5-Day Tour of the Great Northwest: Little-known 'Hidden Gems' with Breathtaking Scenery

Today I officially began my journey to the Great Northwest, setting off early in the morning. Yesterday I was dizzy due to altitude sickness, but luckily after adjusting I felt much better. This is also why I always hesitate when planning a trip to Tibet—because for those of us who live long-term in coastal areas, originally from low altitudes, we fear altitude sickness. My first experience with altitude sickness was in Golmud, but overall it was manageable. When you encounter altitude sickness, remember to first adjust your mindset. I overcame it and continued my journey fully prepared!

Today, let me show you through my lens the destinations I will visit in the coming days. Let me take you on a journey to the Great Northwest and explore the hidden gems of Qinghai! Golmud, here I come!

The Nacitai Holy Spring is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters. What makes this spring special is that it never freezes throughout the year, with a large and stable water flow. It is known as the "Holy Water of the World" and "Glacier Nectar," and it is the first non-freezing spring in the Kunlun Mountains.

Qinghai is not only home to Chaka Salt Lake but also the largest salt lake in Asia—it's right here! That is Qarhan Salt Lake, featuring a bizarre 32-kilometer-long "Ten-Thousand-Mile Salt Bridge" landscape. It is one of the most famous inland salt lakes in the world, and it is said that its salt reserves could feed the entire world for a thousand years. If you want to quietly enjoy the beauty of a salt lake on your own, come to Qarhan Salt Lake. It is as famous as Chaka Salt Lake, with scenery no less impressive, yet far less crowded!

As we all know, Taoism has the reputation of retreating from the world to cultivate in times of peace and emerging to save the world in times of turmoil. The highest-altitude Taoist temple—Wuji Dragon and Phoenix Palace—is hailed as the "Root of Taoism." It not only has profound cultural heritage but also deep meaning, making it a pilgrimage site for international Taoist followers.

In Chinese legends, there are many places called the Yaochi of the Queen Mother of the West. However, among all these Yaochi, the most mysterious and higher-altitude one is this highland lake at the source of the Kunlun River, known locally as the "Black Sea." It is a natural alpine lake with the reputation of being a "hidden gem beneath the snow-capped mountains."

Yuzhu Peak is located in the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains, with an altitude of 6,178 meters. It is a training base for Chinese mountaineering. Majestic and grand, with perennial snow, Yuzhu Peak—compared to other snow mountains—has a topography that is ideal for mountaineering enthusiasts or those trying mountaineering for the first time.

Dongtai Jinal Lake is located in the Qaidam Basin within Golmud. It is a place even more beautiful than I imagined, known as the Chinese version of the Maldives. Seen from up close, the water is clear; looking into the distance, it carries a hint of Tiffany blue. Any word used to describe beauty feels powerless here! Only when you see it do you realize how stunning it is—every casual shot is a masterpiece, no filter needed!

Golmud is worth the journey—once you come, you'll never forget it! Join me on a 5-day virtual tour of the Great Northwest!