Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop Self-Drive Tour Guide (Part 4) - October 2024

📍 Rome · 👁 4558 reads

Continued from "Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop Self-Drive Tour Guide (Part 3) - October 2024"

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area - Salt Sculptures

Qinghai - Haibei - Gangcha - Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay · Cliff Scenic Area

Qinghai - Haixi - Golmud - Yardang Landform - National Highway 315

Qinghai - Haixi - Dongtai Jiner Lake

Gansu - Baiyin - Jingtai - Yellow River Stone Forest National Geopark

Gansu - Zhangye - Linze - Colorful Danxia Scenic Area

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Mogao Caves

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring

This October, the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop self-drive tour lasted 16 days, covering numerous scenic spots in Gansu Province (Lanzhou, Baiyin (Jingtai), Zhangye (Shandan, Sunan), Jiayuguan, Jiuquan (Jinta, Guazhou, Dunhuang, Aksai)) and Qinghai Province (Xining (Huangyuan), Haixi Prefecture (Lenghu, Dachaidan, Golmud, Delingha, Wulan), Haibei Prefecture (Gangcha), Hainan Prefecture (Gonghe)). The vast and magnificent natural landscapes and profound, diverse cultural landscapes of China's northwest left a wonderful and deep impression.

This self-drive trip can be summarized with the following features: First, long route. Starting from Lanzhou, Gansu, we followed the Hexi Corridor through Baiyin, Wuwei, Zhangye, and Jiuquan, then turned back after entering Lenghu in Qinghai Province, passing through Haixi Prefecture and Hainan Prefecture to reach Xining, and finally returning to Lanzhou. This grand loop covered 5,100 kilometers, considerably longer than the typical 4,000-kilometer loop. Second, many attractions. Along the way, we visited dozens of scenic spots of various sizes, including must-visit sites on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop, internet-famous spots, newly emerged attractions, and highly seasonal sites. The variety was extensive. Third, beautiful scenery. The landscapes along the grand loop—snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, wetlands, deserts, dunes, Danxia, and Yardang formations—complement each other, enhanced by world-renowned grottoes and ruins. The autumn season and favorable weather made the natural scenery even more stunning. Fourth, great experience. Traveling to these popular places in October allowed us to avoid peak crowds, so scenic spots, transportation, and accommodation were not overcrowded, resulting in a better experience. Many sights along the loop were truly unique, making us want to see them again and again, reluctant to leave.

Qinghai - Haixi - Dachaidan - Emerald Lake Scenic Area

Qinghai - Haixi - Xitai Jiner Lake

Qinghai - Haixi - Lenghu - Black Single Mountain

Gansu - Lanzhou - Zhongshan Iron Bridge

Gansu - Zhangye - Shandan - Qilian Mountain National Park

Gansu - Jiuquan - Jinta - Jinta Desert Poplar Forest Scenic Area

Gansu - Jiuquan - Guazhou - Yulin Grottoes

Gansu - Jiuquan - Guazhou - Suoyang City Ruins

1. The entire Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop spans thousands of kilometers. Whether on Gansu or Qinghai sections, highways, national roads, provincial roads, or other roads leading to scenic spots, all are now well-maintained, making travel very convenient. Many roads have little traffic. Therefore, it is crucial to control speed and follow speed limits for safety.

2. Although many scenic spots along the route are at an altitude of 2,000-3,000 meters, most people do not feel any particular effect, so there is no need to fear altitude sickness. However, since this is the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it is advisable to avoid continuous fast walking, running, or strenuous exercise to prevent any potential altitude reaction.

Gansu - Zhangye - Sunan - Mati Temple Tourist Area

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Yangguan Ruins Scenic Area

Gansu - Jiuquan - Aksai - Dasugan Lake (drone shot)

Qinghai - Haixi - National Highway 315 - U-shaped Road

Qinghai - Haixi - Emerald Lake Scenic Area (drone shot)

Qinghai - Xining - Qinghai Provincial Museum

Gansu - Lanzhou - Lanshan Park - Cable Car

Gansu - Lanzhou - Wuquan Mountain Park

D13, October 22 (Tuesday): Chaka Town (Wulan) - Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay · Cliff (Gangcha) - Shinaihai (Gonghe) (160+60=220 km)

This morning, we visited Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area. In the afternoon, we visited Qinghai Lake National Key Scenic Spot, Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay · Cliff Scenic Area. Stayed overnight at Qinghai Lake Hundu White House Homestay, located 23 km along the West Ring Lake Road in Heimahe, Gonghe County.

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area - Salt Sculptures

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area (drone shot)

Qinghai - Haibei - Gangcha - Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay · Cliff Scenic Area

1. In recent years, fueled by the internet, Chaka Salt Lake has become increasingly popular, now a major hot spot on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop. During peak season, the scenic area is almost always crowded. However, despite its reputation, the actual experience is far less impressive than online hype suggests.

2. To see the "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake, you need good weather—clear skies, white clouds, and no wind. Such conditions are more likely in summer. Although we had decent weather with a blue sky, there were no white clouds, and unfortunately, due to high water levels, no one could step into the lake to take the iconic "Mirror of the Sky" photos.

3. Qinghai Lake is a famous attraction in Qinghai. I had visited it several times before, always in summer when it is most beautiful. This time, I accompanied a travel companion who had never been there, revisiting it in a different season, and the impression was quite different.

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area - Small Train

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area - Salt Sculptures

Qinghai - Haixi - Wulan - Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area (drone shot)

Qinghai - Haibei - Gangcha - Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay · Cliff Scenic Area

D14, October 23 (Wednesday): Shinaihai (Gonghe) - Riyue Mountain Tourist Area (Huangyuan) - Xining (150+100=250 km)

Today's itinerary was relatively relaxed. In the morning, we went to Qinghai Lake Donggeer Observation Deck and enjoyed views of Qinghai Lake and its shores. In the afternoon, we visited Riyue Mountain Tourist Area, then arrived at Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province.

Stayed overnight at Shangri-La Hilton Hampton Inn in the central district of Xining. This hotel had good service, good rooms, and especially excellent breakfast—very commendable.

Qinghai - Hainan - Shinaihai - Qinghai Lake Shore - Sunrise

Qinghai - Hainan - Shinaihai - Qinghai Lake Donggeer Observation Deck

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Shore Scenery

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck - Overlooking Qinghai Lake

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck (drone shot)

Qinghai - Xining - Huangyuan - Riyue Mountain Scenic Area

Qinghai - Xining - Huangyuan - Riyue Mountain Scenic Area - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall

Qinghai - Xining - Huangyuan - Riyue Mountain Scenic Area

1. Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck is opposite Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake. You can navigate to it by GPS. The mountain road is winding, with no parking lot. Parking and viewing require extra caution. When traveling, always pay attention to safety.

2. Riyue Mountain is an important geographical divide between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The scenic area has a Chinese geographical boundary marker. You can drive into the area easily. If interested, it's worth a visit.

3. Although Xining is a provincial capital, hotel prices are much cheaper than in other capital cities. About 300 yuan can get you a decent 4-star hotel.

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Newly Renovated Daohu Tea Highway

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Shore Scenery

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck - Overlooking Qinghai Lake

Qinghai - Hainan - Gonghe - Qinghai Lake Nanshan Observation Deck (drone shot)

Qinghai - Xining - Huangyuan - Riyue Mountain Scenic Area

Qinghai - Xining - Huangyuan - Riyue Mountain Scenic Area - China Geographical Boundary Marker

D15, October 24 (Thursday): Xining - Lanzhou (230 km)

In the morning, we visited the Qinghai Provincial Museum in Xining, then hurried back to the starting point of this Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop self-drive tour—Lanzhou, Gansu Province. In the afternoon, we visited Baita Mountain Park and Zhongshan Iron Bridge in Lanzhou. Stayed overnight at Vienna International Hotel (Lanzhou University Wanda Plaza Branch).

Qinghai - Xining - Qinghai Provincial Museum

Gansu - Lanzhou - Baita Mountain Park

Gansu - Lanzhou - Zhongshan Iron Bridge

1. Nowadays, visiting museums in many places requires early booking, sometimes difficult to get. Booking for the Qinghai Provincial Museum is easier; you just need to reserve online one day in advance.

2. Lanzhou is the only provincial capital city in China through which the Yellow River flows. From Baita Mountain Park or Zhongshan Iron Bridge, you can get a great view of the Yellow River passing through Lanzhou.

Qinghai - Xining - Qinghai Provincial Museum

Gansu - Lanzhou - Baita Mountain Park

Gansu - Lanzhou - Baita Mountain Park - Overlooking Zhongshan Iron Bridge

Gansu - Lanzhou - Zhongshan Iron Bridge

D16, October 25 (Friday): Lanzhou - Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (T2) (85 km); Lanzhou - Shantou

Today was the last day of this self-drive tour. Since our flight was in the evening, we had most of the day to explore. We visited Wuquan Mountain Park, Lanshan Park, and Yantan Park near the hotel. We also managed to get late checkout until 3:00 PM. Then we went to the airport, smoothly returned the car, and took Spring Airlines flight 9C7670 from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport to Shantou Chaoshan Airport (18:30-23:30), successfully concluding the 16-day Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop self-drive tour.

Gansu - Lanzhou - Wuta Mountain Park - Overlooking Lanzhou City

Gansu - Lanzhou - Lanshan Park

Gansu - Lanzhou - Yantan Park

Gansu - Lanzhou - Lanshan Park

Gansu - Lanzhou - Yantan Park

1. Lanzhou has vehicle license plate restrictions. Our rental car's plate was restricted the day after we returned to Lanzhou, but the rental company swapped it with another plate that could be driven at our hotel—commendable!

2. Due to weather and other factors, everyone had a lot of luggage, including large suitcases. When renting a car, be sure to consider luggage space, especially for large suitcases. It's better to rent a larger car than a smaller one.

3. With convenient transportation and logistics, dining in these northwestern areas has greatly improved. Along the route, there were diverse food options, including many dishes suitable for southern Chinese palates. We also had the chance to taste various northwestern delicacies, especially "hand-grabbed lamb" and "grilled lamb skewers," which were truly delicious—everyone praised them.

Gansu - Lanzhou - Wuta Mountain Park - Overlooking Lanzhou City

Gansu - Lanzhou - Yantan Park

Qinghai - Haixi - Hand-Grabbed Lamb Chops

Gansu - Jiayuguan - Braised Lamb Feet

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Steamed Perch

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Green Vegetables

Gansu - Jiuquan - Dunhuang - Grilled Lamb Skewers

Qinghai - Xining - Abundant Dinner