Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop | Self-Drive Graduation Trip: So Comfortable
Congratulations, you've graduated! Happy graduation!
Congratulations to high school grads—soon-to-be college students! And also to college grads—soon-to-be members of society! Travel creates the best memories and is the most precious way to store feelings. So, traveling the world with friends when you're young is both fun and meaningful. You get to soak in landscapes tinged with personal emotions—it feels like such a win!
DAY 1: Arrive at Lanzhou Airport
Arrived at Lanzhou Airport in the evening. Even though it was late June, there was none of the summer heat. In fact, don't wear shorts and a T-shirt when getting off the plane, or you'll be freezing cold and calling for your mom! After landing, we had booked a hotel with airport transfer, so we went straight to the hotel, ordered takeout, and rested. This was really convenient—booking a hotel with pickup for a flight saves a lot of hassle.
DAY 2: Kumbum Monastery (Tar Temple) - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town
The real journey started at 7 a.m. on the second day. We met our tour driver at the hotel entrance and headed to our first stop: Kumbum Monastery!!!
On the way up the mountain, there was a shopping area where you could buy lots of things—local products, hats, scarves, and shawls. Like typical tourists, we bought flowing shawls in colors that moved us to tears (a tough guy tears up!).
To be honest, I don't know why we always mark temples and buildings as must-visit spots on a trip. It's not like we have strong religious beliefs, but as Chinese people, we're still somewhat influenced by Buddhism and tend to be devout toward religion. And it's worth mentioning that Buddhism thrives in Northwest China as much as anywhere else, mainly due to historical reasons—I won't go into detail here. If you travel the entire Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop, you'll really gain new insights into Buddhism. Kumbum Monastery isn't just one temple; it's more like a large complex. The incense in the halls is strong. Readers of *The Pilgrimage* (referring to the novel) might better understand the feeling because there are so many lamas and pilgrims here. Pilgrims prostrate themselves in front of the halls with full-body bows, wearing grooves into the wooden boards—it's admirable courage! Laji Mountain is reached after winding through many curves. The driver suggested we buy two cans of oxygen, as tourists might experience altitude sickness on the way up. I didn't believe him at first—I'd made it up Mount Tai before, so Laji Mountain should be a piece of cake! Plus, we didn't need to hike; the driver drove all the way to the top so we could just enjoy the view and take photos. But I jinxed myself. As the car climbed, I didn't feel much at first, but near the top, I started feeling a bit weak. It wasn't serious, but I insisted on getting out to look around! So after taking just two group photos, my friends had to help me back to the car. I lay in the car for half an hour, watching them laugh and chat while I, suffering from altitude sickness, felt totally out of place!
We went to Qinghai Lake around 2 p.m. The driver stopped for lunch on the way. There are so many Sichuan restaurants in Northwest China—actually, there are lots all over the country, and they rarely disappoint. Every Sichuan restaurant owner is an angel from heaven!
Qinghai Lake is huge. We took a sightseeing car around the lake; the scenery seemed endless. Following the tourist principle of 'since we're here, we have to check it out,' we completed this sacred task around 3 p.m. The UV rays were incredibly strong, and it was really hot and blinding. Everyone must wear sunscreen!
We stayed overnight in Chaka Town. Accommodation was included in the tour package, so for the whole trip, except for the first and last nights, we didn't have to worry about anything. Just follow the driver and you'll have a perfect trip. As we drove to the town, dusk settled. On both sides were dark blue skies, and ahead, layers of dark clouds pressed down over the mountains. In the dim car, music played, and we all quietly felt the vastness and grandeur of the land.
DAY 3: Chaka Salt Lake - Emerald Lake - Dachaidan
Chaka Salt Lake was the highlight of the trip. For a southerner who loves snowy days, seeing that endless white at first glance is unforgettable.
The white at Chaka Salt Lake is blinding. Without sunglasses, you won't last long—it's not good for your eyes. The temperature in late June was only 17–18°C (63–64°F). You can wear a dress for photos, but you must bring a long coat or a long shawl that's easy to put on and take off—great for girls who like to take pictures.
Personally, I think girls can't overdress for this part! We spent a long time at Chaka Salt Lake, basically half the day, slowly taking photos and playing. Sitting by the lake, playing in the water, daydreaming—we didn't want to leave. Emerald Lake—you might not know, but it's not just one lake; there are many small pools. At first, it might be a bit disappointing—it feels like an undeveloped area, with just some pools and not much else that's attractive.
But it's a great place for photos! The blue sky and the emerald lakes complement each other, creating a stunning backdrop. It's also a favorite for middle-aged ladies!!!!
DAY 4: Dachaidan - Dangjin Mountain - Aksai Oil Town - Yang Pass
Day 4 was mostly spent on the road, because we were heading to Dunhuang!!! The distance was longer than the previous two days. The driver was on point the whole time. We passed by Aksai Oil Town, where it was drizzling. The driver said we could check it out—there's a famous upside-down car, but half an hour or an hour should be enough. We did go. With the weather and the town's decay, it felt a bit like a ghost town. The girls weren't really into it, but the guys had a blast exploring the 'haunted houses' enthusiastically.
Entering Yang Pass meant entering the heart of the Northwest desert. Green vegetation decreased, and yellow mud walls increased. After buying tickets, we encountered a group of middle-aged ladies who asked us to take photos for them. Honestly, the photos definitely had that classic 'mom' vibe.
Yang Pass has a specialty goods store. I thought I absolutely had to bring gifts for my parents, so under the salesperson's persuasion, I bought a set of teacups. Later, when I got home, I found out the cups were cracked and glued together—lesson learned: be careful buying souvenirs at tourist spots!!!
DAY 5: Mogao Caves - Singing Sand Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring - Dunhuang Night Scene
What can I say about the Mogao Caves? Until you see it, you don't realize how developed the tourist services are. There are indoor and outdoor tours. The indoor part has guides assigned by the scenic area—each guide leads a small group and chooses which caves to enter, avoiding crowds while effectively educating visitors. Thumbs up for the staff!
Every cave is different; the statues and cave designs complement each other, each carrying special significance.
The outdoor part is free exploration, and that's where the difference shows. Tourists move along the boardwalks like ants, but you can also walk on the road below. There are small convenience stores every so often, so it's not inconvenient. If you take the boardwalk, you need to be ready to explore on your own and keep up with the crowd. Bring enough water—that's very important! Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring are together. The driver told us that to protect Crescent Moon Spring, they've artificially maintained the lake to prevent water loss. So even nature's wonders can't withstand wind and sand erosion, it seems.
Sand sliding at Singing Sand Mountain was really fun! But listen to the instructor—otherwise, you might dive headfirst into the sand. For people afraid of heights, the sand slope is quite steep—a thrilling premium slide. I thought climbing Singing Sand Mountain was hard enough (I didn't dare look back), but the resistance of the sand was another big challenge. Once you get to the top, you don't want to go back down because looking from the summit, the angle is even steeper than when sand sliding.
We had planned to wait for sunset and drive a jeep deep into the desert, but the girls just wanted to sit and play in the sand. After more than half an hour of deliberation, the guys gave up too—because everyone was hungry, haha! We had the best meal of the trip in Dunhuang that night, strolled through the snack street. At 8 p.m., the sky still wasn't dark. Long days and short nights make the nightlife of Northwest people vibrant!
DAY 6: Guazhou Hami Melon - Jiayuguan Pass - Rainbow Danxia
On the way to Jiayuguan, the driver said Guazhou's Hami melons are famous and very sweet. So he actually took us to a group of fruit stalls, and we bought refreshing watermelon and Hami melon—an unexpected bonus of the trip. Reached Jiayuguan Fort. For tourists who don't know the history, it's hard to imagine the battles and glory, or to feel an emotional connection. Only by exploring each story can we slowly enrich our imagination. This process is truly fascinating and worth experiencing.
As for Rainbow Danxia (Zhangye Danxia), what's interesting is that they like to give weird names to the bizarre mountains. Every time you read a description, you think, 'Oh, really?'
There's a place for hot air balloon rides at Rainbow Danxia. Since nobody was very keen on it, we didn't go. But if you happen to catch sunset, try the hot air balloon—the view must be stunning.
DAY 7: Biandukou Gorge - Qilian Grassland - Daban Mountain - Return Journey
Day 7 was essentially the return trip. We had to go back to Lanzhou to catch our flight, completing the loop. The ride back was the most relaxing because we still had snacks we bought but hadn't finished, so we ate the whole way and chatted with the driver. Passing by Qilian Grassland was the most exciting moment. To take graduation photos on the grassland, we had brought our graduation gowns across half of China. We asked the driver to take pictures for us. Although we couldn't enter the grassland, the big scene felt amazing.
In late June, Menyuan's rapeseed flowers hadn't bloomed yet—unfortunately missed. Otherwise, graduation photos in the rapeseed fields would have been beautiful too.
Overall, the itinerary was well-paced. Major attractions were incredibly popular, and minor ones were full of character. Who knows when my fellow graduates can gather again? Cherish every opportunity!
Tips:
1. Bring sunscreen—hat and sunscreen are essential!
2. Bring sunglasses—the sun in Northwest China is really blinding.
3. Traveling in late June, bring long pants and a jacket. Girls can buy a beautiful long shawl in advance. Guys, bring extra jackets if you don't want to catch a cold, because your girlfriend will steal your jacket—be careful!
4. Bring a U-shaped neck pillow to nap in the car.
5. Bring some appetizing and filling snacks—don't let your stomach suffer!
6. Buy a case of water for the trunk—you won't need to buy water at every attraction, but the water will be warm, not cold.
7. Definitely bring oxygen bottles—altitude sickness is tough; you'll feel weak.
8. When traveling, you can book a hotel that offers pickup/drop-off. Most hotels near the airport offer this service; just communicate the timing with the vendor in advance, as they may wait for you before departing.
