5-day travel guide for the Great Northwest Loop (an excellent choice to visit the Great Northwest in one trip)

The Great Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in China, with magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. . If you want to visit the Northwest in one trip, then free travel is the best choice. In this guide, I will provide you with a detailed 5-day itinerary so that you can fully appreciate the charm of the Northwest.

Day 1: Xi'an-Lanzhou

In the morning, take a plane or train from Xi'an to the capital. Stop in Lanzhou. After arriving in Lanzhou, you can first taste the local specialty - Lanzhou Ramen. Afterwards, you can go to Lanzhou’s landmark building, the Yellow River Iron Bridge, to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River. In the evening, you can find a comfortable hotel to rest in Lanzhou city.

The next day: Lanzhou-Dunhuang

In the morning, take a train or bus to Dunhuang. After arriving in Dunhuang, you can first visit the Mogao Grottoes, a well-preserved treasure trove of Buddhist art. In the Mogao Grottoes, you can admire exquisite works of art such as murals and Buddhist statues. Afterwards, you can go to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring to experience the wonderful scenery in the desert. In the evening, you can choose to spend the night in a tent camp in Dunhuang city or in the desert.

Day 3: Dunhuang-Jiayuguan

In the morning, take a train or bus to Jiayuguan. After arriving at Jiayuguan, you can visit the Jiayuguan Great Wall, which is an important part of the ancient Great Wall of China. On the Great Wall, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Jiayuguan and learn about its history and culture. Afterwards, you can go to Jiayuguan city to find a comfortable hotel to rest.

Day 4: Jiayuguan-Xining

In the morning, take a train or bus to Xining. After arriving in Xining, you can first visit Qinghai Lake, which is the largest inland lake in China and a beautiful tourist attraction. By the Qinghai Lake, you can enjoy the lake, mountains and unique grassland scenery. Afterwards, you can taste the local specialty - Qinghai beef noodles. In the evening, you can choose to find a comfortable hotel to rest in Xining city.

Day 5: Xining-Xi’an

In the morning, take a plane or train back to Xi’an. Back in Xi'an, you can visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the important cultural heritages of ancient China. In the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you can admire a large number of terracotta warriors and horses and other exquisite cultural relics. Afterwards, you can taste a variety of authentic snacks in Xi'an's food street to end this wonderful trip to the Great Northwest Loop.

With this 5-day itinerary, you can visit the best attractions in the Northwest in a short period of time. Whether it is the magnificent natural scenery or the rich cultural heritage, the Northwest can make you linger. I hope this guide will be helpful to your travels, and I wish you a happy vacation during your free travel in the Northwest!