Winter Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop｜Fewer People, Stunning Scenery, and Money-Saving! Snowy Mountains and Salt Lakes Await

Who says Gansu and Qinghai are only for summer? The winter grand loop is the ultimate "cost-performance champion"! No crowded peak seasons, tickets and accommodations drop by 50%, and you can unlock winter exclusives of snowy mountains, salt lakes, and Danxia landforms — the "blue ice mirror" of Chaka Salt Lake, the "snow-covered desert" of Mingsha Mountain, and the "frozen sacred lake" of Qinghai Lake. Each spot will make your heart race✨ 🌟 Must-see winter exclusive sceneries ▫️ Qinghai Lake: The lake surface freezes into blue glass, with ice cracks like natural artwork. Snow-capped mountains reflect on the ice, standing by the lake feels like stepping into the Ice Age. ▫️ Chaka Salt Lake · Sky No.1: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the "blue ice secret realm" alone. Wear bright clothes on the ice and instantly capture a sci-fi vibe of "the sky beneath your feet." ▫️ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: Snow in the desert is super rare! White snow covers the dunes, the Crescent Spring is capped with thin ice, riding camels between snow and sand creates a striking contrast. ▫️ Zhangye Danxia Landform: Winter sunlight is softer, red rock layers dusted with light snow, colors are more vivid. Drone shots look like the earth spilled a paint palette. ▫️ Emerald Lake: The water freezes into an "emerald gemstone," different salt pools look even clearer after snow, every snap is like a filtered masterpiece. 🥘 Warm and authentic Northwest cuisine ❶ Lanzhou Beef Noodles: A bowl of "maoxi" in winter, broth so fresh you'll stomp your feet. Add beef and egg, warm your whole body before heading out. ❷ Qinghai Earth Hotpot: Copper pot filled with beef, lamb, tofu, and vermicelli, bubbling hot, gathering around the pot is super comforting. ❸ Zhangye Rolled Chicken: Flavorful chicken, rolls soaked in broth, paired with warm porridge, the boldness of the Northwest in every bite. ❹ Sweet Fermented Barley Milk Tea: Fermented highland barley grains + milk tea, sweet and sour to warm your stomach, a sip fights the cold wind and doubles as a snack on the road. 🧥 Outfit & Practical Tips (Avoid Pitfalls) ✅ Outfit formula: thermal underwear + fleece sweatshirt + long down coat + windproof jacket; bottom wear fleece pants + snow boots (anti-slip! anti-slip! anti-slip!) ✅ Must-bring items: heat packs (stick on phone and body), sunglasses (prevent snow blindness and desert glare), moisturizing skincare (Northwest is very dry), thermos (drink hot water anytime) ✅ Travel advantages: Very few tourists from December to February, no need to find angles for photos; hotel average price 100-200 RMB, some scenic spots offer half-price or free tickets 🗺️ 7-day classic itinerary reference Day 1: Arrive in Lanzhou → Zhengning Road Snack Street → Stay in Lanzhou Day 2: Lanzhou → Xining → Qinghai Lake (see frozen lake surface) → Stay near Qinghai Lake Day 3: Qinghai Lake sunrise → Chaka Salt Lake · Sky No.1 → Stay in Delingha Day 4: Delingha → Emerald Lake → Dachaidan (explore snowy mountains and Gobi) → Stay in Dachaidan Day 5: Dachaidan → Nanbaxian Yardang → Dunhuang (visit Shazhou Night Market) → Stay in Dunhuang Day 6: Dunhuang → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring (play in snow and ride camels) → Mogao Caves (less crowded, easy to visit) → Stay in Dunhuang Day 7: Dunhuang → Zhangye Danxia Landform → Stay in Zhangye Day 8: Zhangye → Qilian Mountains → Gangshika Snow Peak → Return to Lanzhou or Xining The winter Gansu-Qinghai loop has no crowded crowds, only pure vastness and grandeur. If you have a limited budget but want to have a great time, don’t hesitate! This "off-season trip" will definitely make your social circle explode with likes~