Best of Xining, Qinghai Lake & Zhangye — 5-City Small Group

Trip Overview

A 5-day Qinghai–Gansu loop: the salt lakes and monasteries around Xining, the rainbow cliffs of Zhangye, and the desert Silk Road gems of Jiayuguan and Dunhuang.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 · Xining

• Arrive Xining, gateway to the Tibetan plateau.
• Scenic spots: Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery, Dongguan Grand Mosque.
• Local food: Qinghai lamb noodles, yogurt.
• Transport: private car airport transfer.

Day 2 · Xining → Qinghai Lake

• Loop the great salt lake.
• Scenic spots: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake ("mirror of the sky").
• Transport: private car (~4h).

Day 3 · Qinghai → Zhangye

• Cross to Gansu's rainbow mountains.
• Scenic spots: Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, Giant Buddha Temple.
• Transport: private car / rail (~4h).

Day 4 · Zhangye → Jiayuguan

• To the Great Wall's western gate.
• Scenic spots: Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall.
• Transport: high-speed rail (~2h).

Day 5 · Jiayuguan → Dunhuang

• Finish at the cave temples of Dunhuang.
• Scenic spots: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake.
• Transport: private car (~4h).

Highlights

• Sunrise reflections on Chaka Salt Lake.
• Zhangye Danxia's striped sandstone at golden hour.
• The Mogao Grottoes' thousand years of Buddhist art.

Practical Tips

• Best season: June–September.
• High altitude around Qinghai — pace yourself.
• Mogao and Danxia need timed tickets; book ahead.
• Long driving days; the private car is essential.

Estimated Cost (per person)

• Lodging (4 nights, comfort): ~$300
• Transport (car + rail): ~$270
• Tickets: ~$160
• Meals: ~$110
• Guide share: ~$100
• Total (Comfort): ~$940 per person
• Budget variant: ~$690 · Comfort variant: ~$940 · Premium variant: ~$1,430