Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Classic Route

A closed-loop route starting from Xining, circling Qinghai Lake, Qaidam, Dunhuang, the Hexi Corridor, and the Qilian Mountains.

The most mature loop route in Northwest China, covering everything from high-altitude lakes to deserts and grottoes, before crossing the Qilian Mountains back to Xining, with a total distance of about 2,500 km. While most tours compress this into 7 days, this itinerary extends it to 9 days to break up the long driving day from Zhangye to Xining. It is the top choice for first-time visitors to the Northwest. Group tours can be rushed, so self-driving or small private groups are recommended. Be sure to book Mogao Caves tickets well in advance.

June and September are less crowded; from November to April, the mountain passes have snow, making some road sections unsuitable.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Xining and Acclimatize

Xining（Dongguan Great Mosque、Mojia Street & Shuijing Lane）

Take about 1 hour from the airport to the city center. Spend the afternoon walking around Dongguan and Shuijingxiang, with no long-distance travel arranged.

Stay: Dongguan Mosque Area

Day 2 · Kumbum Monastery & Qinghai Lake to Chaka

Xining（Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery） → Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area） → Chaka Salt Lake（Chaka Salt Lake）

Drive from Xining via Kumbum Monastery and Erlangjian to Chaka, about 320 km, taking around 6 hours.

Erlangjian requires real-name booking in advance and is open from May to October.

Stay: Chaka Town

Day 3 · Delingha to Emerald Lake

Delingha（Haizi Poetry Museum） → Da Qaidam（Emerald Lake, Da Qaidam）

Drive from Chaka via Delingha to Dachaidan, about 400 km, taking around 5 hours. Reach Emerald Lake in the evening.

Accommodation in Dachaidan is tight during peak season; book rooms with oxygen supply in advance.

Stay: Chaidan Town

Day 4 · Heidushan and Dangjin Pass to Dunhuang

Lenghu（Heidu Mountain） → Dunhuang（Dangjin Pass）

Drive from Dachaidan via Lenghu and Heidushan, crossing the Dangjin Pass to Dunhuang, taking about 6 to 7 hours for the day.

Heidushan is now managed by zones; self-drive vehicles must transfer to scenic area shuttle buses.

Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City

Day 5 · Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain

Dunhuang（Mogao Caves、Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake、Dunhuang Night Market）

Drive from the city center to Mogao Caves, taking about half an hour, and to Mingsha Mountain in the afternoon, taking about 20 minutes. Short distances today.

Mogao Caves tickets are tight during peak season; book on the official website about 30 days in advance.

Stay: Shazhou Night Market, Dunhuang City

Day 6 · Son of the Earth to Jiayuguan

Guazhou（Son of the Earth Sculpture） → Jiayuguan（Jiayuguan Fort）

Drive east from Dunhuang via Guazhou to Jiayuguan, about 380 km, taking around 4.5 hours. Visit the fortress in the afternoon.

Stay: Xinhua Road · Xiongguan Square

Day 7 · Overhanging Great Wall to Rainbow Danxia

Jiayuguan（Overhanging Great Wall） → Zhangye（Zhangye Danxia Landform）

Visit the Overhanging Great Wall in the morning. Drive from Jiayuguan to Zhangye, about 220 km, taking around 3 hours, and enter the Danxia area in the evening.

The light at Danxia is best at sunset; Platform 4 is the most popular viewing spot.

Stay: Zhangye City Center

Day 8 · Cross Biandukou into Qilian

Zhangye（Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple、Biandukou Pass） → Qilian（Zhuo'er Mountain）

Drive from Zhangye via Biandukou to Qilian, about 200 km, taking around 3.5 hours. Go up to Zhuor Mountain in the afternoon.

Stay: Foot of Zhuoer Mountain

Day 9 · Qilian Grassland & Menyuan, then Back to Xining

Qilian（Qilian Mountain Grassland） → Menyuan（Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea、Daban Mountain Viewpoint） → Xining

Drive from Qilian via Obo and Menyuan, crossing Dabanshan back to Xining, about 280 km, taking around 4.5 hours.

A late-night flight is safer; leave plenty of time for the mountain-crossing sections.