groups of 2-8 people, truly relaxed and free travel ✅ Pure sightseeing with no shopping stops, no wasted time ✅ Local experienced driver-guide leading the way, familiar with routes, knowledgeable about activities, and able to avoid pitfalls ✅ Full drone aerial photography service ✅ Stop and go as you please, no rushing or pushing ✅ No superficial sightseeing, focus on travel experience

The Great Northwest trip is over, here are some well-organized tips to avoid pitfalls. Ladies, we took advantage of the off-season to travel. Dunhuang was less crowded and beautiful, with lower temperatures but plenty of sunshine, perfect for a slow trip and photography. We thought the off-season would be easier, but we still ran into quite a few pitfalls! Today, we’re sharing our personal lessons and practical tips, hoping to help those planning to set off～ Each tip below is based on real experiences where we hit snags. 🍏Pitfall 1️⃣: Don’t drive into the core area of Heidushan! You can get stuck, fined, and damage the landscape. Just take photos from the safe outer area; the black gobi looks great in pictures too. It’s windy, so your hair can get messy—make sure to tie your hat with a windproof strap! . 🍏Pitfall 2️⃣: Don’t buy boat tickets at the Water Yadan! In March, the wind is strong and cold, causing headaches and motion sickness. The shore and sightseeing vehicles are enough for photos, no need to waste extra money. Remember to wear an extra windproof layer! . 🍏Pitfall 3️⃣: Don’t rush down Qilian Zhuoer Mountain at night! In March, mountain roads can have hidden ice, it gets dark quickly, visibility is poor, and it’s easy to slip. Try to enter the park before 3 PM, then return to the county for accommodation. Safety first! . 🍏Pitfall 4️⃣: Don’t buy sightseeing vehicle tickets in the Oil Town! The town is small, you can walk around in 10 minutes. The popular photo spot is right at the entrance. No need to spend money if you don’t have the exact change. A quick 10-minute photo stop is enough, no need to linger! . 🍏Pitfall 5️⃣: Don’t make a special detour to Dadi Zizi or Wujie! They’re just roadside spots for quick photos. In March, the wind is dry and cold, making a special trip waste fuel and freeze you. No need to go out of your way! . 🍏Pitfall 6️⃣: Don’t forget to bring wet wipes for Northwest dry toilets! Many scenic spots and roadside toilets have no water or lights, are dry and inconvenient. Wet wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer are practical essentials for women traveling! . 🍏Pitfall 7️⃣: Don’t wear low-cut shoes or UGG boots at the salt lakes! Chaka and Chaerhan are full of saltwater and fine sand. Wet shoes will freeze your feet and are hard to clean. High-top waterproof shoes are more practical. Don’t sacrifice comfort just for photos! . 🍏Pitfall 8️⃣: Don’t run or jump vigorously in the plateau areas! In March, oxygen levels are low, and even a little running causes shortness of breath and headaches. Walk slowly and take photos slowly. Altitude sickness can make you uncomfortable. Bring plenty of hot water in a thermos! . 🍏Pitfall 9️⃣: Don’t buy roadside specialty products randomly! Goji berries, yak jerky, and milk tablets are overpriced at scenic entrances. If you want souvenirs, go to large supermarkets in the city for better prices and authenticity. Avoid being scammed! ～ 🌟 Bonus This Northwest trip was very meaningful! Special thanks to my travel agency and tour leader✨ They arranged everything perfectly—transportation, tickets, accommodation, and routes. They reminded us in advance about March’s wind, warmth, and dryness, and took us to lesser-known beautiful photo spots. Following them meant no planning worries, we didn’t miss any scenery or food, just enjoyed the trip and made many wonderful memories and photos🌷! . Images and text sourced from the internet; please notify us for removal if there is any infringement.

This is a classic loop that thoroughly covers snow-capped mountains, lakes, yardangs, deserts, Danxia landforms, and grasslands. Seven days is just right, packed with essential tips and no detours! - ✅ How to Get to Xining ✈️ Air: Direct flights to Xining Caojiapu International Airport are available from all over the country 🚄 Rail: Xining Station (both high-speed and regular trains stop here). Remember, Xining has only one train station 🚌 City Transport: Buses cover the entire city, and shared bikes are convenient for short distances; you can get a bus ride QR code through Alipay’s “Travel” feature 🚗 Taxi: It’s recommended to use online ride-hailing services. Avoid unofficial vehicles near scenic spots and be mindful of peak hours and restricted zones --- 📅 Daily Highlights Day 1 Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town - Depart from Xining and dive straight into the deep blue of Qinghai Lake, where the water connects with snow mountains and grasslands, like a natural oil painting - In the afternoon, check in at Chaka Salt Lake, the “Mirror of the Sky,” where the surface reflects blue skies and white clouds, making every photo a cool masterpiece - Stay overnight in Chaka Town and warm up with a bowl of hearty mutton soup to ease travel fatigue **Day 2 Chaka → Xiaocaidan Lake → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Dachaidan** - The deep blue of Xiaocaidan Lake contrasts sharply with the vast Gobi Desert, grand yet lonely - The salt crystals of Chaerhan Salt Lake sparkle under the sun; it’s China’s largest soluble potash and magnesium salt deposit - Enjoy a delicious mutton hotpot dinner in Dachaidan, with tender meat that satisfies cravings **Day 3 Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway → Water Yardang → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan** - The U-shaped Highway cuts through the desert like a heavenly road, known as China’s version of Route 66, with a 100% photo-worthy rate 📸 - Water Yardang is the world’s only water yardang landform cluster, with strange rocks standing in a turquoise lake, creating a magical atmosphere - Emerald Lake displays various colors like green and light blue due to minerals, resembling a gem embedded in the earth Day 4 Dachaidan → Rouge Mountain → Heidu Mountain → Oil Town → Dunhuang** - Rouge Mountain glows with warm pink and purple hues at dusk, a hidden gem for photos - Heidu Mountain’s gray and white streaks look like ink wash paintings, exuding a cool and detached vibe - Oil Town was a filming location for “Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe,” with abandoned buildings full of wild west atmosphere - Arrive in Dunhuang by evening, where the desert oasis’s lively atmosphere awaits you Day 5 Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake → Dunhuang** - Mogao Caves are a treasure trove of Buddhist art, with millennium-old murals and sculptures telling Silk Road stories - Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake are a natural wonder where desert sands meet clear springs; ride camels and watch the sunset to feel the “lonely smoke rising straight in the vast desert” - At night, explore Shazhou Night Market and feast on local delicacies like donkey meat noodles and apricot peel water Day 6 Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Danxia → Zhangye** - Jiayuguan is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall, with a profound sense of history as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven” - Rainbow Danxia’s layers of orange, red, brown, and yellow create stunning light and shadow effects at sunrise and sunset, like nature’s palette - Stay overnight in Zhangye and soothe travel fatigue with a bowl of spicy noodles and steamed buns Day 7 Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Mountain → Menyuan Flower Sea → Xining** - Qilian Grassland is lush and green with herds of cattle and sheep, backed by continuous snow mountains, one of China’s six most beautiful grasslands - From afar, Gangshika Snow Mountain’s peak is snow-covered year-round, holy and awe-inspiring - In July, Menyuan Flower Sea blooms with millions of acres of golden rapeseed flowers, forming a breathtaking scene with blue skies, white clouds, snow mountains, and grasslands Finally, return to Xining to perfectly close this Northwest journey -- ⭕️ Travel Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 🔥 The temperature difference between day and night in the Northwest is large; even in summer, bring a thick jacket 🔥 Sun protection is a must! High UV areas require sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen 🔥 Some scenic spots have weak signals; it’s recommended to download offline maps in advance 🔥 Tickets for Mogao Caves must be booked in advance 🔥 For salt lake photos, wear bright-colored long dresses and avoid white to prevent blending into the scenery --

| Weld the romance of the Northwest into your social circle✨ Who would understand! After completing this Qinghai-Gansu loop, I directly engraved "the ideal world" into my DNA! -- 🌊 **Day 1 Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake** Depart from Xining and dive straight into the blue of Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake. Then head to Chaka Salt Lake to step into the "Mirror of the Sky." At an altitude of 3,059 meters, the clouds seem within reach, and every photo comes with a natural cool filter! · 🏜 **Day 2 Dachaidan** The U-shaped highway is incredibly photogenic! Known as the "China version of Route 66," the straight road pierces into the desert heartland, creating a full atmosphere📸 The magical Water Yadan, the emerald green of the Jade Lake—Dachaidan perfectly captures the "harshness and gentleness of the Northwest"! · 🏔 **Day 3 Dachaidan → Dunhuang** The gray-white stripes of Heidushan resemble an ink wash painting, and the ruins of the oil town carry a mysterious story... Finally, plunge into the wind and sand of Dunhuang, where the murals of the Mogao Caves and the Crescent Lake of Mingsha Mountain hold a millennium of romance! · 🏯 **Days 4-5 Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye** Immerse yourself in the awe of the thousand-year-old caves in Dunhuang, then touch the historic Great Wall at Jiayuguan, and finally dive into the "palette" of the colorful Danxia landform in Zhangye🌄 Nature’s craftsmanship will truly leave you speechless! · 🌿 **Day 6 Qilian Grassland → Menyuan → Xining** On the last day, leave the gentleness to Qilian Grassland, watch cattle and sheep graze leisurely under the snow-capped mountains, and Menyuan’s rapeseed flower sea looks like a ground covered in gold, perfectly closing this Northwest journey! · 📝 **Travel Tips** - Ticket prices reference: Qinghai Lake 90 RMB / Chaka Salt Lake 60 RMB / Mogao Caves 238 RMB / Mingsha Mountain 110 RMB / Jiayuguan 100 RMB / Colorful Danxia 93 RMB, most others are free! - Clothing: Big temperature difference between morning and night, mix a windbreaker with a skirt for photos that are both beautiful and warm! - Essentials: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hydrating spray—Northwest is really dry and sunny! This 6-day Qinghai-Gansu loop covers snow mountains, lakes, deserts, Danxia landforms, and grasslands, every step is worth it! Tag the person you want to run away with to the Northwest, this trip is truly addictive for anyone who goes! -

🔥 Qinghai-Gansu 5-day Special Forces Guide｜Just Copy It! Average 20,000 Steps a Day to Explore Northwest China Who’s still slowly planning a Qinghai-Gansu trip? This Special Forces 5-day tour is the ultimate efficiency! Pinpoint timing every day, locking your time at the attractions, perfect for students and workers✅ - 🚀DAY 1 Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha Land in Xining and head straight to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake, with a glowing blue surface and rapeseed flowers—100% photo-worthy🌊 Chaka Salt Lake, the “Mirror of the Sky,” is a must-visit. On sunny days, the mirror effect is stunning. Remember to wear bright-colored dresses for reflection shots. Overnight in Delingha, feel the “desolate city in the rain” described by poet Haizi. 🚀DAY 2 Delingha → Emerald Lake → Oil Town → Dunhuang Emerald Lake looks like a green gem scattered by God on the Gobi Desert. The salt lake water layers in the former chemical plant mining area are absolutely stunning💚 Oil Town is the filming location of “Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe,” full of ruins vibe, perfect for shooting western-style blockbusters. At night, rush to Dunhuang Night Market for skewers + apricot skin water to recharge for the next day. 🚀DAY 3 Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Crescent Lake → Shazhou Night Market Mogao Caves: a World Cultural Heritage site with 735 caves and 45,000㎡ of murals. Only with a guide can you truly grasp the awe of this millennia-old civilization. Crescent Lake: a desert and spring coexistence wonder. Ride camels, sandboard, and chase a desert sunset in the evening🐪 Shazhou Night Market: carb heaven! Donkey meat yellow noodles, grilled lamb chops, apricot skin water—so good you won’t want to leave until dawn. 🚀DAY 4 Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains → Zhangye Jiayuguan: the western end of the Ming Great Wall, “the first mighty pass under heaven.” Stand on the wall and feel the grandeur of the Gobi and snow-capped mountains. Rainbow Mountains: catch the sunset! The red, orange, yellow, and brown mountains are painted like an oil painting by the sunlight—a natural palette confirmed. Overnight in Zhangye, wake your tired body with a bowl of Zhangye spicy noodles. 🚀DAY 5 Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika → Xining Qilian Grassland: hills full of cattle and sheep, the iconic scene of “wind blowing the grass low to reveal the herds” hits your eyes directly. One of China’s six most beautiful grasslands. Gangshika Snow Peak: the closest 5000-meter snow mountain to Xining, snow-covered and super healing. You can get close by shuttle bus. Finally, return to Xining, visit the Tibetan Culture Museum, and end with a bowl of sweet fermented barley or niangpi (fermented cold noodles). - 💡Special Forces Exclusive Tips Self-driving or chartering a car is the best way; attractions are far apart, don’t waste time on public transport. Big temperature difference between day and night! Keep a light jacket + sun protection clothes on you, prepare altitude sickness medicine in advance. Book Mogao Caves tickets 10 days ahead! Don’t miss the sunset at Rainbow Mountains; the light is the soul. Bring enough water and snacks every day; buying things in the Gobi is really inconvenient. - ✨Closing copy In 5 days, explore all the lakes, deserts, mountains, and cities of Northwest China. Even Special Forces can have a blast! Just copy this guide, no need to do homework, and you can master Qinghai-Gansu🌄 -

For sisters planning to travel to the Northwest region from April to June, please stop blindly referring to outdated travel guides! Pay more attention to timely updated practical guides locally to get more reliable reference information 😎 - 🌤 Climate Conditions 💎 In April, Qinghai and Gansu see the spring colors deepen, with temperatures ranging from -2℃ to 8℃ and significant day-night temperature differences. It is recommended to bring warm jackets! 💎 In May, temperatures gradually rise, ranging from 5℃ to 20℃. Spring clothing is suitable, but keep warm in the early morning and evening. 💎 June’s climate is more pleasant, with temperatures around 7℃ to 24℃. You can wear short sleeves during the day, but it’s advisable to pair with a windbreaker at night. - 📝 Pre-Trip Preparation ✔️ Make a travel plan: Be sure to plan in detail before traveling to avoid wasting time on the road. ✔️ Book transportation tickets: Confirm flight or train tickets in advance during peak travel seasons. ✔️ Reserve attraction tickets: It’s difficult to buy tickets on-site for popular spots; the Mogao Caves require booking 30 days in advance. ✔️ Pack your luggage: Prepare essential items ahead and double-check before departure. ✔️ Monitor weather changes: Check real-time weather. Qinghai’s scenery is beautiful but photography is greatly affected by weather; rainy days are inconvenient for sightseeing and affect photos. - 🕒 Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 5-Day Itinerary 🔸 Day 1: Xining — Qinghai Lake — Chaka Salt Lake — Delingha 🔸 Day 2: Delingha — Emerald Lake — Oil Town — Dunhuang 🔸 Day 3: Dunhuang — Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring — Shazhou Night Market 🔸 Day 4: Dunhuang — Jiayuguan Fortress — Rainbow Mountains — Zhangye City 🔸 Day 5: Zhangye — Qilian Grassland — Gangshika Snow Peak — Menyuan — Xining - 🌄 Attraction Tips and Suggestions 1️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake: Visit on clear days! Cloudy weather greatly diminishes the scenery and mirror effect. 2️⃣ Rapeseed Flower Fields: Best viewing period is July/August! There is a fee inside the attraction, but roadside viewing is free. 3️⃣ Mingsha Mountain: Keep your personal belongings safe! Lost items in the desert are hard to recover. 4️⃣ Booking Reminder: Popular attractions like the Mogao Caves require advance ticket booking through official platforms! 5️⃣ Grassland Photography: Do not enter pastures for photos without permission; prior approval is required. - 👉 【Accommodation Suggestions】 ⛩ Xining: Choose hotels in the city center for convenient city sightseeing. ⛩ Dunhuang: Stay near the Mogao Caves to save travel time. ⛩ Qinghai Lake: Experience family guesthouses or lakeside camping to get close to nature. - ❤️【Important Tips】 ◼️ Altitude Adaptation: Rest well upon arrival at high altitudes and avoid intense activities. ◼️ Weather Changes: Significant day-night temperature differences; layering is recommended. ◼️ Cultural Respect: Follow local etiquette when visiting religious sites. -

Explore the vast lands of Qinghai and Gansu, pursue the pure Northwest charm, and private car travel is undoubtedly a great choice. Exclusive routes, flexible timing, and freedom to roam make your trip a leisurely feast‼ --- ⭕What are the advantages of private car travel on the Qinghai-Gansu loop? There are three ways to travel Qinghai-Gansu: 1. Self-driving: Although self-driving offers freedom, Qinghai is vast, with daily driving exceeding 6 hours on average. Driving alone can be exhausting. Moreover, the car rental market is mixed, and in case of accidents, compensation procedures are complicated and not worth the trouble! 2. Carpooling: Groups range from 6 to dozens of people. Large groups often compress sightseeing time due to low prices, resulting in early mornings and late nights, which diminishes the experience. Small carpool groups may struggle to find like-minded companions, and itinerary conflicts can spoil the trip! 3. Private car: Customized exclusive routes and vehicles based on the number of people 🚗, with 1-on-1 service from professional planners. Choose any attractions and activities, enjoy flexible timing, and travel at your own pace. You also have the chance to explore local hidden gems and photo spots 📸. Worry-free throughout, one-stop service, professional and easy to enjoy! · 🌟 Small tip: For Qinghai-Gansu travel, we sincerely recommend choosing private car customized tours for peace of mind, especially for the Qinghai-Gansu big loop. Private car tours in Qinghai efficiently cover must-see spots! No need to squeeze into a car with strangers, more freedom to check in at attractions, and the itinerary can be tailored to your needs for a happy and comfortable trip~ · ❓What is a private car customized tour? It’s a special itinerary and experience tailored just for you based on your preferences, requirements, and budget. You form an independent group without sharing the car with strangers. The planner, customer service, driver, and hotel staff all fully cater to your needs and can serve you according to your schedule. Just tell us what your ideal trip looks like, and we will make it a reality. -- 🚗[Recommended Qinghai-Gansu Big Loop Itinerary] For reference only Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) - Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Day 2: Chaka - Xiaochaidan Lake - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan Day 3: Dachaidan - Water Yadan - 315 Highway - Dachaidan Day 4: Dachaidan - Oil Town - Silk Road Film City - Dunhuang Day 5: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang Day 6: Dunhuang - Guazhou - Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan Fortress - Zhangye Danxia - Zhangye Day 7: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Gangshika Snow Peak - Menyuan - Xining · Advantages of choosing our private car tours 💯 Licensed private car company with formal contracts 💯 Local drivers with excellent driving skills, familiar with road conditions and experienced, serving as both guides and team leaders throughout 💯 Transparent and reliable pricing, all-inclusive with no hidden fees 💯 One-on-one private customized pure play routes, zero shopping stops, free to stop and go as you please 💯 Free airport/station pickup and drop-off, 24/7 one-on-one service throughout · ✅ Recommended types of private cars 👉1-4 people: Recommended off-road vehicles or SUVs, suitable for small groups. 👉5-6 people: Choose 7-seat business vans, single seats per person, spacious and comfortable. 👉7-8 people: Recommended luxury business vans (9 seats) for a more pleasant journey. 👉9-30 people: Choose luxury coaches with 12-38 seats, suitable for group travel. Price includes: vehicle parking fees, fuel, tolls, and driver’s meals and accommodation 🎊. · 👗 Dressing tips: Northwest has “four seasons in one day,” so onion-style layering is recommended! • Qinghai section (salt lakes/grasslands): Wearing white/red/yellow long dresses looks magical; bring a windbreaker or light down jacket due to strong winds! • Dunhuang/Zhangye (desert/Danxia): Cool and edgy or wasteland style, Martin boots are good for walking and photos • Physical sun protection essentials: wide-brim hat + sunglasses + sun protection face scarf, UV rays are very strong, don’t slack off 🧴 Skincare: Hydration is lifesaving! Bring lip balm, high-moisture cream, hydrating masks (one daily), and body lotion. The Northwest is so dry it will make you question life. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, altitude sickness headache medicine; if worried about altitude sickness, bring glucose. Avoid washing hair or bathing on the first day. 📸 Other essentials: Power bank (20,000mAh), thermos, sunscreen SPF50+, disposable underwear, U-shaped neck pillow (essential for long drives) ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】 • Mogao Caves tickets: Must book at least one month in advance on the official website! Category A tickets are hard to get. • Chaka Salt Lake: Best photos on sunny days, recommended to visit early morning or late evening. • Heidushan/No-man’s Land: Download offline maps as there is no signal, avoid going deep into undeveloped areas. 🍖【Food Recommendations】 Delingha: Kangguo lamb (with potatoes and wide noodles is amazing) Dachaidan: Yak hotpot + sea buckthorn juice Dunhuang: Must-try donkey meat yellow noodles, apricot skin water, roasted lamb kidney at Shazhou Night Market Zhangye: Fried cannon, hand-pulled fish noodles 💡 Travel tips The Northwest has large temperature differences between day and night, bring a thick jacket! Don’t forget sunscreen 🧴 Distances between attractions are long, prepare snacks and water, and bring motion sickness medicine Emerald Lake and Chaka Salt Lake have the best photo conditions on sunny days, check weather forecasts before setting out Mogao Caves tickets must be booked in advance, very hard to buy on site! --

Who gets it! After finishing this Qinghai-Gansu route, I have 1,000 photos on my phone that I just can’t finish sharing😭 From the blue of Qinghai Lake to the sands of Dunhuang, from the colors of Danxia to the grasslands of Qilian, 7 days to see all the romance of Northwest China! -- 👗 Spring Outfit Recommendations (Life-saving + photogenic, no mistakes) ✨ Must-bring Clothing (categorized by scene, beginners can just copy) ▫️ Outerwear: Hard-shell windbreaker (windproof and sand-resistant, wear 4 out of 5 days, never idle) + lightweight down liner (compressible, space-saving, emergency warmth for high altitudes)🧥 ▫️ Innerwear: Thin wool sweater/long-sleeve sweatshirt/quick-dry T-shirt (can be worn alone when it warms up at noon, quick-dry is best, sweat won’t stick) ▫️ Bottoms: Fleece-lined leggings + cargo pants/denim wide-leg pants (windproof, slimming, dirt and wear resistant, great for photos)👖 ▫️ Footwear: Martin boots (versatile and durable, prevent grass seeds sticking to pants) + waterproof shoe covers (essential for Chaka Salt Lake and Danxia, no need for slippers)👢 ✨ - 🎒 Travel Essentials Checklist (tested and reliable, life-saving gear) 🌟 Sunscreen (most important! UV rays in Northwest China are very strong, physical sunscreen > sunscreen lotion) ▫️ High SPF sunscreen (SPF50+, lotion texture, sprays may be confiscated at security, bring lotion type if possible) ▫️ Physical sunscreen four-piece set: neck protector + full-finger gloves + wide-brim fisherman's hat + polarized sunglasses (salt lake reflections are dazzling, sunglasses are a must)😎 ▫️ Ice silk sun protection clothing (UPF50+, zipper that can be pulled up to below the eyes is best, full coverage sun protection) 🌟 Warmth & Practical ▫️ Thin down liner/fleece jacket (very cold mornings and evenings, emergency warmth at high altitude, compressible and space-saving) ▫️ Moisturizing trio: hydrating mask (one sheet daily! Northwest China is very dry) + lip balm + sea salt nasal spray (dryness warning: nosebleeds possible)💧 ▫️ Emergency items: glucose powder (for altitude sickness) + motion sickness medicine (must for long drives) + small oxygen canister (cheaper in Xining city than at scenic spots) - 🚗 7-Day Route, no detours or pitfalls: D1: Gather in Xining (free airport pickup, hotel booked, just relax and acclimate to altitude) D2: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka (Qinghai Lake’s Heimahe Rubber Mountain to West Ring Road is closed, or you can choose Erlangjian Scenic Area; barefoot walking in Chaka Salt Lake is not recommended, we prepared shoe covers) D3: Chaka → Delingha “Tree of Life” check-in → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan (Chaerhan’s apple green and Emerald Lake’s Tiffany blue, see two salt lakes in one day, aesthetic overload but can’t stop shooting) D4: Dachaidan → Heidushan → Dangjinshan → Dunhuang (Heidushan is a hidden gem, looks like ink painting and the moon’s surface) D5: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring → stay in Dunhuang (Mogao Caves tickets are tight, we booked 30 days in advance; Mingsha Mountain recommended after 6 PM, sand won’t burn feet, sunset is stunning) D6: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan (view from afar) → Danxia Rainbow Mountains → Zhangye (Son of the Earth lying on the Gobi Desert, just a glance breaks your heart; Danxia Mountain waits for sunset to pour the palette, original photos straight out) D7: Zhangye → Qilian Mountain Grand Canyon → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak (view from afar) → Xining airport drop-off (Last day crosses grasslands and snowy mountains, car window as a picture frame, a perfect finale for you) -- 💡 Must-See Tips 1. Transportation: Recommend chartering a car, long drives between spots, more freedom 2. Tickets: Book Mogao Caves and Chaka Salt Lake 3 days in advance! Go to Danxia Rainbow Mountains early morning to avoid crowds 3. Clothing: Before April, big temperature difference between day and night! Bring windbreaker + thin down jacket, sunscreen glued on your face 4. Altitude sickness: Acclimate in Xining for 1 day, no running or jumping 5. Photography: Emerald Lake, Mingsha Mountain, Danxia Rainbow Mountains are photo kings! Wear light-colored clothes for better shots -- ⚠️ Honest advice time: • Don’t drive yourself, distances between Qinghai spots are hundreds of kilometers, driving will drive you crazy • Don’t be cheap and join low-cost tours, sudden price hikes on the road will make you cry • Bring face masks and body lotion, Northwest China is dry enough to make you question life We only do two things: pave the way for you, then quietly watch you post on social media and get asked “which tour company did you join?” -

This 5-day route through Qinghai and Gansu is a real treasure! You can explore the essence of the Hexi Corridor with a small budget. The millennium-old murals of the Mogao Caves are so stunning they leave you speechless. Along the way, enjoy a variety of lamb noodle soups and handmade yogurt every meal. The accommodations are warm and affordable, and the entire itinerary is super worry-free. Just follow along and you’ll be fine! . Save this guide to have even more fun ↓ . 🗺️ Itinerary: Day 1: Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake · Heima River — Chaka Salt Lake Cross Riyue Mountain to embrace the scenery of Qinghai Lake, feel the vastness by Heima River, then explore the sky mirror, Chaka Salt Lake. Day 2: Dacaidan Emerald Lake — Aksai Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base — Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City From the emerald wonderland of Emerald Lake to the desolate aesthetics of the film base, finally immerse yourself in the historical corridor of the Silk Road Heritage City. Day 3: Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Make a pilgrimage to the treasure trove of Eastern art, the millennium murals of Mogao Caves, and in the evening encounter the desert miracle of Crescent Spring at Mingsha Mountain. Days 4 - 5: Sons of the Earth — Sculpture Without Borders — Jiayuguan Fortress — Rainbow Mountains — Qilian Grassland — Gangshika Snow Peak — Menyuan Flower Sea Traverse the Gobi sculpture groups and the mighty Jiayuguan Fortress, immerse yourself in the palette of the Danxia landforms, then gallop across Qilian Grassland and encounter the three-dimensional painting of snow peaks and flower seas. . 🎒 Travel Essentials: 👔 Clothing: Warm outdoor jackets, lightweight down jackets due to large temperature differences; comfortable waterproof shoes suitable for Qinghai Lake and other scenic spots. 📎 Accessories: Sunglasses and sunscreen because of strong plateau UV rays; thermos cup to drink more hot water to relieve dryness. 🗂 Documents and Others: ID card, student ID and other discount certificates; power bank, common medicines, better to be prepared. . Quickly save this guide and start your perfect journey!

"A ruin forgotten by time, a movie attacked by monsters." When I first saw photos of the oil town on social media, I thought it was just a special effects composite. But when I actually stood on the streets of Boluo Zhuanjing, looking at the bus stuck upside down in the ground, the clawing monster sculptures, the weathered "Safety Production" slogans, and the 1980s-style government buildings and kindergarten silently enduring the Gobi winds — at that moment, I finally understood what "ruins aesthetics" means. This is not a Hollywood set, but the real old county town of Aksay, a "western ghost town" that thrived because of oil and was abandoned due to resource depletion. Today, it has been reborn thanks to movies like "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" and "The Fierce West Wind," becoming the most unique "post-apocalyptic check-in spot" on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. --- 🎯 Quick Overview 📍 Address: Boluo Zhuanjing Town, Aksay Kazakh Autonomous County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province (navigate to "Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base" or "Aksay Oil Town") 🎫 Tickets: Peak season (April-October) 30 RMB/person, off-season (November-March) 20 RMB/person; half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.2 meters ⏰ Opening Hours: Peak season 08:30-19:00, off-season 09:00-17:00 🚗 Transportation: 1.5-hour self-drive from Dunhuang (about 105 km), or charter/shared rides available --- 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-drive: Navigate to "Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base." From Dunhuang, drive northwest along National Highway G215. The road conditions are good, and a regular car can reach the destination. Public Transport: - Charter or shared rides from Dunhuang, round trip costs about 80-100 RMB per person - Take a bus from Dunhuang Bus Station to Aksay County, then taxi about 20 km to the site ⚠️ Tip: The scenic area is located on the core route of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop and can be combined with visits to Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Heidu Mountain, and more. --- 🏛️ Must-Visit Spots 🚌 Upside-Down Bus | Landmark of "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" The most iconic scene from the movie! A bus stuck upside down in the middle of the road, surrounded by monster sculptures, is the prime spot for visitors to line up and take photos. 📸 Best Angle: Stand in front of the bus and shoot upwards to create a post-apocalyptic monster attack vibe. 👹 Monster Sculpture Group | Post-Apocalyptic Atmosphere Movie props left on buildings — wrapped chains, monsters with exposed fangs — somewhat terrifying, perfect background for shooting "end-of-the-world escape" blockbusters. 🏛️ Government Building | 1980s Memory Tiled maps, broken doors and windows, "Safety Production" slogans... walking inside feels like traveling back to 1980s China, ideal for vintage industrial-style photography. 🎭 Guangcai Kindergarten | Eerie Yet Playful The kindergarten door features two monster figures; the decay adds a touch of eeriness, making it one of the movie filming locations. ✈️ Airplane, Tank, Jeep | Military Props Scattered airplane, tank, and jeep props on the road ruins, leftover from filming. Any casual pose here makes for great photos. 🛣️ U.S. Route 16 Sign | Western Style A replica of the U.S. Route 16 sign from Mexico, adding a sense of western wilderness time travel. --- 🎭 Immersive Experience 🎬 Film-Style Photography Creation The town is a natural "vintage ruins photo studio." Bring a wide-angle lens for building panoramas and a telephoto lens for slogan details. Dress in vintage style (army green jackets, bell-bottom pants) or dark colors (to contrast with the ruins) to shoot themes like "post-apocalyptic escape" or "vintage life." 🌅 Gobi Sunset Viewing The west side of the town opens to the Gobi Desert with no obstructions, an excellent spot to watch the Gobi sunset. Around 18:00-18:30, the sun sets behind the Dangjin Mountains, painting the sky in orange-red and pink-purple gradients, with the afterglow casting over the ruins, creating a strong atmosphere. 🏍️ Wild Motorcycle Style Use abandoned jeeps and motorcycles as props to shoot cool western wild motorcycle-themed photos. --- 🍜 Taste of Aksay 🥩 Hand-Pulled Lamb Aksay Kazakh specialty, tender meat eaten by hand dipped in sauce, deliciously fresh. 🍜 Donkey Meat Yellow Noodles Noodles as thin as dragon whiskers and as long as golden threads, chewy and translucent, paired with donkey meat to whet the appetite and cut greasiness. 🥘 Lamb Stew Mainly lamb broth mixed with pork and chicken broth, fresh soup with tender meat, tasty and flavorful. 🍖 Barbecue, Hand-Pulled Noodles Simple snack stalls at the town entrance offer local specialty barbecue and hand-pulled noodles. --- 🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations Dunhuang City: 1.5 hours drive from the town, with a wide range of accommodations. Budget hotels around 150-200 RMB/person/night, mid-to-high-end hotels 300-500 RMB/person/night. New Aksay County (Hongliuwan Town): About 20 km from the town, mainly budget hotels, 120-180 RMB/person/night, book in advance during peak season. ⚠️ Note: No accommodation facilities inside the town; you must stay in Dunhuang or Aksay County. --- 🗺️ Half-Day Highlights Route Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Oil Town → Upside-Down Bus (line up for photos) → Monster Sculpture Group (shoot post-apocalyptic photos) → Government Building (vintage industrial style) → Guangcai Kindergarten (eerie and playful) → Airplane and Tank Area (military style) → U.S. Route 16 Sign (western vibe) Evening: Head to the Gobi Desert west of the town to watch the sunset (18:00-18:30) Night: Return to Dunhuang City for accommodation and visit Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring night view. --- 💝 Final Words When leaving Oil Town, the sunset gilded the ruins, and the distant Dangjin Mountains outlined a desolate silhouette in the dusk. I recalled a line from "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe": "Some cities are destined to be forgotten by time." Indeed, this oil town that once housed tens of thousands of people, from its prosperity in the 1980s to its relocation and abandonment in 1998, and now reborn as a "viral ruin" thanks to movies, tells us through twenty years of silence: decay is also a kind of beauty, and ruins have their spring. Those weathered walls, rusted stations, and broken door frames are not decay but art left by time. If you want to find a unique place on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, not just with Danxia landforms and deserts but also stories and feelings, come to Aksay Oil Town. Here, you can be the movie star, acting out a post-apocalyptic escape in front of the upside-down bus; be the photographer capturing the desolate beauty of the Gobi sunset and ruins; or be the traveler wandering the empty town, listening to the wind through broken windows, feeling the breath and memory of a city. May you and I both find our own unique aesthetic in this ruin forgotten by time, a reverence for the past, and the creativity that brings ruins back to life.

🎈If you want to escape the fast pace of big cities and briefly return to nature, spend a few days on the great Northwest Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop to clear your mind. 🚗These routes ✔ save money ✔ save worry ✔ save effort ✔ no early morning rush ✔ no special forces ✔ free itinerary, play and stop as you wish. 🔥Take you to places without ceilings, feel the so-called poetry and distant places, and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Northwest. - Travel Preparation 💯Documents: ID card, student ID. 💯Electronics: phone, camera, earphones, power bank. 💯Sun protection: high SPF sunscreen, cooling sleeves, sunglasses, etc. 💯Skincare: hydrating masks, toner and lotion, facial cleanser. 💯Medicines: mosquito repellent, stomach medicine, altitude sickness medicine. - 🌿Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Regular 6-Day Tour Recommendation: D1: Xining — Riyue Mountain (3820m) — Qinghai Lake (Heima River) — Chaka Town overnight [300km, 4h30min] D2: Chaka — Emerald Lake — Dachaidan overnight [436km, 5h] D3: Dachaidan — Heidu Mountain — Silk Road Heritage City — Dunhuang overnight [343km, 5h30min] D4: Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring — Dunhuang overnight [33km, 40min] D5: Dunhuang — via Jiayuguan Great Wall — Zhangye Danxia — Zhangye overnight [622km, 6h55min] D6: Zhangye — Biandukou Scenic Area — Qilian Grassland — Distant view of Gangshika Snow Mountain — Menyuan — Xining [381km, 5h20min] - 🌿Qinghai Lake, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Shuiya, Chaerhan 7-Day Grand Loop: (Carpool version) Day 1: Xining — Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake (Heima River) — Chaka Salt Lake (overnight) Day 2: Chaka — Chaerhan Salt Lake — Golmud or Dachaidan (overnight) Day 3: Golmud or Dachaidan — U-shaped Road — Water Yadan — Dachaidan Emerald Lake (overnight) Day 4: Dachaidan — Heidu Mountain — Dunhuang City (overnight) Day 5: Dunhuang — Mogao Caves (best to buy tickets around 9 AM) — Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring — Dunhuang (overnight) Day 6: Dunhuang City — via Jiayuguan — Zhangye Danxia — Zhangye (overnight) Day 7: Zhangye — Qilian Mountains Qilian Grassland — Gangshika Snow Peak (distant view) — Xining City (end) - 🌿 "Tree of Life" Same Style 8 Days 7 Nights Loop D1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka D2: Chaka → "Tree of Life" filming location → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Golmud D3: Golmud → Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace → Yuzhu Peak Viewing Platform → Kekexili → Golmud D4: Golmud → U-shaped Road → Water Yadan → Dachaidan D5: Dachaidan → Emerald Lake → Heidu Mountain → Rouge Mountain → Dunhuang D6: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D7: Dunhuang → Son of the Earth → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia → Zhangye D8: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Xining - ✅Must-Visit Attractions Qinghai Lake: The sapphire on the plateau, you can cycle or drive around the lake, immerse yourself in the lake and mountain scenery. Emerald Lake: A paradise for aerial photography lovers, the lake water is colorful like a palette, wearing bright clothes is recommended for better photos. Mogao Caves: Be sure to book in advance through official channels! The murals and sculptures inside the caves are breathtaking, a millennium treasure of Silk Road civilization. Zhangye Danxia: Most beautiful at sunset, the interplay of light and shadow makes the Danxia colors brilliant, especially vivid after rain. Qilian Grassland: A gentle end to the trip, lush green grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and a distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak. ✅Attraction Pitfall Guide 🚩Chaka Salt Lake: Highly weather-dependent; sunny days are best for the "Mirror of the Sky" effect, cloudy days greatly reduce the experience. 🚩Water Yadan: Many mosquitoes, be sure to bring mosquito repellent or you will be bothered by bites. 🚩Jiayuguan: If time is tight, take photos outside the city tower; internal visits are not cost-effective. 🚩Oil Town, Yangguan: Mainly artificial landscapes or ruins, generally not very scenic, can be skipped if desired. - ✅Northwest Off-Season and Peak Season Ticket Prices 🔷Qinghai Lake | Off-season 40, Peak 90 🔷Chaka Salt Lake | Free in Jan-Feb, Off-season 30, Peak 60 🔷Emerald Lake | Off-season 25, Peak 50 🔷Water Yadan | Off-season 30, Peak 60 🔷Mogao Caves | Off-season 145, Peak 238 (no B tickets in off-season) 🔷Zhangye Danxia | 108 year-round 🔷Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring | Off-season 55, Peak 110 - 💁Northwest Food Recommendations ▪️Lamb Offal Soup | Fresh broth, hearty and warming ▪️Hand-grabbed Lamb Ribs | Northwest specialty, rich meat aroma ▪️Milk Fermented Rice | Milky and smooth, sweet but not greasy ▪️Kang Pot Lamb Ribs | Local specialty, full of flavor ▪️Butter Tea | Salty or sweet options, experience Tibetan style - ✅Practical Tips | Pitfall Avoidance Guide ⚠️Sun Protection Trio: Sunglasses + Hat + High SPF Sunscreen, UV rays are very strong! ⚠️Clothing Advice: Big temperature difference between day and night, layer thin down jacket + windbreaker, look good and stay warm for photos! ⚠️Snacks Essential: High prices in scenic spots, bring extra snacks + thermos, replenish energy anytime! ⚠️Time Difference Reminder: Northwest is 1 hour behind, don’t follow the mainland biological clock for meals and sleep. -

The exact filming location of "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" is here! 📍Aksai Boluo Well Film Base, Gansu 🌟A world’s end vibe at 2880 meters above sea level This was once China’s last abandoned oil town 🏭 Completely deserted since 1983, it unexpectedly became the perfect set for ghost and monster movies 🌄 The ruins under the sunset create an apocalyptic movie scene with just a snap 📸 🚗 How I checked in: Park your car in front of the ruins (renting a black SUV is recommended for better photos!) Lean against the sunset and weathered buildings to instantly boost the atmosphere 💯 Remember to compose like I did: a clear car in the foreground, broken buildings in the midground, and snowy mountains in the background 🏔️ 🎬 Must-visit spots for film fans: - The hospital entrance from "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe" - Giant pipes at the factory ruins - The upside-down bus stop (perfect for creative shots!) ⌛ Tips for visiting: 1️⃣ Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM daily (best to go 2 hours before sunset for the best light!) 2️⃣ Outfit suggestions: workwear style or dark-themed outfits fit perfectly 3️⃣ Remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated on the plateau 💧 This road is lined with abandoned Russian-style buildings on both sides. Drive 18 kilometers to capture a set of post-apocalyptic style photos 🚗💨 Ladies, let’s go!

This is a travel guide to the Sugan Lake Wetland compiled for you. --- Sugan Lake Wetland Travel Guide: Explore Gansu's Largest Inland Lake and Bird Paradise At the junction of Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces, the meltwater from the southern slopes of the Altun Mountains quietly converges, nurturing two sparkling gems on the vast Haizi Grassland—Big Sugan Lake and Small Sugan Lake. This is not a typical tourist destination but a hidden gem on the Northwest travel circuit often overlooked. The Sugan Lake Wetland covers a total area of **12,000 hectares**, making it not only **Gansu Province's largest inland lake** but also an important stopover on the Central Asian migratory bird route, known as the "**Bird Island of Gansu**." If you long to escape the hustle and bustle and have an intimate encounter with nature, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and tens of thousands of migratory birds, keep this in-depth Sugan Lake travel guide handy. 1. Lake Overview: A Unique Salt and Freshwater Wetland Sugan Lake actually consists of two lakes about 20 kilometers apart, like a pair of eyes gazing affectionately at the Altun Mountains. - **Big Sugan Lake**: Located at the western end of Haizi Grassland, covering about 108 square kilometers, it is a saltwater lake. Its water mainly comes from the underground flow of the large and small Haerteng Rivers. The lake is deep and blue, with vast misty waves. - **Small Sugan Lake**: Situated on the northern side of the basin, covering about 11.6 square kilometers, it is a freshwater lake. Surface water first flows into Small Sugan Lake, then overflows through waterways into Big Sugan Lake, creating this unique salt-freshwater symbiotic system. The entire protected area lies between **2,795 and 2,810 meters** above sea level, composed of lakes, marshes, rivers, and the Haizi Grassland, forming a magnificent highland wetland ecosystem. 2. Best Time to Visit: Summer and Autumn to Meet Migratory Birds Sugan Lake’s beauty varies with the seasons, but the best time to visit is **summer and autumn (June to October)**. - **Summer (June to August)**: At this time, the Haizi Grassland is lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in abundance. Cool breezes blow by the lakeside, and the temperature is comfortable, making it an excellent summer retreat. Herds of cattle and sheep roam the grassland, and the white yurts of Kazakh herders dot the landscape, full of life. - **Early Autumn (September to October)**: This is the **most colorful season** at Sugan Lake. The wetland grasses start turning yellow and red, contrasting with the blue lake water and golden reeds, creating a picturesque scene like an oil painting. This is also when the largest number of migratory birds gather. Although large flocks of swans may not have arrived yet, many geese and ducks are present, and the lighting is perfect for photography. Note that spring (April to May) and early winter (November) are the best times to see rare birds like the **whooper swan**. During migration seasons, up to **126 bird species and over 200,000 birds** rest here. 3. Highlights and Activities **1. Birdwatching Paradise** Sugan Lake is truly a bird lover’s haven. Here, you can observe species such as **whooper swans, black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, and egrets**. Big Sugan Lake is designated as a provincial-level migratory bird nature reserve. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching. You can use binoculars to watch birds swimming, playing, and soaring over the lake without disturbing them. The reserve has birdwatching platforms and boardwalks for visitors’ convenience. **2. Haizi Grassland Pastoral Song** Sugan Lake is nestled within the Haizi Grassland. When visiting the lake, don’t just look at the water—take in the surrounding grasslands. This is the summer pasture of Kazakh herders, where you can experience the vastness of “the endless sky, boundless wilderness, and the wind blowing the grass low to reveal cattle and sheep.” If you’re lucky, you might meet warm Kazakh herders, experience their simple folk customs, and even enjoy a live Akyn singing performance. **3. Photography** Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual snapshooter, Sugan Lake will not disappoint. In your frame, you’ll find blue skies, white clouds, the towering Altun Mountains, azure lake water, golden grasslands, and lively birds—all perfectly blended. Especially after rain or at sunrise and sunset, the changing light creates breathtaking scenes where water and sky merge seamlessly. 4. Transportation and Accommodation Guide **1. Transportation** Sugan Lake is remote, and **self-driving is the best and almost the only way to get there**. - **Route**: Depart from Jiuquan or Dunhuang, navigate to “Sugan Lake” or “Aksay Kazakh Autonomous County.” The usual route is via the Lianhuo Expressway to Liuge Expressway, passing Dunhuang (or Aksay County), then along National Highway G215 toward Lenghu, and finally turning onto Provincial Road S305 to reach the lake. - **Road Conditions**: Roads near the lake are mainly provincial or county roads. While generally in good condition, some sections are narrow and often crossed by herders or animals, so drive carefully. Vehicles with some off-road capability are recommended to handle possible unpaved roads. **2. Accommodation and Dining** - **Accommodation**: Since Sugan Lake is in the core area of a nature reserve, **lodging around the lake is very limited or closed to protect the environment**. It is recommended to stay in the **county seat of Aksay Kazakh Autonomous County**, which offers hotels of various standards with good facilities to meet visitors’ needs. - **Dining**: Food options near the lake are scarce, so **bring enough snacks and drinking water**. Back in Aksay County, you can enjoy authentic Kazakh cuisine such as hand-pulled meat, milk tea, and horse sausage. 5. Recommended Itineraries **One-day tour**: Depart from Aksay County → Drive about 105 km (around 2 hours) to Sugan Lake → Visit Small Sugan Lake first to enjoy the tranquility of the freshwater lake → Travel along the grassland road to Big Sugan Lake → Watch migratory birds at the birdwatching platform and take scenic photos → Picnic on the grassland (please take all your trash with you) → Drive back in the afternoon, stopping anytime to photograph the Haizi Grassland scenery → Return to Aksay County for rest. **Extended loop (Aksay East Line Tour)**: If you have more time, include Sugan Lake in a larger eastern route: New Aksay County → Big and Small Sugan Lakes → Haizi Grassland → Haerteng International Hunting Ground → Turgan Daban Glacier Group. 6. Important Notes 1. **Ecological Protection is Everyone’s Responsibility**: Sugan Lake is a national-level important wetland and migratory bird nature reserve with a fragile ecosystem. Please strictly follow reserve rules, do not disturb or capture birds, do not enter the core protected fenced areas, and **take all your trash with you**. 2. **High Altitude and Climate**: The lake area is about 2,800 meters above sea level. Although severe altitude sickness is uncommon, avoid strenuous exercise. The plateau climate is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night—“wear a leather jacket in the morning and a light shirt at noon” is no exaggeration. **Always bring a windbreaker or thick jacket**. Strong UV rays mean sunglasses, hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. 3. **Supplies and Communication**: Before entering the lake area, fill up your gas tank and stock up on water and food in Aksay County. Mobile signals may be weak or unavailable in parts of the lake area, so download offline maps in advance and inform friends or family of your itinerary. 4. **Respect Local Customs**: The area around Sugan Lake is Kazakh herders’ pastureland. Please respect local ethnic customs when taking photos or interacting. The beauty of Sugan Lake lies in its originality and purity. Unlike popular tourist spots bustling with crowds, it has a healing power for the soul. When you quietly watch migratory birds take flight by the lake, gaze at the distant snow mountains, and feel the grass-scented breeze on the grassland, you will understand the true meaning of travel. Take this guide and go discover your own peaceful beauty in Northwest China.

#January Good Places 2026 Aksei Sugan Lake Migratory Bird Nature Reserve is a place not to be missed! As a birder, I really felt the shock of nature when I came here. The views around the lake are spectacular and the environment is serene, making it a great spot to observe migratory birds. Especially in autumn and winter, groups of rare birds such as dan-topped cranes and black-necked cranes gather here to spend the winter, making it a great place for eco-tourism. Although the facilities in the reserve are not very luxurious, the design is simple and practical, and the tour guide service is also quite professional, which will take you to understand the habits and ecology of each species of bird. It is worth mentioning that there is a great emphasis on environmental protection, which provides a platform to learn about ecology while protecting birds.

Visiting Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring in winter and spring is so comfortable! The wind is gentle, the view is crystal clear, riding camels through the vast desert with camel bells ringing in the breeze feels like a momentary journey back to the Silk Road. You can also check in at Boluo Zhuanjing Town, the filming location of "The Ghouls," and immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old Mogao Caves. The itinerary is easy and worry-free, with both romance and adventure included! -------------------- More exciting content, scroll down to see 👇 -------------------- 🗺️ Travel Route: DAY 1: Depart and arrive in Xining — Private transfer from airport — Free activities Upon arrival in Xining, enjoy seamless private airport pickup and explore freely, tasting authentic Northwest cuisine to start a leisurely first day. DAY 2: Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area — Chaka Salt Lake — Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area See the plateau pearl Qinghai Lake and the mirror of the sky Chaka Salt Lake in one day. Capture stunning photos of the vast northwest with lake reflections and salt shadows. DAY 3: Dacaidan Emerald Lake — Aksai Boluo Zhuanjing Film Base Cross the mint-colored salt fields of Emerald Lake, then venture into Boluo Zhuanjing Town, the filming location of "The Ghouls," to experience a blend of desolation and magic. DAY 4: Mogao Caves — Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old artistic treasure of the Mogao Caves in the morning, then have fun at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring in the afternoon! The gentle winds in winter and spring make it the perfect time to ride camels — camel bells ring softly in the wind, sand dunes covered in snow look like a fairy tale, ending at the flowing painting by Crescent Spring. DAY 5: Return from Dunhuang Private transfer to the airport to say goodbye to the desert, returning full of Silk Road stories. -------------------- Recommended Attractions: 🏔️ Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area A narrow, pointed peninsula stretching several kilometers, shaped like a sword. The winter frozen lake season offers a beautiful ice-pushing spectacle! Ice layers crack, collide, and pile up, huge ice floes push to the shore, ice crystals bloom like lotus flowers, coral-like formations appear. Close-up sparkling ice, distant vast snowy mountains — every shot is a winter fairy tale masterpiece. 🌌 Chaka Salt Lake Salt as white as snow reflecting the sky, pure as a mirror. Dreamy sunset photos are very popular! At sunset, the lake surface becomes a flowing painting, salt sculptures bathed in golden light. Under moonlight, salt crystals shine with a jade-like glow, painting a serene winter night on the plateau with the bright moon. The beauty of day and night alternation is breathtaking. 💎 Dacaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area The lake water is clear and blue, surpassing Chaka Salt Lake. A new popular check-in spot! Magnesium sulfate brine shows intertwined blue, green, and white colors. When calm, it reflects snowy mountains and the Gobi Desert. Walking on the salt bridge feels like stepping into a fairyland, with mirror-like lake and snow peaks in one frame. 🎨 Mogao Caves Dome cinema + grotto art, showcasing a thousand years of Buddhist culture. Snow in winter adds solemnity and grandeur! Snow on cave tops contrasts with ancient murals, sand and snow create unique textures. Ride camels to leave footprints and experience the magical fusion of desert and snow scenery. 🐫 Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring The eye of the desert, spectacular sand dunes with sparkling spring water. Camel riding is excellent in winter and spring! Camel bells blend with the wind, shadows stretch under the sun, forming a painting with Crescent Spring. When it snows, camel caravans travel on silver-covered dunes, like a fairy tale world. -------------------- Tips: · Customs and Traditions 👉 Respect local Tibetan customs, no random photos inside temples, and spin prayer wheels clockwise~ · Food Recommendations 🍲 Tibetan yogurt is rich and appetizing, hand-pulled lamb with brick tea is great for cutting grease, warm and authentic! · Souvenir Prices 💰 Tibetan silver jewelry can be bargained, yak jerky about 50 RMB per jin, remember to compare three shops before buying~ · February Climate ❄️ Big temperature difference between morning and night, down jackets + sunglasses are must-haves, protect against sun and cold! · Camel Riding at Mingsha Mountain 🐫 Slow camel bells in winter and spring, sand and snow blend like a fairy tale! Ride by number, hold the handle firmly, safely cross the thousand-year Silk Road~ -------------------- Set off now, click below to book and start an exciting journey!

💯Many people ask: "When is the best time to travel in Qinghai?" 🔜 As a seasoned Qinghai tour guide with five years of experience leading private tours, group tours, and carpooling trips, I’ll tell you the best time to visit the Great Northwest. ㊗️1️⃣㊗️ Off-season: November to April 🉐 : Cold weather, low prices, but the scenery along the way is not very attractive 🉐2️⃣🉐 Peak season: July to August, May Day, National Day 🉐 : Very crowded, high transportation and accommodation costs 💯3️⃣💯 Shoulder season: May, June, September (the best recommended time for the Great Northwest) ㊗️ : First, accommodation prices in this season are half of those in peak season ㊗️ : Second, the scenery is especially beautiful during this season ㊗️ : Attractions are not overcrowded In May and June, let's meet in the Great Northwest at Emerald Lake DAY1️⃣: Xining, Qinghai 🔜 Laji Mountain 🔜 Riyue Mountain Daotang River 🔜 Qinghai Lake cycling 🔜 Chaka Salt Lake 🔜 Wulange Ri Hotel 【Stay】 DAY2️⃣: Chaka Salt Lake 🔜 Keluke Lake Scenic Area 🔜 Emerald Lake 🔜 Haixi Dachaidan Juxin Business Hotel 【Stay】 DAY3️⃣: Dachaidan Town 🔜 China’s Route 66 🔜 Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park 🔜 Dongtai Jinaier Lake 🔜 Nan Baxian 🔜 Haixi Dachaidan Juxin Business Hotel 【Stay】 DAY4️⃣: Dachaidan Town 🔜 Oil Town 🔜 Dangjin Mountain 🔜 Yangguan Ruins 🔜 Dunhuang Infinite Outdoor Desert Camping Base 🔜 Dunhuang Huaxia International Hotel 【Stay】 DAY5️⃣: Dunhuang, Jiuquan 🔜 Mogao Caves 🔜 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 🔜 Shazhou Night Market 【Stay】 DAY6️⃣: Dunhuang, Jiuquan 🔜 Guazhou, Jiuquan 🔜 Son of the Earth 🔜 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🔜 Zhangye Gonghanglv Qilian Pearl Hotel 【Stay】 DAY7️⃣: Zhangye, Gansu 🔜 Qilian Grassland 🔜 Gangshika Snow Peak 🔜 Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea 🔜 Hui Family at the foot of Dabanshan Dabanshan 🔜 Xining, Qinghai Let’s meet in June Meet in Qinghai⏬⏬⏬

🗺【Route Guide】 Day 1⃣: Xining, Qinghai ～ Ta'er Monastery ～ Laji Mountain ～ Qinghai Lake ～ Boyue International Hotel (Chaka Branch) 【Stay】 Recommended local food in Xining city: Ma Zhong Restaurant (Mojia Street Branch), Shuijing Alley Market, Halal Yixin Lamb Hand-Pulled Restaurant (Huayuan North Street Branch) Day 2⃣: Chaka Salt Lake ～ Keluke Lake Scenic Area ～ Cypress Mountain ～ Dachaidan Bolv Oxygen Hotel 【Stay】 Day 3⃣: Dachaidan Town ～ Emerald Lake Scenic Area ～ China’s Route 66 ～ Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park ～ Dongtai Jinaier Lake ～ Nanbaxian Devil City ～ Dachaidan Bolv Oxygen Hotel 【Stay】 Day 4⃣: Dachaidan Town ～ Aksai Boluo Well Film Base ～ Yangguan Ruins ～ Dunhuang Starry Sky Desert Camping 【Stay】 Day 5️⃣: Dunhuang, Jiuquan ～ Mogao Caves ～ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring ～ "See Dunhuang Again" Performance ～ Dunhuang Mountain Villa 【Stay】 Day 6️⃣: Dunhuang, Jiuquan ～ Jiayuguan Fortress ～ Guazhou, Jiuquan ～ Son of the Earth ～ Jiuquan Mirage ～ Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ～ Gonghanglv Danxia Pearl Hotel (Zhangye Danxia Scenic Area Branch) 【Stay】 Day 7️⃣: Zhangye, Gansu ～ Qilian Grassland ～ Gangshika Snow Mountain Scenic Area (view from afar) ～ Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea ～ Heiquan Reservoir ～ Xining 【Stay】 🍽 Food Guide: Xining, Qinghai

DAY1️⃣ Xining·Qinghai 🔜 Qinghai Lake Qinghai Lake 🔜 Xiangpi Mountain 🔜 Chaka Salt Lake 🔜 Chaka Salt Lake Jintian Century Hotel 【Stay】 DAY2️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake Jintian Century Hotel 🔜 Keluke Lake Scenic Area 🔜 Little Qaidam Lake 🔜 Emerald Lake 🔜 Dachaidan Snow Mountain Hot Spring Resort Hotel 【Stay】 DAY3️⃣ Dachaidan Town 🔜 China’s Route 66 🔜 Water Yadan 🔜 East Taijiner Lake 🔜 West Taijiner Lake 🔜 Mangya Mangzhou Hotel 【Stay】 DAY4️⃣ Mangya·Haixi 🔜 Aiken Spring 🔜 Mangya Emerald Lake 🔜 Mangya·Haixi 【Stay】 DAY5️⃣ Mangya·Haixi 🔜 Lenghu Oilfield Ruins 🔜 Heidushan 🔜 Oil Town 🔜 Yangguan Ruins 🔜 Dunhuang Huaxia International Hotel 【Stay】 DAY6️⃣ Dunhuang Huaxia International Hotel 🔜 Mogao Caves 🔜 Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring 🔜 Shazhou Night Market 🔜 Dunhuang Shayu Outdoor (Desert Camping ~ Bonfire Party) 【Stay】 DAY7️⃣ Dunhuang·Jiuquan 🔜 Guazhou·Jiuquan 🔜 Son of the Earth 🔜 Jiayuguan Fortress 🔜 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park 🔜 Danxia Photography International Hotel 【Stay】 DAY8️⃣ Zhangye·Gansu 🔜 Biandukou Ecological Leisure Tourism Area 🔜 Qilian Grassland 🔜 Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea 🔜 Dabanshan 🔜 Heiquan Reservoir 【Stay】

So worry-free! This 5-day Xining itinerary lets you ride horses and shoot arrows on the grasslands, wear Tibetan costumes for stunning photos, and use a drone to capture desert off-roading and flying photos at Mingsha Mountain! At night, enjoy sand sledding, desert concerts, and dancing around the campfire. High energy and budget-friendly all the way—bookmark it now~ -------- Keep reading for all the essential tips -------- 🗺️ Itinerary: Day 1-2: Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake · Heima River -> Chaka Salt Lake -> Dacaidan Emerald Lake -> Aksai Boluo Well Film Base -> Dunhuang Silk Road Heritage City Cross from Qinghai to Gansu in two days, check in at secret salt lake spots and film bases, capture beautiful scenery with drone aerial shots, and explore Dunhuang’s charm freely at night. Day 3: Mogao Caves -> Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Immerse yourself in the art of Mogao Cave murals in the morning, ride camels and take flying photos at Mingsha Mountain in the afternoon, and experience desert concerts and bonfire parties at night. Day 4: Son of the Earth -> Jiayuguan Fortress -> Zhangye Danxia Landform Head east to admire sculptural wonders and the famous stronghold, then catch the sunset among the Danxia landforms at dusk. Enjoy thrilling and stress-relieving dune buggy rides on the sand. Day 5: Qilian Mountain Grassland -> Gangshika Snow Peak Ride horses and shoot arrows on the grassland while wearing Tibetan costumes, take photos freely at the foot of the snow-capped mountain, then end the trip with airport transfer, returning home full of northwest memories✨ -------- 🧳 Travel checklist: 🧥 Clothing: Thick down jacket, thermal underwear, fleece pants—Xining is very cold in February, so warmth is key; bring comfortable, non-slip snow boots. 🧣 Accessories: Essential wool hat, scarf, and gloves set; strong UV rays on the plateau mean sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen are a must. 📄 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount cards are essential; some attractions offer discounts; carry a small amount of cash just in case. 💊 Health: Prepare Rhodiola and other altitude sickness medicine, cold medicine, and stomach medicine; a thermos cup with hot water helps adapt to the plateau. 📱 Electronics: Phone and power bank with full charge; camera to capture snowy mountains and lakes, remember to bring a cold-proof cover to protect your gear. 🎒 Daily essentials: Lip balm and hand cream to fight dryness; portable toiletries, tissues, and wet wipes to enhance travel comfort. -------- Worry-free and budget-friendly, click below to book now and start your perfect journey with ease!

When 99% of people are crowding the Singing Sand Dunes in Dunhuang, I was enjoying "desert freedom" at Aksai National Desert Park! There are no tour groups here, only endless golden sand dunes, abandoned futuristic "UFO buildings," and at sunset even the wind helps create a cinematic filter — best of all, it's free all day, accessible by self-driving, truly a hidden gem of Northwest China travel! 📸 3 photo secrets to blow up your social feed! Outfit formula: Outdoor jacket + desert = walking Western movie protagonist Choose earth tones or black outdoor jackets, wear a windproof hood, and walk toward the dune tops against the wind and sand. When shooting against the light, the silhouette will be edged with golden sunlight, every snap looks like a "wilderness survival" scene~ Must-shoot scene: Abandoned UFO buildings × sci-fi blockbuster vibe Deep in the desert lie several abandoned buildings shaped like UFOs (leftover facilities from the scenic area). Stand in front and shoot upward, or walk out from the "airlock," and it feels like you've instantly landed on Mars! Lens trick: Telephoto + drone = god’s eye view killer shot Use a telephoto lens to zoom in on sand grains: capture the dynamic details of wind-blown sand, maximizing texture. 🚗 Location and Tickets 📍 Address: Aksai Kazakh Autonomous County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province (navigate to "Aksai National Desert Park") ⏰ Opening Hours: All day (recommended after 4 PM for stunning sunsets) 💰 Cost: Free! (No admission, free parking) "When the camel caravan lines up at the Singing Sand Dunes, I’m here in this uninhabited desert, owning the entire sunset." — Quickly tag your photo buddy, this autumn, head to Aksai for a desert romance~ 🌅

Discover the 7-day hidden gem route starting from Xining! Ride horses and shoot arrows across the Qilian Grasslands, camp in the Dunhuang desert under the Milky Way, capture drone footage of the solitary desert smoke, then change into Feitian costumes for a beautiful travel photoshoot... This route covers all the romance and adventure of Northwest China. Hurry and take notes! -------------------- 🌄 Itinerary: DAY 1: Riyue Mountain -> Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake 🚗 Drive to Riyue Mountain to experience the grandeur of the plateau, then arrive at the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake to enjoy breathtaking lake and mountain views! DAY 2-3: Xiaocaidan Lake -> Chaerhan Salt Lake -> U-shaped Highway -> Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park 🌊 On the second day, explore the tranquility of Xiaocaidan Lake and be amazed by the crystal-clear Chaerhan Salt Lake! On the third day, speed along the U-shaped Highway to feel the thrill, then check in at Wusute Water Yadan, as if stepping into an alien world! DAY 4: Dacaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area -> Heidu Mountain -> Dangjin Mountain 💎 Dacaidan Emerald Lake shines like a jewel, Heidu Mountain is mysterious and unfathomable, and Dangjin Mountain offers a panoramic view of surrounding peaks. Enjoy the beauty of nature this day! DAY 5: Mogao Caves -> Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring (including Dunhuang Feitian travel photoshoot) -> Shazhou Night Market 🏜️ Visit the thousand-year-old Mogao Caves to feel the charm of art, ride camels at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, experience the Dunhuang Feitian travel photoshoot, and stroll through Shazhou Night Market at night to taste authentic local food! DAY 6: Son of the Earth -> Jiayuguan -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (including drone filming) 👶 Visit the Son of the Earth sculpture to feel the harmony between humans and nature, then tour Jiayuguan to admire the grandeur of the ancient fortress, and finally capture the colorful landscapes of Zhangye Danxia with drone footage! DAY 7: Qilian Mountain Grassland (including horseback archery) -> Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea -> Return trip 🐎 Ride horses and shoot arrows on the Qilian Mountain Grassland to experience the passion of the grassland people, then admire the magnificent Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea, and finally return home with wonderful memories!🌸 -------------------- Must-Visit Attractions: 🌄 Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park: The water Yadan formations are super unique 🤩, sunrise and sunset are dreamlike and beautiful, with a mysterious and magical atmosphere✨! 🎬 Mogao Caves: Dome cinema + grotto art 🎨, a millennium of Buddhist culture displayed right before your eyes 👀! 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: The Eye of the Desert 👁️, spectacular sand dunes, and the spring water always sparkling with light 💧! 🌈 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park: Zhangye Danxia is amazing 😍, with Danxia landforms and colorful hills intertwined, a spectacular and charming wonder 😎! -------------------- Travel Tips: 👇 1️⃣ Local specialties prices: Yak jerky about 80-120 RMB per jin, black goji berries vary by quality, remember to bargain and don’t overpay 🐂💸 2️⃣ Customs and etiquette: Be quiet in temples, use your right hand when handing things over, respecting local beliefs is very important 🕌✨ 3️⃣ February climate: Around -10°C! Wear down jackets + wool hats + snow boots, keep the three-piece warm set on you ❄️🧣 4️⃣ Altitude sickness: Ta’er Monastery is at 2600 meters, avoid running or jumping! Bring some glucose to relieve discomfort 🍬💊 5️⃣ Transportation tips: Hard to get a taxi in Xining? Book in advance or take the bus to save time and money 🚕🚌 -------------------- Grab your friends and join a group tour! The joy of a Xining trip is waiting for you to unlock. Don’t hesitate!

Qinghai-Gansu Loop 6-Day Simple Guide Itinerary Overview Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake (Stay in Chaka Town) Day 2: Chaka → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan (Stay in Dachaidan Town) Day 3: Dachaidan → Water Yadan → Dunhuang (Stay in Dunhuang) Day 4: In-depth Dunhuang Tour (Mogao Caves + Mingsha Mountain, Stay in Dunhuang) Day 5: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia (Stay in Zhangye) Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Xining (End) 🗓️ Daily Highlights Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake Morning: Depart from Xining (8:00 AM), about 2.5 hours to Qinghai Lake, take the west loop road around the lake, enter the lakeside via herders’ trail (20-30 RMB) Afternoon: Arrive at Chaka Salt Lake at 2:00 PM (ticket 60 RMB), recommended to enter after 4:00 PM for better lighting, wear bright clothes for photos Accommodation: Chaka Town (altitude 3100m, choose hotels with floor heating) Driving distance: about 300 km Tips: Qinghai Lake is windy, bring a jacket; drink plenty of water when first arriving at high altitude Day 2: Chaka → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Morning: Depart Chaka, about 3 hours to Dachaidan Emerald Lake (ticket 50 RMB), lake water is emerald/blue, great for aerial photography Afternoon: On the way, see the U-shaped section of National Highway 315 (strictly no photos in the middle of the road), pass by Nanbaxian Yadan Accommodation: Dachaidan Town (book in advance during peak season) Driving distance: about 400 km Tips: Best to photograph Emerald Lake in the morning or evening; be cautious on the U-shaped road Day 3: Dachaidan → Water Yadan → Dunhuang All day: After breakfast, depart, 2.5 hours to Water Yadan (ticket 60 RMB + sightseeing bus 60 RMB), the world’s only water Yadan landform. In the afternoon, continue through Akesai oil town (photo stop), cross Dangjin Mountain Pass, then arrive in Dunhuang Evening: Visit Shazhou Night Market Accommodation: Dunhuang city Driving distance: about 550 km Tips: Water Yadan is windy; Dangjin Mountain Pass road conditions are complex Day 4: In-depth Dunhuang Tour Morning: Mogao Caves (Category A ticket 238 RMB, must book 30 days in advance on official website), visit about 3-4 hours Afternoon: After 4:00 PM, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake (ticket 110 RMB, valid for 3 days), camel riding, sand sliding, watch sunset (around 7:30 PM) Accommodation: Dunhuang Driving distance: within city Tips: Advance booking for Mogao Caves is essential; visit Mingsha Mountain in the evening to avoid heat Day 5: Dunhuang → Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia Morning: Depart Dunhuang, 2.5 hours to Jiayuguan Fortress (combined ticket 110 RMB), tour about 1.5 hours Afternoon: Continue 2.5 hours to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (ticket + sightseeing bus 93 RMB), enter after 4:00 PM, best sunset view at Viewing Platform No. 4 Accommodation: Zhangye city or Danxia Town Driving distance: about 600 km Tips: Danxia colors are most beautiful at sunset; if short on time, Jiayuguan can be viewed from afar Day 6: Zhangye → Qilian Grassland → Xining All day: After breakfast, return via National Highway 227, pass Qilian Grassland (rapeseed flower sea in July-August), arrive in Xining around 6:00 PM Driving distance: about 350 km Tips: Highway 227 has good road conditions but many curves; Qilian Grassland altitude is 3000 meters 💰 Cost Reference (per person) Item Cost (RMB) Transportation (carpool) 800-1500 Accommodation (5 nights) 600-1200 Tickets + sightseeing bus 500-700 Meals 400-600 Total 2800-4000 Note: Accommodation prices rise during peak season (July-August), Mogao Caves tickets must be purchased in advance 🎒 Essential Packing List Clothing: Windbreaker, light down jacket, quick-dry clothes, sports shoes, hat, sunglasses Protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer Medicine: Rhodiola (start taking one week in advance), stomach medicine, cold medicine Others: Thermos, power bank, ID card, small amount of cash ⚠️ Important Reminders Altitude sickness: Qinghai Lake, Chaka, Dachaidan are all above 3000m, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water Transportation advice: Charter or carpool is most convenient (total about 2400 km), self-driving requires caution Ticket booking: Mogao Caves must be booked 30 days in advance on the official website, other attractions can be bought on site Best season: June-September (July-August is most beautiful but crowded), May/October fewer people but scenery slightly less impressive Safety: No photos in the middle of National Highway 315; Gobi sections have weak signal, download offline maps in advance Most Beautiful Travel Photography Northwest Qinghai-Gansu Loop Salt Lake Photo Guide