Xining-Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang 8-Day Tour: Super Detailed Guide—Don't Miss Out!

Xining-Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang, eight days of fun! Beautiful lakes, thousand-year-old grottoes, all in one! Follow this guide to easily navigate the Great Northwest! 🚩Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive at Lanzhou New Area/Xining, transfer to hotel after arrival at the airport/station. Start an exciting journey upon arrival in Northwest China! DAY 2: Ta'er Monastery—Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area Visit the ancient Ta'er Monastery and experience the rich religious atmosphere, then head to the magnificent Qinghai Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. DAY 3: Chaka Salt Lake—Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area Stroll through the mirror of the sky at Chaka Salt Lake and experience the dreamlike natural wonders, then head to Sky No. 1 to continue exploring the mysteries of the plateau. DAY 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Yangguan Pass Visit the emerald-like Dachaidan Emerald Lake, then head to the historic Yangguan Pass to experience the charm of the ancient Silk Road. DAY 5: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring—Mogao Caves Ride a camel through Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Moon Spring, and then visit the Mogao Caves, a World Cultural Heritage site, to appreciate the charm of the thousand-year-old murals. DAY 6: Son of the Earth—Jiayuguan Pass Visit the mysterious Son of the Earth sculpture and experience the fusion of art and nature, then visit Jiayuguan Pass to experience the majestic momentum of the ancient border pass. DAY 7: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Admire the colorful hills created by nature in Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and experience the magnificence and magic of nature. DAY 8: Depart from Xining/Lanzhou and return home End your pleasant trip to Northwest China and embark on your return journey with fond memories. Recommended Attractions: ✨ Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Mingshan Road, Dunhuang City, Jiuquan City - Opening hours: 07:30-18:00, November 10, 2024-March 9, 2025 - Duration: 3-5 hrs - A pearl in the desert, the crescent-shaped spring water shimmers among the sand dunes, definitely worth a visit! 🌈 Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Nantai Village, Ni'jiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province - Opening hours: 07:30-17:00, November 1, 2024-February 28, 2025 - Duration: 3-5 hrs - The colorful Danxia landform is like a dream, like a natural palette, and every color is heartwarming. 🙏 Ta'er Monastery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: 08:00-16:30, November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 - Duration: 2-4 hrs - With a profound religious and cultural heritage, Ta'er Monastery is not only a holy place of faith, but also a home for the soul. **Things to note**: - February weather🌦️: The temperature in Xining-Qinghai Lake-Dunhuang is moderate in February, warm and comfortable during the day, but with a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a thick coat. - Airport transportation🚗: After arriving at Xining Airport, you can choose to rent a car or take a bus to the city center, and then to Qinghai Lake and Dunhuang. Pay attention to safe driving on the way! - Must-try food🍜: Dunhuang's donkey meat yellow noodles and mutton noodle soup are must-try authentic delicacies, and the yak meat around Qinghai Lake is also worth a try. Don't miss it! - Altitude sickness🏔️: Qinghai Lake has a high altitude, and altitude sickness may occur. It is recommended to prepare in advance and bring necessary medicine. - Sun protection and moisturizing🧴: The northwest region has strong sunlight, so do a good job of sun protection and moisturizing to protect your skin. The magnificence of Xining, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the mystery of Dunhuang, every moment along the way is worth cherishing. Looking forward to your next travel story!