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Cloudy17° / 0°Cloudy14° / 0°Clear16° / -1°Clear16° / -1°Clear15° / -1°Discover the most popular places to stay in Guide, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: The hotel was clean and hygienic, with attentive service, a quiet environment, and convenient transportation. The rooms were warm and comfortable, offering excellent value for money. I was extremely satisfied with my stay and have already recommended it to friends. I will definitely come back again!
East Side of Xijiu Road, Hedong Township
From CAD 33
Guest User: The room is very spacious, the air conditioning doesn't work very well, the overall environment is good, but I don't understand why the online booking is more than 30 yuan more expensive than the store booking. If I hadn't asked about it when I checked out the next day, I wouldn't have known about this. It's so depressing😒
Zhoujia Village, Hedong Township
From CAD 82
Guest User: This hotel gave me a very good experience. The location is good. The scenery outside the window is also beautiful. It is super convenient to travel. The service is in place. The staff is warm and thoughtful. The room is spacious and comfortable, beautifully decorated, fully equipped, and the bedding is soft and clean, which allows me to sleep well. The breakfast is also very rich and tastes great, satisfying my taste buds. And the hotel's sanitation is very good. Everywhere is clean and tidy. Most importantly, the cost-effectiveness is super high. Such services and facilities are at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended!
Shipo Street, Yingbin West Road, Heyin Town
From CAD 29
Guest User: Simple hotel but clean and well located. Staff are helpful and even sent in a package that we’d left behind very quickly so that is arrived in destination within 24 hours! Washing machine available to use. Beware of the public megaphone behind the hotel though, but this is throughout the town.
No. 283 Yingbin West Road
From CAD 32
shiqian58: Listed four-star hotel, the hotel is magnificent, but the biggest drawback is that there is no air conditioning. This point Qinghai people should keep pace with the times, don't carry the old emperor's calendar, now the climate is warming, the northeast is now also equipped with air conditioning. Although it is cooler at night, the hotel room type is not ventilated, and they are all provided with Dongbei, and sleeping is very hot. Moreover, the air-conditioned rooms can also sell a good price. In addition, it is not very happy to have more drinking water. The drinking water of the four-star hotel should be drunk. Breakfast is generally not in line with the four-star requirements, no one sends an egg, I don’t know what the hotel owner thinks, each room + a few dollars, egg drinking water is not coming
Yingbin West Road, Hexi Town
From CAD 20
Guest User: 設施：高大上 衞生：沒得説 環境：吃飯 停車方便 電梯特大號 看着舒服 服務：前台和樓層服務員態度都特別好
Intersection of Xijiu Road and Yingbin East Road, Heyin Town
From CAD 36
DuBailinuo: I travel frequently for work, so I like to go to this restaurant because it's good value for money, the breakfast is clean and hygienic, the service is very attentive, there's free parking, and it's convenient for getting around.
No. 33 Yingbin East Road, Hedong Township
From CAD 31
zhougll: 設施：賓館設施齊全，有自己的停車場，對於自駕遊的客人來説非常友好，點贊 衞生：賓館乾淨衞生，晚上睡了一個好覺，非常滿意 環境：周邊餐飲眾多，對門就是加油站，方便 服務：前台接待熱情周到，對客人提出的需求及時解決，有賓至如歸的感覺。 推薦入住該酒店
No. 288 Yingbin West Road
From CAD 16
Guest User: The location is very good, the parking is very convenient, the room is big, this price is really good to live in such a big private bathroom room, it is great, next time you come to Guide and want to live here
Chengxi Villagers Committee, Yingbin West Road, Heyin Town
From CAD 16
Guest User: 房間很乾凈服務態度也特別好 環境也不錯去哪裡都很方便停車也方便多了去哪裡都很方便買東西什麼下面就有超市
About 50 meters southwest of the intersection of Yingbin East Road and Hexi Section
From CAD 28
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Guide dishes and foodie spots.
Starting from Xining and heading west, I packed the prayer flags of Ta'er Monastery, the blue of Qinghai Lake, the mirror of Chaka, and the wind of the grasslands into my trunk. This road trip was truly the ultimate experience of "body in hell, eyes in heaven"! Day 1: First impressions of Xining · A bowl of hand-grabbed mutton kicks off the Northwest experience Arrive at Xining Caojiabu Airport Pick up the car and head straight to the Dongguan Mosque. The white walls and golden roofs shine in the sun, and the prayer flags at the entrance flutter loudly in the wind. Stay at a hotel in the city center for the night, within walking distance of Mojia Street Day 2: The wind of Ta'er Monastery · The waves of Qinghai Lake Ta'er Monastery > Laji Mountain > Erlangjian, Qinghai Lake Morning: The butter sculptures at Ta'er Monastery look like flowing gems in the sunlight. Walk a circle with the prayer wheels, listening to the soft chanting in your ears Noon: Cross Laji Mountain. The array of prayer flags at the summit looks like a colorful sea. The mountain pass is at an altitude of 3,800 meters, so watch out for altitude sickness Afternoon: The blue at Erlangjian is the kind that heals everything. Take a boat to the center of the lake; the sight of the water and sky merging is truly breathtaking. Stay at a lakeside homestay for the night and find a local herdsman for a horse ride Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake · Stepping into the mirror of the sky Chaka Salt Lake When the sun rises from the end of the salt lake, the entire surface looks like it's been sprinkled with crushed diamonds. Wear a white dress and stand on the salt bridge; any photo you take will look like a "Mirror of the Sky" blockbuster. Afternoon: Head to the terminal station of the small train. The salt flowers there bloom in the lake like coral, and the sunlight refracting through the salt crystals creates rainbows. The evening is also beautiful. It's more convenient to stay in the scenic area at night Day 4: The cliffs of Gangcha · The forgotten secret realm of Qinghai Lake North shore of Qinghai Lake > Gangcha Cliffs Drive from Chaka to Gangcha. The grasslands along the way are like a green velvet carpet stretching to the horizon, with yaks and sheep occasionally crossing the road slowly. The cliffs of Gangcha are a real treasure! The black cliffs plunge straight into the deep blue lake. You can take photos with yaks and lambs Stay in Gangcha Town. I felt a bit of altitude sickness here Day 5: Zhangye Grassland · Living in a green fairy tale Gangcha > Qilian Grassland > Zhangye Depart from Gangcha and drive along the Qilian Mountains. The grassland changes from light green to dark green, and the distant snow-capped mountains look like giants wearing white hats. The Zhangye grassland is the real-life version of "the wind blows low, revealing the cattle and sheep." Lie on the grass and watch the clouds race across the sky. Stay at a homestay on the grassland. There's a bonfire party at night where everyone sings and dances around the fire. Look up, and you'll see a sky full of stars. This kind of happiness is truly pure. Day 6: Return to Xining · Packing up the wind of the Northwest Zhangye > Menyuan > Xining Drive back from Zhangye and pass by the rapeseed flower fields of Menyuan. The golden fields stretch all the way to the foot of the snow-capped mountains. I instantly felt the urge to stay another night in Menyuan
Guys, you won't believe this! Just a 1.5-hour drive from Xining, there's a hidden Danxia treasure! 🚗💥 Red mountains paired with the turquoise Yellow River—a unique spectacle you won't find anywhere else. Elsewhere you just see mountains, but here you get both mountains and water! 👀 📍 **Guide National Geopark · Ashigong Colorful Peak Cluster** The park is a one-way route, so no backtracking—super convenient! The route is as follows: Geological Museum → 🚌 Sightseeing bus into the canyon → Nuwa Canyon → Nuwa Lake → Xuanyuan Canyon → Qingtian Canyon → Wentian Canyon → Tongtian Canyon → Houtu Canyon → Return by bus It's a straight line all the way, easy even for those with no sense of direction! The whole trip takes about 2 hours—not tiring and great for photos! 📸 🌟 **Nuwa Canyon** | The start of the canyon. The rock walls have been weathered into mysterious human-like silhouettes. Climbing up to overlook the panoramic view is absolutely breathtaking! 🙇♀️ 🌟 **Nuwa Lake** | A pleasant surprise! A small reed-filled lake suddenly appears in the desolate Danxia canyon, with clear reflections of the mountains—like an oasis in the desert! 🍃 🌟 **Tongtian Canyon + Houtu Canyon** | You can climb in and out of the canyons for a full experience! It feels like being an explorer—just go for it! 💪 🌟 **Danxia reflecting on the Yellow River** | The entire red mountain range reflected in the turquoise Yellow River is a massive visual impact! Other places have Danxia but no Yellow River, and places with the Yellow River don't have Danxia. Guide really wins here! 😭✨ Zhangye Danxia is famous, but the experience at Guide Danxia is even better! Fewer crowds, explosive colors, turquoise Yellow River, and every shot is a masterpiece—the most easily missed treasure in Qinghai, hands down! 🏆
The reason navigation apps don't route you here is that it's a low-grade road: Y006, a county road, also known as the Zhihai Highway. After exploring Ani Zhihai Sacred Mountain, our next stop was Guinan County. Looking at the map, we realized we didn't need to follow the navigation back to Guide County for a big detour. We could just take the Zhihai Highway directly to G227, which was time-saving, easy, and pleasant. 🔻Why is it time-saving? Please see the diagram in the comments section. If you are driving from Ani Zhihai to Guinan County, the Zhihai Highway is clearly a shortcut through the mountains. If you compare it with the location of the corresponding national highway from Guide County to Guinan County on the map, you will understand how much time this road saves. 🔻Why is it easy? Although it's a low-grade county road, the road conditions on the Zhihai Highway are quite good. It's paved the whole way and has little traffic. Although the road is a bit narrow and requires crossing mountains, the overall driving experience is quite relaxed. 🔻Why is it pleasant? Because we discovered a "1 tree" photo spot on the road. The background is the sacred Ani Zhihai Mountain, the foreground is an alpine meadow, and a solitary tree on the meadow adds the perfect touch. The impression this scene left on me is no less than standing at the foot of Ani Zhihai, which shows that the mountain is best viewed from a distance. We noticed this scene while driving on the winding mountain road. When we drive on roads with very little traffic, we keep our speed slow so we don't miss the scenery along the way. 🚙Road trip tips 📱Navigation: Not available, requires your attention 🅿️Parking: Very few cars on the road, can park temporarily at passing points ⛽Refueling: Refuel or charge in nearby county towns before setting off ⏳Time: About 30 mins to drive the Zhihai Highway alone; about 1 hour for driving, sightseeing ▶️All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan'er. ▶️The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please excuse any omissions. ▶️Due to time sensitivity, some scenes may have changed; please refer to the current situation. ▶️All attractions visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog are accessible by sedan. ▶️Location information is provided by the website; please leave a comment if you need more detailed information. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog on a virtual road trip to deeply explore niche travel destinations.
I've read countless Chaka Salt Lake guides and finally found a hidden gem🎯—online tickets are valid for 48 hours and allow re-entry. I'll fight anyone who says it's a trap‼️ Most people cram it into one day: 2 hours of waiting for the train, fighting crowds for photo spots, and leaving with nothing but a "tired to tears" impression😭. I used one ticket to enter twice over two days, captured the entire Mirror of the Sky, and it was legendary📸 🌆 DAY 1 | Evening entry, have the whole salt lake to yourself ⏰ Arrive before 6:30 PM, enter before ticket gates close at 6:50 PM (watch the time~) 🚶 Walking route: Entrance → Salt Station → Xia Station → Feng Station → Xue Station ✅ Tour groups have mostly left, the lake is incredibly empty, pose however you want👯♀️ ✅ Soft light, the salt lake shifts from platinum to pink-orange to blue tones, the colors change every minute, no editing needed for raw photos🎨 ✅ Little wind and stable reflections, stand and shoot wherever you want, it feels like the whole salt lake is yours📷 🌅 DAY 2 | Reverse tour, avoid the crowds ⏰ Morning entry, take the shuttle bus (CNY 5/person💰) directly to Salt Station 🚶 Walk inward from Salt Station, take your time walking and shooting While others are waiting for the train (2 hours of waiting + CNY 50), you're already at the center of the lake taking photos📸. With a reverse tour, the most beautiful shallows and salt sculptures are all on the walking route, saving you time and money💰 Shoot the sunset on the first day, and blue sky reflections on the second—two textures in two days, all with one ticket, absolutely amazing👏 💡 Tips to avoid pitfalls 1️⃣ Full-price online tickets support 48-hour re-entry by default, just swipe your ID card. Student tickets need confirmation (remember to bring your ID) 2️⃣ Day 1 evening + Day 2 morning is optimal, avoiding both harsh light and peak crowds. Go to Qinghai Lake or Guide in the afternoon, keeping the itinerary relaxed and on track 3️⃣ Shuttle bus is CNY 5/person to Salt Station, basically no waiting, much better value than the train🚂 4️⃣ Stay in Chaka Town, 10-minute drive, convenient and affordable🏨 5️⃣ Altitude is 3,059 meters, don't run or jump! Altitude sickness warning⚠️ 💰 One-day trip: Ticket 60 + round-trip train 100 = CNY 160 💰 Two-day trip: Ticket 60 + shuttle bus 5 = CNY 65 The money saved covers a night's accommodation, you get an extra sunset session, and you didn't spend extra—this is a huge win🔥 The "trap" of Chaka is never the scenery, it's the rushing crowds. Stretch it to two days, walk in reverse—it's the Mirror of the Sky that deserves to be on your bucket list✨ 📍 Chaka Salt Lake, Ulan County, Haixi, Qinghai
From Lijiaxia to Longyangxia; from Jianzha, Qinghai to Guide; from G310 to G227 and back to G310; the road conditions are excellent throughout, so sedans are fine. The scenery is everywhere, making it hard to keep your foot on the gas, but fortunately, there are plenty of parking areas, making it easy to pull over and enjoy the view. From overlooking the turquoise waters of Lijiaxia from a high point, to venturing deep into the Kanbula Danxia; then to Guide, home to the "clearest Yellow River in the world"; then passing through the cloud-touching grasslands of Bakatai, and finally arriving at Longyangxia, the first of the Three Gorges of the upper Yellow River in our hearts. Qinghai, you really need to promote this scenic route with its ultimate views. 🚙 Stop 1: Jianzha to Kanbula ✅ Keyword: Unnamed parking area Setting off from Jianzha County in the morning, on the way to Kanbula, there is an unnamed parking area. After getting out of the car, you arrive at the clear banks of the Yellow River. Yes, you read that right—from the Jianzha area all the way to Guide, the "clear Yellow River" accompanies us along the way. The Yellow River reflects Hualong County in the faint morning mist on the opposite bank; the scene was so dreamlike, I will never forget it. 🚙 Stop 2: Kanbula ✅ Keyword: Turquoise water and red mountains Kanbula spreads out the crimson Danxia landforms that have accumulated over hundreds of millions of years beside the turquoise reservoir, like the earth suddenly opening a colorful fairy tale book, with every page a feast for the eyes. ⭐ Must-visit ▪ Lijiaxia Reservoir Lijiaxia Reservoir is a turquoise pearl nestled among the Kanbula Danxia mountains. It uses its shimmering waves to reflect the red cliffs on both banks, and even more, it converts the Yellow River's energy into surging electricity, nourishing vast fields and lighting up thousands of homes. ▪ Kanbula Danxia The Danxia peaks of Kanbula were carved by water and wind erosion over hundreds of millions of years from red sandstone. The ochre-red mountains are magnificent, contrasting with the turquoise reservoir. It's like the earth has opened a geological history book, where the deep folds in those peaks tell the story of the passage of time. ▪ How to play ❶ Spend half a day taking a boat to cruise through the turquoise waters and mountains of Lijiaxia Reservoir. ❷ Full road trip: overlook the turquoise water and red mountains from a high point, then hike deep into the Danxia mountains to discover unknown scenery along the way. This was our choice. If you drive fast, you can finish in half a day; if you drive slowly, it takes a full day. ❸ Boat + road trip: the ultimate experience, requiring one full day. 🚙 Stop 3: Kanbula to Guide County They say that on a road trip, the scenery is on the road, and this route proves it. From a high point near the West Gate, you can gaze out at the magnificence of the Kanbula Danxia mountain gate and overlook the winding mountain roads of the G310; follow the Yellow River as the sun sets to reach Guide. We kept our speed under 40 km/h along the way, wanting to stop and look at the scenery at any moment. 🚙 Stop 4: Yellow River Tamarix and Earth Forest Landscape Continuing the road trip, continuing to find scenery on the road. The next day, we headed from Guide County to Longyangxia, continuing on the G310. On the way, we discovered another high platform where the Yellow River flows in a braided pattern, complemented by uniquely shaped earth forests and large patches of red tamarix. Friends, you can pull over to enjoy the view when you pass by. 🚙 Stop 5: Bakatai Grassland A cloud-touching grassland at an altitude of over 3,700 meters, where summer brings green grass, flowers, herds, canyons, blue skies, and white clouds. Bakatai has no tourism development and few fences, so visitors can freely enter and exit the grassland. The G310 runs through the grassland. With such beautiful scenery and such a travel experience, you really have to stop for the grassland when you drive by in the summer. 🚙 Stop 6: Longyangxia The deep blue Longyang Lake, also known as Longyangxia Reservoir, is the second-largest reservoir in China by capacity. The ochre-brown Longyangxia earth forest forms a high gorge in one area, connecting to Longyang Lake, truly a case of "a high gorge creating a calm lake." The vast earth forest surrounds Longyang Lake, and together they paint a picture of "ice and fire." You can drive through the entire Longyangxia Scenic Area. The Cliff Sightseeing Area + Longyang Lake + Longyangxia Earth Forest are must-visit attractions, and the scenic area offers combined tickets. You can also choose to visit the Longyang Canyon and/or take a boat cruise on Longyang Lake. Additionally, driving along Longyangxia on the G310 allows you to explore some secluded spots along the way, fully utilizing the advantages of a road trip. ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Cai Cai Juan Er. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to time sensitivity, some scenes may have changed; please refer to current conditions. ▶️ All attractions visited by Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Dog are accessible by sedan. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website; please leave a comment if you need more detailed information. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Dog on a virtual road trip to deeply explore niche travel destinations.
If Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake represent the "iconic faces" of Qinghai, then this road trip route from Guinan to Guide is the "hidden soul" of Qinghai. The landscape along the way shifts suddenly from endless desert sands to vast blue waters, then switches to a thousand-year-old ancient city built of rammed earth. Avoid the crowds, roll down the windows, and in this niche corridor, truly understand the vastness and tenderness of "Beautiful Qinghai." 🌟 Mugetan Desert Park Mugetan is one of the largest desertified areas in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. However, unlike other barren deserts in the Northwest, it presents a unique landscape where sand dunes and grasslands coexist—"sand-grass symbiosis." The rolling sand dunes shimmer with gold in the sunlight. After more than 30 years of conservation efforts, a 185 km circular sand-blocking shelterbelt has been formed. It is suitable for photography, hiking, off-roading, or riding desert motorcycles to experience the stunning contrast between the desert and the oasis. Tip: Mugetan is not a paid scenic area but rather an ecological conservation zone. It is recommended to bring your own water and food, and take sun protection measures. 🌟 Longyangxia Tourist Resort Longyangxia is known as the "First Dam on the Ten Thousand Mile Yellow River." Key highlights: · Longyang Grand Canyon & Cliff Plank Road: The canyon has a drop of 600 meters. The 8 km hiking trail offers views of the "Emerald Sky Canyon" · Longyang Lake: An artificial lake on the main stream of the Yellow River. You can take a boat tour and view the dam from a distance · Earth Forest Geological Park: A 50 km cluster of columnar earth forests. Admission is approximately 60 yuan · Salmon feast: Farmed in glacial meltwater at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Sashimi, chopped chili fish head, and "kangguo" dumplings are all worth a try 🌟 Guide Ancient City Guide Ancient City was first built in the 13th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1380 AD) and is over 600 years old. The ancient city belongs to a Ming Dynasty architectural complex, and the city walls are well-preserved. Highlights: · Yuhuang Pavilion: The landmark building of the ancient city; you can climb the tower to overlook the entire city · Confucian Temple and Guandi Temple: The core architectural complex of the ancient city · Stroll along the stone-paved roads of the ancient city and feel the charm of traveling back in time 💡 Travel tips: 1. Vehicle: The entire route is accessible by sedan, but an SUV is recommended for better handling on some unpaved roads 2. Fuel: There are gas stations in Longyangxia Town, and Guinan and Guide counties have plenty of stations. It is recommended to fill up before driving the middle sections 3. Altitude sickness: The altitude is 2,700–3,500 meters. Remember to rest and drink plenty of water 4. Best season: The climate is best from July to September, though the pear blossom season in April also has its own unique charm 5. Sun protection and warmth: The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is significant. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket are essential 🏁 Conclusion: Echoes of the journey As the headlights pierce the twilight of Guide Ancient City, the asphalt road under the wheels feels like a time tunnel—one moment you were chasing the sunset on the sand ridges of Mugetan, and the next you were overlooking the "Plateau Emerald" from the cliffs of Longyangxia. Now, the drumbeats and horn calls from 600 years ago seem to still echo within the rammed earth of the ancient city walls
To be honest, have you missed the Bakatai grassland at 3,700 meters elevation when traveling from Guide County, Qinghai to Longyangxia or Qinghai Lake? For the sake of the blue sky, green grass, and cattle and sheep that look like a recreated anime scene, just stop for a moment at Bakatai. People can freely enter the grassland, and many areas have no fences. In summer, the blue sky, white clouds, green grass, wildflowers, herds, and canyons are everywhere open and beautiful. Isn’t this experience better than those popular attractions? Sitting on the high cliff meadow looking out over the canyon, with a gentle breeze brushing your hair, and your eyes gazing into the vast sky and land, feeling refreshed and relaxed, this kind of travel experience is unforgettable. 🚙 Keep this self-driving guide handy. If you miss it this time, remember to make it up next time. 📱 Navigation: set destination to "Bakatai" 🛣️ Road conditions: passing along G310, fully paved road 🅿️ Parking: there are parking spots on Bakatai grassland ⛽ Fuel: refuel or recharge in Guide County before departure ⏳ Duration: 1–3 hours recommended to explore Bakatai grassland ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan’er. ▶️ The above content is summarized from personal travel experience. Please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timing, some scenes may have changed. Please refer to the current situation. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️ Address and location information are provided by the website. For more details, please leave a message. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog on a self-driving cloud tour to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.
Kanbula’s charm lies in breaking the stereotypes about the Yellow River and Danxia landforms—“The Yellow River in Guide is clear.” Here, clear water and red mountains blend together. Lijiaxia Reservoir surprises us with the real sapphire-like Yellow River; Kanbula Danxia makes us marvel at the magnificent Danxia mountains surrounding this sapphire. As the scenic area’s viewing platforms are named, they are the “holy water” and “sacred mountain” at the border of Jianzha and Guide in Qinghai. Moreover, as a newly designated UNESCO Global Geopark in 2025, Kanbula is a living geology textbook. Below, Caicai Juan’er shares how to explore Kanbula based on the scenic area’s recommendations and our own experience. 🚢 Standard experience: boat tour through clear water and red mountains Take a boat cruise on Lijiaxia Reservoir (Kanbula Lake), the main recommended and most popular activity in the scenic area. 🏞️ Highlights and experience The Yellow River water here is “filtered” by the dam into a rare sapphire blue, creating a striking visual contrast with the ochre-red mountains on both sides. On the 40–80 minute cruise, you can closely admire the stunning blend of crimson cliffs and deep blue lake. 🚙 Self-driving sightseeing: overlook the sacred mountain and holy water 🏞️ Highlights and experience ✅ climb high for a wide view ✅ multiple viewing platforms ✅ various perspectives to choose from. ▪ Sacred mountain and holy water viewing platform: our top recommended spot. The highest point in the scenic area, offering a panoramic view of Kanbula Lake and the “18 km Danxia corridor.” ▪ Lamaogang viewing platform: 360° panoramic view with layers of Danxia, lakes, and forests unfolding. ▪ Xiaoyaochi viewing platform: get up close to the Danxia peaks and immerse yourself in the distinctive red conical peak forest. 🌏 Our exploration tips ▪ Clear water and red mountains near the boat dock The boat dock near the east gate is a great spot to enjoy Kanbula Lake and the Danxia mountains. The scenic area hasn’t built viewing platforms here, so we enjoyed the view through the car window while looking for parking. We finally found a spot to park and then climbed a nearby dirt slope close to the lake, capturing a unique set of photos. From this spot, we also noticed that Kanbula Lake (Lijiaxia Reservoir) is developing aquaculture. ▪ Excellent photo spot near the west gate After passing the highest point at the sacred mountain and holy water viewing platform, we drove west and downhill toward Guide. Before a big downhill, the view suddenly opens up. From here, you can see the winding G310 mountain road, the majestic Danxia mountain gate on the horizon, and the Yellow River flowing through, faintly visible. Following a small path to the mountaintop, I finally took my best photo in Kanbula. 🏞️ Kanbula geological facts Kanbula is located at the transition between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. The red mountains are Paleogene (65 million–32 million years ago) red sandstone and conglomerate, shaped by the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and billions of years of weathering and erosion. This area was once an ocean, a key region in the final disappearance of the ancient Tethys Ocean. 📌 Travel tips: ▪ Recommended visit from June to October. ▪ Self-driving ticket costs 45 yuan, parking fee about 30 yuan per car. ▪ The scenic area is above 3,000 m elevation. Take sun protection and be aware of altitude sickness. ▶️ All photos are original works by Mr. Mou Gou and Caicai Juan’er. ▶️ The above content is based on personal travel experience. Please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timing, some scenes may have changed. Please refer to current conditions. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Mou Gou are accessible by car. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website. For more details, please leave a message. 🔸🔹🔸 Join Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Mou Gou on a self-driving cloud tour to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
![[Xining Special Forces Two-Day Tour Optimized Version] (Includes Pitfall Avoidance Guide + Hidden Photo Spots) — traveler post in Guide](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mi4e12000rakj67b6B27_C_480_270_R5.jpg_.avif?proc=source/trip)
🔥 Core itinerary logic: ✅ Avoid peak crowds for snow fun: Head straight to Menyuan Gangshika (the closest snow mountain for hiking near Xining) on Saturday, and explore city culture on Sunday ✅ Transportation hacks: Airport shuttle bus buy one get one free (23 RMB including return ticket), book scenic area shuttle in advance ✅ Ideal accommodation: Near Wanda in the city center, convenient for pick-up/drop-off + night market + subway 📅 DAY 1 Snow Mountain Strike Day ⏰ 6:30-7:00 Breakfast blitz 📍 Next to Xinqian Night Market, highly recommend "Marsha Beef Offal"! Small bowl 15 RMB with flatbread, more authentic than popular spots ⚠️ Note: Don’t overeat at high altitude breakfast, hiking may cause acid reflux ⏰ 7:30-8:30 Head to the snow mountain 🚗 Join a tour with "Qinghai Evergreen" Outdoor Club (rated 4.9), business van equipped with oxygen tanks 📌 Exclusive tip: Ask the driver to take National Highway G227, shoot along the way at Heiquan Reservoir + Dabanshan Tunnel entrance prayer flags ⏰ 9:00-12:00 Gangshika practical guide 🔹 Must ride horses from the colorful waterfall to base camp (bargain to 150 RMB/person round trip) 🔹 Best time to see the ice waterfall and blue ice is 12:00-14:00, bring sunglasses to prevent snow blindness 🔹 Base camp altitude 3850m, if your phone oxygen level reads below 80, descend immediately! ⏰ 13:00-17:00 Return hidden activities 🔸 When passing Datong County, ask the driver to stop at "Laoye Mountain," a free ancient temple + cliffside plank road overlooking Huangshui River 🔸 Change drop-off point in Xining city to "Limeng Commercial Alley," conveniently check in at Ma Zhong Restaurant for fermented noodles + yogurt rice dumplings 📅 DAY 2 Cultural Walking Day ⏰ 6:00-7:30 Morning assault at Ta'er Monastery 🔹 Carpool first to Laji Mountain! Winter sunrise around 7:20, wind speed at the pass reaches level 8, wear windproof clothes 🔹 Secret to avoiding tour groups at Ta'er Monastery: arrive before 8:30, head straight to the Golden Tile Hall’s three masterpiece murals 🔸 No photography zones are patrolled by staff, don’t keep cameras in side pockets of backpacks! ⏰ 9:00-12:00 Rapid city tour 📍 Route design: Dongguan Mosque (free) → Tibetan Culture Museum (focus on Thangka paintings in the south hall) → Qinghai Provincial Museum (treasure: gilded bronze Buddha statue) ⚠️ Note: Museums closed on Mondays, for lunch try Ga Jinwa lamb intestine noodles on Xinghai Road nearby ⏰ 13:00-15:00 Animal Planet encounter 🔸 Must-see zoo route: Snow Leopard Pavilion (feeding at 10:00) → Panda Pavilion (well air-conditioned, dress warmly) → Raptors area (vultures active in afternoon) 🔸 Bring your own carrot sticks to feed Pikas, keepers will allow it~ 💰 Money-saving tips: ① Get cultural tourism vouchers from the "Xining Release" WeChat official account, 5 RMB off Gangshika shuttle ② Buy student tickets for Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Zoo on certain platforms (no ID needed) ③ Discounts at Mojia Street Night Market after 8:00 PM, buy one get one free on Delu yogurt ❗ High-altitude survival rules: ❶ Don’t shower for the first two days! Prepare ibuprofen for headaches, glucose oral solution works better than oxygen tanks ❷ Use SPF50+ sunscreen! UV reflection on snow can reach 85% ❸ Carry your ID at all times, checkpoints every 30 km, fines for violations! 📸 Secret photo spots revealed: Right fork near Gangshika ice waterfall, shoot snow mountain + prayer flags in one frame Second-floor railing at Dongguan Mosque, perfect symmetrical composition Fourth-floor corridor of Tibetan Culture Museum, cinematic light and shadow on Tibetan robe displays Follow this guide and guarantee your weekend two-day trip will yield the best photos of the year on social media!
Longyang Gorge features the first large-scale cascade power station on the upper Yellow River, creating the Longyang Gorge Reservoir, also known as Longyang Lake. In Huanghe Village, Longyang Gorge Town, the Longyang Lake scenic area offers boat tours to see the dam. 🚣🏿♂️Paddling experience on Longyang Lake Since we arrived late, we boarded the last boat of the day after entering the Longyang Lake scenic area. The feeling of boating on the lake was— Vast and endless blue, the water and sky blend on the far shore. As the boat moved forward, the dam came into view. It holds back the entire annual flow of 130,000 square kilometers of the upper Yellow River, making Longyang Lake vast. Heading west near sunset, the backlit lake surface sparkled. On the right, scattered villages appeared, and farther away was pure natural scenery. On the left, stretches of yellow earth forests extended. On the way there, the ravines were dense; on the return, the light and shadows were enchanting. 🌄Sunset at the earth forests and Longyang lakeside Back on shore, dusk was near, and the Yellow River looked gently beautiful. We lingered by the lake, pausing to enjoy the most charming moment of the day between the Yellow River and the earth forests. In the foreground, backlit grass; in the background, the deep blue Longyang Lake edged with golden light and a vintage feel; farther away, the earth forests outlined by light and shadow. Mr. Dog couldn’t stop clicking his shutter. As for me, no exaggeration—I captured some of my best photos of life right then and there. If you take the last boat of the day, don’t miss this stunning scenery. After disembarking, stay inside the scenic area and walk left from the boarding point to discover beautiful views. 🌅Morning at Longyang lakeside The next morning, we drove from Huanghe Village to the lake again, but the sheep arrived earlier than us. The Yellow River in Guide is clear, and its pure water flows into Longyang Lake. Gentle waves lap the shore, morning breeze brushes the face, the water’s color slightly different yet equally dreamy. Longyang Lake is a must-see hidden gem. 🚙Road trip tips 📱Navigation: set destination to "Longyang Lake scenic area" 🛣️Road conditions: fully paved 🅿️Parking: parking lot outside the scenic area 🎫Tickets: various combo tickets available, choose based on your needs ⛽Fuel and charging: Longyang Gorge Town’s Huanghe Village has a tourist-focused area with convenient refueling and charging ⏳Duration: 30-minute boat ride, 1 hour to explore the scenic area Afterward, we continued driving along G310 toward the Longyang Gorge earth forest scenic area. Along the way, we encountered some noteworthy off-the-beaten-path sights, which will be shared next time. ▶️All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan’er. ▶️The above content is based on personal travel experience. Please forgive any omissions. ▶️Due to timing, some scenes may have changed. Please refer to current conditions. ▶️All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️Location information is provided by the website. For more details, please leave a message. 🔸🔹🔸 Join Caicai Juan’er and Mr. Dog on a road trip to explore lesser-known travel destinations in depth.
I never imagined there were such beautiful Danxia landforms near Xining. As evening fell, we entered the colorful geological park. The glow of the setting sun cast different colors across the continuous Danxia mountains – it was so beautiful! There were also free guided tours, allowing us to learn more about the beauty of Guide. The only downside was the park's design, which lacked user-friendliness and fun. Adding more information and reducing artificial structures would have made it even better.
M37***68🍎We went to Ta'er Monastery first after getting off the plane. The second stop was Laji Mountain. It had just snowed before May Day, and the snow covered the dry and yellow mountains, which was very beautiful; 🍎The mountain road was winding and the altitude rose quickly, so the child had slight altitude sickness and vomited. Fortunately, the driver had oxygen tanks in the car 🍎It was beautiful to fly a drone on the mountain, magnificent and majestic
岱山香橙The Jade Emperor Pavilion, located on North Street in Heyin Town, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, is an important part of the Guide Confucian Temple and Jade Emperor Pavilion ancient architectural complex. This complex integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, comprising six courtyards including the Confucian Temple, Wanshou Temple, Dafosi Temple, Guan Yue Temple, City God Temple, and Public Education Hall, as well as an ancient drill ground and the ancient city of Guide. The Jade Emperor Pavilion is a landmark building in Guide, listed as a cultural relic protection unit by the Qinghai Provincial People's Government in 1986 and a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2001. The Jade Emperor Pavilion was first built in the 20th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1592), expanded during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, and destroyed by fire in the 6th year of the Tongzhi reign (1867). The existing buildings are mostly reconstructions from the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. The Yuhuangge Ancient Architectural Complex comprises six courtyards: Yuhuangge (Wanshou Temple), Confucian Temple, Dafosi Temple, Guanyue Temple, City God Temple, and the People's Education Center (now Lixinyuan), as well as the ancient drill ground (commonly known as Huangmiaochang) and the ancient city of Guide. The temples and monasteries are adjacent to each other, integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in a unique layout. The overall architecture adopts the traditional Chinese symmetrical form along a central axis, while individual buildings primarily feature styles from Gansu and Qinghai.
水漫三楼The Yellow River in Guide is the cleanest! This is true. I was also amazed when I arrived in Guide! It turns out that this section of the Yellow River in Qinghai is so clear and pure! It's even a bit like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong! There is an ancient city in Guide, which is very beautiful. You must go up to the city tower to see the rich and wonderful contents in the city. There is also a Mina Temple in Guide. How about it? Do you know the word "Mena"? 😄
把剑长歌It's changed a lot; I haven't been here for ten years, but the scenery is still beautiful. The reservoir is azure, the Danxia landforms are magnificent, and the peaks stand tall. There are now man-made walking trails, which adds to the fun, and shuttle buses and escalators have been installed, making things much more convenient. Overall, it's quite good, and it's still the scenery I love!
135***20The ancient city of Guide is very beautiful. If you come from afar, you should go up to the city wall to see it. The pear trees in the ancient city grow very well. The temperature difference between day and night is obvious. I think they must be delicious when they are ripe. The Yellow River in Guide is the cleanest! This is true. It was only when I arrived in Guide that I was amazed to find that the Yellow River in Qinghai is so clear and pure! It is even a bit like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong!
把剑长歌Kumbum Monastery is also a monastery with distinctive Tibetan Buddhist characteristics. The Lotus Pagoda was built by Tsongkhapa's mother according to her son's request to "build a stupa at his birthplace," thus marking the origin of Kumbum Monastery. Later, because "the stupa came first, then the monastery," it acquired the Chinese name "Kumbum Monastery." It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. It holds a high position among believers and is an important religious activity and pilgrimage site in Northwest China.
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寒舒旅记The world's largest prayer wheel. According to the tour guide, this prayer wheel has been consecrated by more than 60 eminent monks. It contains 6 billion copies of the Six-Syllable Mantra Sutra and 200 copies of the Tripitaka. Turning this prayer wheel can eliminate karma and bring good fortune!
_CF***84
