【深掘り純玩小ツアー-8日間青甘大環状線】青海湖+チャカ塩湖+ココシリ+翡翠湖+水上ヤルダン+莫高窟+月牙泉+七彩丹霞+祁連門源8日間団体ツアー

In the morning, the driver will pick up the group at a designated location in Xining (the specific departure time and meeting point will be notified by the tour leader). Then drive to Huangyuan County, where your Qinghai journey begins. After lunch in Huangyuan County, pass by Riyue Mountain and Daotang River to reach the "Plateau Sapphire" [Qinghai Lake]. Like a brilliant pearl, Qinghai Lake is beautifully set among high mountains and grasslands. Deep blue and boundless, the clear and vast lake is surrounded by large fields of golden rapeseed flowers and continuous green grasslands. Colorful prayer flags, yaks, and flocks of sheep dot the grassland, making this a rich and colorful beautiful scene unique to Qinghai Lake where water and sky merge into one color (suggested visit to a Tibetan Qinghai Lake viewpoint) or (optional paid visit to Erlangjian Scenic Area, ticket 90 yuan). After touring Qinghai Lake, continue along the ring road to [Heimahe], pass the rolling [Rubber Mountain], and amid the beautiful scenery of herds of cattle and sheep and continuous mountain ranges, arrive at tonight's accommodation point, Chaka Town. Driving distance: 350km, depending on the number of people, off-road vehicle 2-seat to 6-seat business vehicle Warm Tips 1. If you want to enter the fenced areas of Qinghai Lake for sightseeing or take photos of local residents, cattle, and sheep, you need to ask about the price in advance. 2. To avoid altitude sickness during your trip, it is recommended not to engage in strenuous exercise and to ensure sufficient sleep and good rest. Qinghai Lake is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. 3. Qinghai Lake has strong ultraviolet rays during the day, so sun protection is needed; the temperature difference between day and night is large, so even in summer, warm clothing should be brought; there is sand and dust, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses, headscarves, and similar items.

Sleep in until you wake naturally in the morning, have breakfast, and head to China's version of the "Mirror of the Sky," 【Chaka Salt Lake】. As a salt-producing area with a long history, the salt grains in Chaka Salt Lake form patches of white crystals. The tranquil lake, without even a ripple, replicates the sky on its clear silvery-white surface. As you walk, it feels like walking in a dreamland above the sky. You can stroll in the salt lake above the clouds, fully enjoy the beautiful scenery where water and sky meet, and also take a retro mini train along the tracks deep into the heart of the lake, placing yourself in a world of salt. (Chaka Salt Lake ticket 60 yuan, mini train 50 yuan per person one way, visiting time about 3 hours, expenses at your own cost.) After lunch in Chaka Town, head to 【Qarhan Salt Lake】. The Qinghai-Tibet Highway and railway are built directly on the extremely hard salt crust of the lake surface, dividing the lake into two parts. The salt bridge is 32 kilometers long and is also called the "Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge." The lake water is emerald green, and the salt flowers in the lake are crystal clear and varied in shape, adorning the salt lake in a very charming way. In the evening, check into a hotel in 【Golmud】 for rest. (Qarhan Salt Lake is a 30-minute drive from Golmud.) Warm Tips 1. It is recommended to prepare some wet wipes to avoid damage to the skin from the salt grains and salt water of Chaka Salt Lake. 2. On sunny days at Chaka Salt Lake, ultraviolet rays and lake reflections are strong. Please pay attention to sun protection and eye protection; sunglasses are a good choice. 3. There are no restaurants in the scenic area, so it is recommended to bring food and drinking water. 4. The altitude of Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area is about 3,000 meters. When visiting, it is recommended not to engage in strenuous exercise to avoid altitude sickness. 5. Because the salt layer is rough and there is a lot of mud in the deeper parts of the lake, it is recommended that you try not to walk barefoot or go too deep when visiting Chaka Salt Lake.

Today, set out to explore the "Forbidden Zone of Life" — Kekexili. The first stop is the Wuji Longfeng Palace at Kunlun Mountain. At the foot of the majestic Kunlun Mountains, this large Taoist temple dedicated to the Three Holy Mothers and the Queen Mother of the West is also known as the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West. With its elegant environment, nestled by mountains and water, and its flat sacred grounds, this immortal realm attracts many devout believers who come to pay homage. After a brief visit, continue to Yuzhu Peak. After a short stop here, head to the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Mountains — Kunlun Mountain. The majestic Kunlun Mountains, stretching for thousands of miles with rugged ravines, gave birth to the myths and legends of the Chinese nation. Ascending to the mountain pass, the snow-clad sacred mountain becomes even more mysterious, and a sense of majestic grandeur and profound power rushes over you. At the pass, there are several landmark structures including an altitude monument, the tombstone of Sonam Dargye, and a sculpture for the protection of Tibetan antelopes. Next, you will travel by vehicle through the beautiful "Forbidden Zone of Life" — Kekexili. Driving on the straight sky road leading to the horizon, the route is sparsely populated, with flat gobi desert, distant snow-capped mountains stretching endlessly, and yaks and wild donkeys visible everywhere. This is the world's largest no-man's land and a paradise for wildlife. If you are lucky, you may also see the "plateau spirit" — Tibetan antelopes — slowly crossing the road. Then return along the same route and stay overnight at a hotel in Golmud. Warm Tips 1. Departure is at around 6:30 in the morning. Please bring food and drinking water, as there are few supply points along the way. 2. The Kunlun Mountain Pass is at an altitude of 5,540 meters. It is recommended to bring warm clothing and be mindful of altitude sickness.

Depart in the morning to check in at the most beautiful G315 National Highway [Internet-famous U-shaped Road]. This road stretching to the horizon will absolutely astonish you. Many epic photos are taken here, but be mindful of passing vehicles when stopping for photos. Continue onward to Qinghai's Maldives — [Dongtai Jinaier Lake]. The water here is especially clear, and the scenery rivals Jiuzhaigou and Kanas, so it is also called the "Maldives of Qinghai." Particularly worth mentioning is that the salt here is even purer. You will have ample time to take photos to your heart's content. Next is the most breathtaking attraction, [Wusute Water Yardang]. Rich and varied yardang formations are scattered in different shapes throughout the lake. Viewed from above, the yardangs in the water, all facing the same direction, float spectacularly like warships awaiting departure in the deep blue or emerald lake water. This is also a paradise for water birds and wild ducks. They gather here in flocks, playing in the water, chasing each other, soaring, running, and resting, so this place is also called the "Lake of a Hundred Birds and a Thousand Islands." Finally, pass by [Xitai Jinaier Lake]. A water highway cuts through the lake, dividing it into two parts — deep blue and emerald green — so it is also called the Two-Color Lake. Finally, return to Da Qaidam for the night, passing [Nanbaxian Yardang] on the way. Long earthen mounds and trenches alternate here, and desolation is the keynote of this place. Driving distance: 435 km. Depending on group size, 2-6 seat off-road vehicle/business van Warm Tips 1. Visiting the core scenic area of Dongtai Jinaier Lake requires a one-kilometer hike. The lake water has high salinity, so we suggest bringing a pair of slippers. 2. Today's attractions are mostly yardang landscapes. We suggest you prepare appropriate clothing. 3. Today's attractions are all far from the city. We suggest bringing your own food and drinking water.

In the morning, depart from Da Qaidam, driving along the vast desert highway of the great northwest to experience the unique highway scenery of the northwest, then arrive at Aksay [Oil Town], the filming location of Nine-Story Demon Tower. The abandoned small town still retains the ruins of a kindergarten, bus, school, club, and factory, and the apocalyptic decay has quite an impact. You can stop here briefly and take photos as souvenirs. (Scenic area 20 yuan/person, at your own expense) After a short stay in Oil Town, we head directly to [Dunhuang]. If time permits, you can visit Dunhuang Ancient City on your own. In the evening, enjoy [Desert Camping], which you may choose whether or not to join. Desert camping has rich activities including desert motorcycles, sand sliding, local hot pot, beer and barbecue, desert concerts, fireworks shows, bonfire parties, and Guozhuang dancing. After the activities, tents and sleeping bags will be distributed for camping in the desert. When the weather is clear, the starry sky is brilliant, and you may even have a chance to see shooting stars. Driving distance: 350km (depending on the number of people, 2-seat to 6-seat off-road vehicle/business vehicle) Warm Tips 1. The temperature difference between day and night at the campsite is large, so please bring enough warm clothing. 2. Desert camping is a special activity, and you will spend the night in a tent. The conditions are not comparable to a hotel. 3. Since desert camping is a complimentary activity, you may choose not to participate, but we will not refund any fees.

In the morning, you will visit the world cultural heritage site 【Mogao Caves】. The Mogao Caves are the largest, richest in content, most exquisite in artistry, and best-preserved Buddhist cave temple complex in the world today! In the morning, you will visit the world-famous world cultural heritage site 【Mogao Caves】 (238 yuan per person), the largest and richest Buddhist art treasure trove in existence. The splendid and exquisite flying apsara murals, the masterful painted sculptures, and the rows upon rows of caves are humanity's most precious cultural treasures. In the afternoon, visit Mingsha Mountain 【Crescent Lake】 (110 yuan per person). These are two complementary attractions: a crescent-shaped clear spring surrounded by hills of fine sand. Their symbiotic and peculiar landscape has been known since ancient times as one of the "Eight Great Desert Scenic Wonders." As the sun sets, it adds even more beauty to the sand mountains and clear spring. Here you may participate at your own expense in camel riding, sand sledding, and various other desert entertainment activities. In the evening, you can enjoy free time. You may go taste the food at Shazhou Night Market, or go watch the large-scale live-action performance "Encore Dunhuang." Driving distance: 60 km, depending on group size, 2-6 seat off-road vehicle/business vehicle 1. Visiting the Mogao Caves requires advance reservation on the official website. Type A tickets cost 238 yuan per person, with 6,000 people per day, and include visits to 8 open caves. Type B tickets cost 168 yuan per person, with 12,000 people per day, and include visits to 4 open caves. 2. For visiting the Mogao Caves, it is recommended that you first go to the Digital Center to watch two films (about 40 minutes total) to understand the historical background of the Mogao Caves, which will help you better appreciate them. 3. Photography, mobile phones, and flashlight illumination are not allowed inside the caves, so as not to affect the murals. 4. Visitors interested in special caves may visit them at their own expense. 5. The caves are not open in rainy weather, sandstorms, and similar conditions.

After breakfast, depart from Dunhuang, pass through Guazhou where you can taste the local Hami melons, then head to Jiayuguan Pass (ticket 110 yuan, visiting time 1.5 hours). After lunch, begin exploring the scenic area. The magnificent frontier pass of the north stands majestically beyond the Great Wall. Standing on the solemn and dignified city wall and gazing into the distance, one can vaguely glimpse the majestic grandeur of the "First Pass Under Heaven" from days gone by. Amid the lingering sense of Jiayuguan's profound historical weight, we head to the next stop, Qicai Danxia Town. After arriving at the hotel and checking in, proceed to Zhangye Danxia Landform Scenic Area. Immerse yourself in a world of color — God's palette has been overturned here, with red, yellow, green, white, orange, and gray colors clearly interwoven across the rolling mountains. Under the sunlight, this is a colorful fairy-tale world, the uncanny workmanship of nature and a gift from the heavens. Watch the Danxia sunset and let the spectacular scenery awe your soul. The Qicai Danxia ticket is validated once before leaving the scenic area on the same day, and the next day you can enter the scenic area for free to watch the sunrise. Driving distance: 590 km. Depending on group size, 2-6 seat off-road vehicle/business van. Warm Tips 1. The Great Wall Museum inside Jiayuguan Scenic Area is a great place to learn about the historical background of Jiayuguan. You can visit it on your own. 2. The internal commentary at the three sites of Jiayuguan is charged separately, at your own expense. 3. On cloudy days, the Qicai Danxia landscape is not as vivid as in photos. Please be mentally prepared. 4. Inside Jiayuguan Scenic Area, there is the Jiayuguan Great Wall Museum. Visitors with a strong interest in history and culture can rent an audio guide at the entrance for a self-guided visit.

Depart in the morning. After breakfast in Zhangye, drive along the most beautiful rural road, passing through [Biandukou Scenic Area]. In July, Biandukou is picturesque with blooming rapeseed flowers, and the road to Qilian is lined with flowers all the way. This is a journey accompanied by the Qilian Mountains. You can enjoy the beautiful [Qilian Mountains] from the vehicle. The high mountain snow never melts year-round; on sunny days, the snow-capped mountains and glaciers are magnificent, while on rainy days, the mist and clouds create a fairyland-like scene. Next, visit the famous [Qilian Grasslands], rated as one of "China's Six Most Beautiful Grasslands." Under the deep blue sky dotted with white clouds and connected snow mountains, on the flat green grasslands, horses, cattle, and sheep roam leisurely. The wild, vast yet peaceful scenery blends beautifully across this fertile pasture bestowed by heaven. Continue onward, and you can fully admire the snow mountain scenery of Gangshika Peak in the distance. Then we arrive at the national 4A-level scenic area [Menyuan]. Every year in mid-July, Menyuan enters its most beautiful season. Nearly a hundred li of rapeseed flowers bloom in full splendor, a sweeping golden yellow filling your eyes, while the vibrant highland barley refuses to be outdone and claims vast stretches of green. The vast plateau sky is as clear as washed, and wherever you look, the scenery is boundless and beautiful, intoxicating. Finally, we drive back to Xining, and the tour ends. Driving distance: 400 km. Depending on group size, 2-6 seat off-road vehicle/business van Warm Tips 1. You can experience horseback riding on the grasslands. Just agree on a price with the herders and you can enjoy a riding trip. Please remember to protect the environment. 2. During peak season, the Menyuan flower fields require queuing. We suggest you may choose not to buy a ticket for the flower-viewing platform, as you can still get a good view from the roadside.