Qingan-Gansu Great Ring Road Seven-Day Tour
This can be regarded as an instant graduation trip. I originally decided to go to Xi’an and Chongqing. Because the fare became more expensive when I departed without buying a ticket, I temporarily changed my mind to go to the Northwest of the motherland to gain knowledge. It happened that my high school roommate (a beautiful young lady Zhang Yuanyuan) opened a military-style youth hostel in Xining City and worked as a carpool free traveler, which also provided us with a lot of convenience for this trip.
Youth Hostel Figure 1
Youth Hostel Figure 2
2018.6.22
My little friend and I boarded the plane from Yangtai to Lanzhou, then we can take the intercity train to Lanzhou West, and then take the train from Lanzhou West to Xining (destination), it is best to buy tickets in advance, the total cost of the train is about $60, More than 2 hours. We had lunch at the airport because we didn’t get a ticket, and took the bus from Zhongchuan Airport to Xining ($100, 3 hours, bumpy journey). Go to the team to help us fight for two more girls for the next day's travel itinerary. Ours is a 7-seater commercial vehicle, and there are also 5-seaters, 9-seaters, etc. depending on the number of people and the travel route.
In the evening, I went to Xining Snack Street to get a bowl of steamed mutton, which was not as delicious as expected, but the old yogurt in the Northwest is really good and you can buy it everywhere at a reasonable price.
Personally, I suggest that if you are tired from the journey the day before, you can take a rest for a day. I will forget it and hurry up to play.
2018.6.23
The first day Xining - Kumbum Monastery ($80,) - Laji Mountain (3820m) - Riyue Mountain (you can see it on the road without stopping, you know better than Laji Mountain) - Daotanghe (it seems to be $20 It is not recommended to go in compared to the great scenery, which is nothing)-Qinghai Lake ($50 depends on the season to see the Tibetans, usually enter from the Tibetans’ homes, don’t go to Erlangjian’s ticket sales side)-Hei Mahe (accommodation $120-150 )
Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. I feel that if I don’t have any beliefs, I don’t have much energy to go in. For example, I went in and wandered around and didn’t know anything.
scenery along the way
Laji Mountain (a very spectacular place, I heard that there were no tickets before - enter this palace, of course, no one goes in now, it's good to look at the scenery outside)
Qinghai Lake (We just happened to encounter a heavy rain, and we waited for more than an hour before getting out of the car to take a look. It was really cold in down jackets, but on the road, we could see the lake surface in the distance, and there was rapeseed on the roadside The flowers are in full bloom and beautiful, but if you enter the Erlangjian Scenic Area, it seems that you can’t walk to the lake)
The place where the beluga fish flows back is also the place where the Heima River is approaching. After the rain, the sky is really blue and white in the afternoon. Normally, the sun doesn’t go down until 9 o’clock in the evening. I’m not used to it.
Staying at Heima River at night, the price is second only to Dachaidan. It should be regarded as the cheapest accommodation. It is a place where you can’t book a room with money during the peak season. It is said that all Tibetans go out and give up their homes for $500 a night for tourists to stay in peak season. place. It's best to plan ahead here.
2018.6.24
The next day, the sunrise of the Heima River (the master will tell you about the time when there is no sunrise) - Rubber Mountain (passing by) - Chaka Salt Lake (a popular scenic spot on Douyin, and a free attraction for Zhejiang people $70) - Aliens Ruins (passing by) - Emerald Lake (an undeveloped salt lake, I personally think it looks better than Chaka Salt Lake, because there are many fewer people and the reflection is very clear) - Dachaidan (accommodation $200)
There is also a freshwater lake on the way from Chaka Salt Lake to Dachaidan, which can be observed all the way west (I can’t remember what it is called, mainly because there are too many mountains and lakes), and then Emerald Lake has already arrived at Dachaidan. The final itinerary for the second day.
The sunrise of the Black Horse River is the best place to appreciate the Qinghai Lake. However, because of the dark clouds, I didn’t see it, but this piece of peripheral vision is quite good. It’s worthwhile for a few people to get up early, and it’s not disappointing (5:30 )
Along the way in the morning, there is a piece of grass that looks good in the photo (the grass is relatively high and hard). I accidentally cut my foot, which made me feel sour when I was bouncing around Chaka Salt Lake.
Chaka Salt Lake, try to go as far away as possible (good scenery, few people) because all the people are concentrated on the shore, which is why it is not recommended to visit in the peak season. Fortunately, the weather is very good today, otherwise it feels worthless this time. Qinghai The sunrise of Heima River under the heavy rain under the lake is blocked by dark clouds
Emerald Lake, because it has not been developed, the road here is bumpy and there are a lot of mosquitoes, which are bigger and more poisonous than you can imagine. I heard that the mosquitoes in Yadan on the water are about the size of a thumb. This can be regarded as the most beautiful area on the 7th Grand Ring Road for me.
In the end, of course, we will go back to Dachaidan for dinner and accommodation. Dachaidan is the most expensive place to stay this time ($200, this is still the cheapest hotel, of course, it is the same as Heimahe in peak season)
2018.6.25
Day 3 Dachaidan-Yadan Devil City (Yadan Landform)-Liuge Highway (the most beautiful road in China)-Dangjin Mountain (less than 4000m, crossing this mountain and entering Gansu from Qinghai)-Oil Town ($20 , In fact, it can be regarded as collecting money according to the mood. It is not recommended to go in. There is a garbage dump inside, and there is a broken car for tourists to take pictures, although it is the place where the nine-story demon tower was filmed. Had lunch) - Dunhuang (check in, I went camping in the desert)
Yadan Devil City, there is also a beautiful one called Water Yadan. Water Yadan has to go around a long way. If you want to go, you have to add at least one day to the trip. This is also a comparison I made for my brother Bing in Nanjing. A successful photo and Five Heroes of Langya Mountain
The most beautiful road (no parking, take pictures) because I ate too much watermelon there, and it was a pity that I didn’t take any pictures. This picture is my road in Yadan Devil City. Candid photos of people (the accent of the young lady in Hunan is really fun) a car full of people, really taking pictures with their lives
If I didn’t go into the oil town, I won’t say much. I had a meal in Aksai County and went on the road. I went to the inn in Dunhuang at 6 o’clock in the evening to catch up with the car to Mingsha Mountain camping at 7 o’clock. I camped alone. $200, including barbecue beer in the evening, desert motorcycle, and you can see the sunset and sunrise in the desert, bonfire party, desert disco, etc. If you are really too tired, it is recommended to go back to the inn after the high, but you have to pay for the return fare As well as the accommodation fee, sleeping in a tent in the desert at night is really an experience that I never want to experience again. But when traveling, it is recommended to experience everything and go back to brag. Let’s attach a few pictures of sunsets below. Because the werewolves killed at 3 o’clock at night, I really don’t want to get up and climb the desert to watch the sunrise. It’s tiring to climb the desert and slide down.
There should be a Yangguan behind the oil town. To be honest, there is nothing to do. I have been walking in no man’s land all day. Yangguan is still a big desert. It is so hot that my eyes are tired.
2018.6.26
On the fourth day, Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain-Back to the Inn-Mogao Grottoes ($200, because the tickets are closed at different times, so the master will send them over at different times, at least one month in advance to book the tickets, there is really no master who will help with emergency tickets )-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring (just behind the camping desert, the crescent-shaped lake is located in the desert, you can ride camels and hot air balloons, etc., of course, the price is relatively expensive along the way, if you go camping It is recommended to go to the price is more expensive, and you can have a good rest in the afternoon) - Dunhuang (accommodation $120, since this time the accommodation is relatively cheap and the environment is particularly good)
In the evening, you can go to the surrounding area of Dunhuang Night Market to have a large plate of chicken with white noodles (the master's treat). It is really the best large plate chicken I have ever eaten in my life. It is invincible. Night market), the price of the item is naturally expensive, if you buy something, you have to bargain.
The picture of the camel in Crescent Moon Spring in Mingsha Mountain, the stolen master Ma Anping Ma Ge (Hui nationality, the boss who only enters the halal shop), the picture of the cart, the master of my cart is Yuedong Dongge
After camping in Dunhuang, the itinerary for the next few days is relatively less rushed. You can rest quietly every day for a period of time, and don't get up early to watch the sunrise or rush on the road, you can sleep more.
2018.6.27
Day 5 Dunhuang-Guazhou (where black wolfberry is cheaper, 50 yuan a can and fill it up a little)-Jiayuguan ($120 is more expensive and not worth it, usually go to the nearby Jiayuguan Museum for free Go around and learn about the history of the Great Wall of China) - Zhangye Colorful Danxia ($60 Danxia hilly landform, the hills can show seven colors after rain, when I went there was a cloudy day, I saw about four or five kinds) - Living in Danxia Town ($120)
Guazhou, on the expressway, is the cheapest area for black goji berries. You can also go to Xining City to buy them. The cantaloupe here is free to taste, and it is really sweet.
Map of Jiayuguan Museum
Colorful Danxia map of Zhangye
2018.6.28
Day 6 Zhangye Danxia Town - Biandukou (the gate on the mountain is sealed, otherwise you can see the words planted with rapeseed, now there is only one picture left) - Gangshika Snow Peak (viewed from a distance) - Zhuoer Mountain (like $60, the 4A scenic spot next to Qilian County, which is also a relatively spectacular mountain range)-Qilian County (check in, if there are three cars together, it is very worthwhile to have a roasted whole lamb here , less people are not worth it)
On the road from Biandukou to Zhuoershan, there should be a place selling yak jerky, which is relatively cheap. I bought it for 40 yuan a catty. The key is to try something new and eat half a catty. Tibetans really kind.
Biandukou, the endless green fields, you can see a few rapeseed flowers compared to Menyuan, the wind is very cool, this is the border between Gansu and Qinghai, and it is back to the land of green water and green mountains
Halfway up Drow Mountain
Qilian County under the Zhuoer Mountain
I'm alive! ! !
2018.6.29
The seventh day is also the last day of the Great Ring Road Qilian County - Qilian Grassland (the place to ride horses, one ride depends on the season, see how the Tibetans collect money, I $80) - Osaka Mountain (you can see the whole Menyuan The area where the rape blossoms bloom is very high. Of course, the rape blossoms in Menyuan will only bloom in July and August, which is also the peak tourist season in Qinghai. on the road, so I didn’t get off) - Xining (end point)
After riding for 1 kilometer, the horse stopped running as if it hadn't eaten, and stopped to graze from time to time. It killed me, and I felt uncomfortable
Qilian prairie scenery
The Menyuan rape blossoms at the foot of the mountain have not yet bloomed. Unfortunately, the altitude is close to 4000, and the whole area belongs to the Qilian Mountains.
Finally, we returned to Xining City Youth Hostel at 6 o’clock in the evening. The young lady prepared a table of sumptuous meals for us, which were delicious and delicious. The next morning, we boarded the return train for 30 hours, and we didn’t feel it until we left Shaanxi. Comfortable, the road ahead will be a tunnel for a while and then lose connection to play with the mobile phone is very uncomfortable, this is also a behavior that I don’t want to experience a second time.
It was really an eye-opener along the way, and I sincerely thank Sister Yuanyuan for her strategy and various precautions, and she gave me a tireless explanation and warm hospitality to me who didn’t know anything when I just walked away. Brother Dong, who accompanied us all the way, helped me book all the accommodation for us all the way. The quality is good and the price is cheap, especially the luxurious large suite in Qilian, which is only 140 and comfortable. We didn’t get up until noon the next day, and there are also scenic spots along the way. As well as the explanations and recommendations of the places we are about to arrive, and some detours that did not appear on our route will take us to visit, which is to make our trip to the Northwest worthwhile.
Finally, I would like to share some tips for carpooling and free travel during this trip to the Northwest:
1) clothing:
Bring all the clothes. Bring clothes for all seasons: shorts, long sleeves, jackets, sweaters, thin down jackets. I basically use it all anyway. The temperature difference is huge, so change clothes at any time to prevent colds. In plateau areas, a cold is basically pulmonary edema, and then sent down the mountain for treatment. Basically, the trip will be cold. For girls, the brighter the clothes, the better. Bright red is a good choice, and the photos taken are particularly beautiful.
2) Food:
The west is very dry. Drink water frequently and eat more fruits. Before going to Qinghai Lake, it is recommended to buy a box of water and fruit in Xining in advance, and carry it to the car after drinking the water. You don’t need to buy too many fruits, because when you arrive in Dunhuang, desert melons and fruits are sold everywhere, which are very sweet. Those who love to eat mutton are blessed, the mutton here is not smelly, it is delicious. Generally, the time for eating is not fixed every day. Bring snacks to satisfy your hunger, and try to eat something where you can come down to eat. I drink four or five bottles of mineral water every day, but my mouth is still dry, and every meal I eat is very delicious, after all, it’s like being too hungry. Occasionally nosebleeds in the morning and evening, panting after two steps of normal jumping and running, these are common things, don’t be afraid, and you need to be careful when taking pictures at the end.
3) live:
During high season, it is best to book accommodation in advance. Toiletries and slippers (generally not needed, if you bring a box, bring it with you, I think you can bring two pairs of shoes, in case you step on any side of the water or soil, it will be cold). It is better to bring your own.
4) line:
The Grand Ring Road is about 2,600 kilometers. Note that the co-pilot takes turns changing people and chatting with the master all the time. If the atmosphere is active, you can also sing and so on. Don't let the master doze off. If you don’t pay attention to the coldness of the mountain roads, no one will know. People from far away, such as me, don’t need to travel by car.
5) Tips for some scenic spots:
Chaka Salt Lake
As soon as you enter the scenic spot, it feels dirty and messy, so don't expect too much. But the photos taken by Salt Lake are unique.
Mogao Grottoes
In order to protect the historical sites, Mogao Grottoes controls the number of daily visitors below 6,000, so it is necessary to book tickets on the official website at least one month in advance. Mogao Grottoes has also established a digital exhibition center. Tourists watch two movies introducing Mogao Grottoes before visiting, which are really great renderings, as if traveling back to a thousand years ago. I have to praise the careful planning of the managers of Mogao Grottoes!
Mingsha Mountain:
Instead of renting shoe covers, bring a bag for your shoes. It feels very comfortable to step on the fine sand with bare feet! It is very hot here at noon and afternoon, it is best to go in the evening.
Zhangye Danxia Landform and Zhuoer Mountain:
You have to take a car to visit inside, don't come back and go to the wrong entrance, or you will be far away.
When traveling to the Northwest, it is said that July and August are the best seasons. July has the most people and it is hot, but the rapeseed flowers are beautiful. In mid-August, there are relatively few tourists and the temperature is not too high, so it is quite comfortable. Generally speaking, don’t choose to go there in July. There will be less natural scenery if there are too many people. I would rather not see the rapeseed flowers in Menyuan in full bloom. Personally, I suggest that the end of June, the end of August, and the beginning of September are all suitable time periods. The main thing is to plan ahead.
7) Sun protection:
The sunshine on the plateau is very strong, and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so you must be fully prepared for sun protection.
8) Sanitation:
For tent accommodation, clean freaks should not consider it. In addition, the sanitation of public toilets has always been a major problem for domestic tourism, especially in the west, so you must be mentally prepared. Toilets in many places have to be charged, but we boys have to pay for it. We can solve it everywhere. In fact, girls can also solve it anywhere. After all, people in the wilderness have three urgencies.
9) Communication
There are some places where there is no wifi, but the mobile phone signal is unexpectedly good: except for losing contact in the uninhabited area on the road, most of the time you can still contact the outside world.
10) Cash
Everyone brings hundreds of dollars in cash, many Tibetans don't use Alipay or WeChat.
In short, as long as adequate preparations are made, the Northwest is not as desolate and terrifying as imagined.
The beautiful scenery will make you unforgettable!
