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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Arrive in Xining and Acclimatize
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.
住宿：東關清真大寺周邊
第 2 天 · Kumbum Monastery & Qinghai Lake to Chaka
西寧（塔爾寺） → 青海湖（青海湖二郎劍景區） → 茶卡鹽湖（茶卡鹽湖）
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.
住宿：茶卡鎮
第 3 天 · Delingha to Emerald Lake
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.
住宿：柴旦鎮區
第 4 天 · Heidushan and Dangjin Pass to Dunhuang
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.
住宿：市區沙洲夜市
第 5 天 · Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain
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.
住宿：市區沙洲夜市
第 6 天 · Son of the Earth to Jiayuguan
Drive east from Dunhuang via Guazhou to Jiayuguan, about 380 km, taking around 4.5 hours. Visit the fortress in the afternoon.
住宿：新華路·雄關廣場
第 7 天 · Overhanging Great Wall to Rainbow Danxia
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.
住宿：張掖市區
第 8 天 · Cross Biandukou into Qilian
Drive from Zhangye via Biandukou to Qilian, about 200 km, taking around 3.5 hours. Go up to Zhuor Mountain in the afternoon.
住宿：卓爾山腳下
第 9 天 · Qilian Grassland & Menyuan, then Back to Xining
祁連（祁連山草原） → 門源（門源油菜花海、達坂山觀景台） → 西寧
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.