Qinghai’s lakes and mountains sketch out pure serenity—Qinghai Lake set like a sapphire in the grasslands, Chaka Salt Lake mirroring the sky. Gansu’s landforms and history tell a weighty legend—Zhangye Danxia burns with the colors of earth and sky, Dunhuang Mogao Caves preserve a millennium of Buddhist light. This 7-day loop links the two, showcasing the clash and harmony of plateau, lakes, danxia, desert, and Silk Road civilization.
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12 seats car
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6-12people
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5
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65
Stretching across Qinghai and Gansu provinces in northwest China, the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Ring Road is a legendary journey that weaves together breathtaking natural landscapes and profound Silk Road heritage. Spanning over 3,000 kilometers, this 7-day tour takes you through diverse scenery—azure lakes, rainbow-colored rock formations, vast grasslands, majestic deserts, and ancient passes—offering an unparalleled exploration of the northwest’s wild beauty and cultural depth. It’s a journey where nature’s grandeur meets historical legacy, promising unforgettable moments at every turn.
Morning: Travelers arrive in Xining. Check in and rest to acclimate to altitude; then visit Dongguan Mosque to see the blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture and learn about Hui culture. Afternoon: Stroll Mojia Street, Xining’s old street, to try Qinghai specialties; then visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery) to see the “three marvels” of butter sculptures, murals, and barbola (embroidered appliqué) and feel the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism. Evening: Stay in downtown Xining. An early night is recommended to prepare for the longer drive tomorrow.
Morning: Depart Xining via the Jingzang Expressway to Qinghai Lake. First stop at Erlangjian Scenic Area to get close to the water—blue lake set against seas of rapeseed flowers (in season). Optional boat ride to feel the vastness of this “plateau sapphire.” Afternoon: Drive to Chaka Salt Lake, the “Mirror of the Sky.” Light-colored clothing is recommended for reflection photos. Optional mini train deep into the lake to view salt sculptures with snowy peaks in the distance. Evening: Overnight in Heimahe Township or Gonghe County. If the weather is clear, step outside to admire the plateau night sky dense with stars.
Morning: Depart along the Liugou (Liuger) Expressway toward Dachaidan with views of gobi and grassland; herds of yaks and sheep may appear along the way. Lunch in Dachaidan Town—local kang-pot lamb is recommended. Afternoon: Visit the Dachaidan Emerald Lakes—a cluster of salt lakes whose mineral content creates hues from emerald green to Tiffany blue, like scattered gems. Walk the boardwalks and shoot from different viewing points; colors are richer near sunset. Evening: Overnight in Dachaidan; keep warm—temperatures drop at night.
Morning: Drive to the Nanbaxian Yardang landform group—wind-carved “ghost cities” stretching for dozens of kilometers across the gobi, like being on Mars. Take photos safely; avoid entering unmarked areas and prepare for strong sun. Afternoon: Continue via G215 past Dangjin Mountain Pass for panoramic gobi views, enter Gansu, and arrive in Dunhuang. After hotel check-in, head to Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake for camel riding and dune views at sunset, where sand and spring mirror each other. Evening: Dinner in town, then browse Shazhou Night Market for Dunhuang mural-inspired crafts and luminous “night-glow” cups.
Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves. Start at the Digital Exhibition Center for introductory films, then take the shuttle to the grotto area and, with a guide, visit 8–10 caves spanning Northern Wei to Yuan dynasties. Highlights include Flying Apsaras murals and the Nine-Story Cliff Buddha. Afternoon (flex):
Culture track: go to Western Thousand-Buddha Caves (quieter; well-preserved murals).
Adventure track: return to Mingsha & Crescent Lake for sand-sliding, desert ATVs, or stargazing after dark. Evening: Stay in Dunhuang; optional large-scale live show “Encore Dunhuang” for an immersive history experience.
Morning: Drive the G3011 Liugou Expressway to Zhangye. At Zhangye National Geopark (Danxia), take the sightseeing bus to four main platforms:No.1 for the overall panorama,No.2 for sunrise,No.4 for the “streaky pork” layered look,No.5 for sunset. Afternoon: Linger in the park awaiting golden hour when reds, oranges, and yellows blaze—every shot looks cinematic. Overnight in Zhangye city or a nearby guesthouse. Evening: Try local dishes such as Zhangye beef “small rice” and fried pao.
Morning (optional): Sunrise at Viewing Platform No.2 or No.4—danxia glows gold at daybreak. Then depart Zhangye via the Ningzhang Highway toward Menyuan. Afternoon: Stop at Dabanshan Viewing Deck to look over Menyuan’s panorama, then continue to Xining. The tour ends upon arrival; depending on your schedule, shop for specialties in the city before heading to the airport or railway station for departure.
