9 Days Qinghai Gansu Grand Loop Tour

Qinghai Lake--Chaka Salt Lake--Delingha

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, drive to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China and one of the highest lakes in the world. It is renowned as the "Blue Gem of the Plateau" and was ranked by National Geographic China as the most beautiful lake in the country. The lake is divided into six main scenic zones: the lake itself, Erlangjian Scenic Area, Bird Island, Sand Island (Golden Bay), Fairy Bay, and Riyue Mountain. Key landmarks include Qinghai Lake, Bird Island, the historic Silk Road South Route, and the Tang-Tubo Ancient Trail.

Local Legend:

Over a thousand years ago, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty was married off to Songtsen Gampo of the Tibetan Kingdom. Before her departure, the Tang Emperor gifted her a magical mirror that could show her homeland. As she traveled and missed home dearly, she looked into the mirror and saw her beloved Chang’an. Realizing her duty, she threw the mirror away, which turned into the shimmering Qinghai Lake.

Optional Experiences (extra fees):

Horseback riding, Tibetan archery, yak butter tea tasting, tsampa making, traditional lake offering ceremony, releasing wind-horse papers (Lungta), rafting on yak-skin boats, luxury lake cruises, and rapeseed flower photography (seasonal in July).

Note:

Qinghai Lake is located at an altitude of 3,196 meters. Avoid intense physical activity and showering on the first day to prevent altitude sickness. Bring sun protection and windproof gear.

After lunch, proceed to Chaka Salt Lake, once an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. Surrounded by snowy peaks and with its mirror-like surface reflecting the sky, it’s dubbed the “Mirror of the Sky in China”. At night, it’s known as the “Mirror of the Galaxy,” where reflections of stars on the lake blend with the sky for a surreal view. The area features unique landscapes with snowcapped mountains, salt sculptures, viewing platforms, and walking trails.

Optional Experience:

Scenic train ride across the salt lake.

Later, pass through the Qaidam Basin and arrive in Delingha for overnight stay.

U-shaped Road--Dongtai Jinel Lake--Water Yadan--Dachaidan

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, head to the famed U-shaped Highway on National Road 315 in the Qaidam region. Between kilometer markers 766 and 780, the black asphalt winds dramatically across the desert terrain like a ribbon in the sky. Often referred to as "China's Route 66", it offers a dramatic and photogenic desert driving experience.

Photo Tips:

• Take low-angle shots from safe spots along the roadside to highlight the “U” shape.

• Capture dramatic central views from the passenger seat while driving.

• Rear-view mirror shots after crossing the curves add great depth.

Next, explore Dongtai Jinel Lake, known for its vibrant turquoise or Tiffany-blue hue due to high copper content. The white salt beds and vivid waters create a tropical-atoll-like contrast in the middle of the desert—ideal for drone photography.

Note:

The lake may be closed due to mining operations or changing water levels. Please consult IntoExplore for real-time updates.

Continue to Water Yadan (Ussutu Yadan), the world's first water-based Yadan landform. Towering earth formations sculpted by fierce desert winds rise dramatically from shallow lakes. Some resemble castles, walls, animals, or ancient ruins, offering a mysterious and otherworldly landscape.

Finally, arrive in Dachaidan for hotel check-in and rest.

Emerald Lake--Abandoned Oil Town--Dunhuang

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, travel to Emerald Lake, a mosaic of small saltwater lakes colored emerald green, Tiffany blue, or amber yellow due to high mineral content. The pure white salt crusts at the lake’s edge resemble snowy fields, creating a surreal landscape especially striking during sunrise or sunset when reflections in the still water create the "Sky Mirror" effect.

Best Season to Visit:

• June to August: most vibrant colors and ideal summer weather.

• September to October: deeper lake hues, golden grasslands, and fewer tourists.

Later, drive to the hauntingly beautiful Abandoned Oil Town, once home to 50,000 workers of the Cold Lake Oilfield—one of China's four major oilfields. Now an eerie ghost town of crumbling schools, hospitals, cinemas, and dormitories, it offers a cinematic, post-apocalyptic vibe. Films such as Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe and Wind Blast were shot here.

Visitor Tips:

Bring warm layers even in summer due to drastic day-night temperature swings. Use wide-angle lenses for capturing the desolate landscape. Avoid midday glare for best photo results.

In the evening, transfer to Dunhuang and check into the hotel.

Mogao Caves--Mingsha Mountain--Crescent Lake

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, visit the legendary Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, first excavated during the 4th century, contains 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,400 clay sculptures. The site is often referred to as the “Louvre of the East” and “a treasure trove of Buddhist art.” Don’t miss the iconic Nine-Story Pagoda and the 35.5-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha from the Tang Dynasty.

Optional (advance booking required):

Visit the Digital Exhibition Center for immersive films like Dream Back to the Mogao and A Thousand-Year-Old Mogao.

Reminders:

No photography inside the caves.

Prepare for sun and sand; wear a hat and sunglasses.

In the afternoon, head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake. Towering sand dunes rise dramatically around a crescent-shaped oasis. Mingsha Mountain is famed for its "singing sands," where the dunes produce sounds as the wind sweeps across them. Despite desert winds and erosion, Crescent Lake has persisted for centuries, creating the miraculous "sand doesn’t bury water" phenomenon.

Activities (extra fees):

Camel rides, sandboarding, ATV rides, dune buggies, ziplining, stargazing, or desert camping with fireworks.

Travel Tip:

Wear high-top shoes, a scarf, and sunglasses for sand and sun protection.

Dunhuang--Jiayu Pass--Jiayuguan Scenic Area

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a high-speed train (approx. 2.5 hours) to Jiayuguan, the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven”, this fortress was a strategic stronghold along the Silk Road, guarding against invasions from the west.

Perched in the narrowest valley between mountain ranges, the fortress stretches across the desert and connects to the vast Gobi terrain.

Highlights:

Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall, First Beacon Tower, Wei-Jin Tombs, Black Mountain Inscriptions, Mulan Fortress, “July 1st” Glacier, and paragliding base.

Optional Experiences:

Camel or horseback riding to simulate Silk Road caravans.

Custom-printed ancient-style travel permits (Tongguan Wentie).

Summer night tours with light shows reenacting battle scenes.

Jiayu Pass--Zhangye--Giant Buddha Temple--Zhangye Rinbow Danxia

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a high-speed train (approx. 1.5 hours) to Zhangye. Upon arrival, visit the Giant Buddha Temple, one of Zhangye’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you’ll find China's largest indoor reclining Buddha—measuring 34.5 meters long—crafted during the Western Xia period. Surrounding sculptures include the Buddha’s ten disciples, Arhats, and lay practitioners. The ancient scripture tower and Amida Pagoda also reflect traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.

Next, head to Zhangye Danxia Geopark, famous for its rainbow-colored rock formations and voted one of China’s most beautiful Danxia landscapes by Chinese National Geography. The vivid, striated hills resemble an oil painting splashed across the Hexi Corridor. During sunrise or sunset, the shifting light creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Extended Details:
Zhangye Danxia formed through millions of years of geological activity, where layers of red sandstone and minerals were uplifted and eroded by wind and rain into today’s multicolored ridges. The park features well-designed viewing platforms and shuttle services to help you navigate the scenic spots.

Photographers and nature lovers will especially enjoy shooting the “Seven-Color Hills” at sunset, when the entire landscape glows in shades of crimson, gold, and violet. With an area of over 510 square kilometers, Zhangye Danxia offers endless visual inspiration.

Tips for Visitors:

Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Bring a jacket as temperatures can drop quickly in the evening.

Best photo times: one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset.

After enjoying the sunset at Danxia, return to Zhangye for your final evening. You may choose to explore the city’s vibrant night markets or sample local specialties like Zhangye beef noodles or fried dough twists.

Zhangye--Xining--Free Time

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a high-speed train back to Xining (approx. 4–5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and some rest.

The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You may choose to relax in the hotel or explore some nearby cultural and historical highlights in Xining.

Recommended Activities:

Dongguan Grand Mosque: As one of the largest mosques in northwest China, this elegant 14th-century structure blends traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture and remains a vital religious site for local Hui Muslims.

Mojia Street Food Market: A lively street filled with local snacks, from lamb skewers and beef noodles to yogurt and dried fruits. It’s a great place to sample authentic flavors of Qinghai.

Qinghai Provincial Museum: Learn more about the region’s ethnic diversity, Silk Road history, and Tibetan Buddhist art.

Xining People’s Park or South Mountain Park: Ideal spots to enjoy a light stroll, fresh air, and local leisure culture.

Evening Option:
Join a relaxed cultural evening walk through Xining’s old neighborhoods or enjoy a local-style dinner featuring traditional Hui or Tibetan cuisine. Dishes like hand-pulled noodles (拉面), yak meat hotpot, and butter tea are local favorites.

Departure from Xining

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy your final morning in Xining with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you can use any remaining time to pick up souvenirs, take a final walk around the city, or revisit a favorite spot.

Transfer Services:
Your IntoExplore travel advisor will coordinate your private transfer to Xining Caojiabao International Airport or Xining Railway Station, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure.

Travel Tip:
Xining Airport has very limited international connections. If you are flying abroad, you will likely need to connect through major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, or Guangzhou. Your travel advisor can help you with booking connecting transportation and ensuring smooth transfers.

Optional Last-minute Shopping Spots:

Qinghai Tibetan Culture & Handicraft Market: A great place to find Tibetan-style jewelry, prayer flags, yak wool shawls, and thangka paintings.

Local Food Products: Dried yak meat, Qinghai barley snacks, handmade yogurt, and butter tea packs are popular local specialties.

We hope you had a memorable adventure across Qinghai and Gansu, discovering the mystical landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures of China’s northwest frontier. Wishing you safe travels and hope to see you again on your next IntoExplore journey!