Gansu Qinghai Grand Ring Road self-driving travel guide (route planning, attraction recommendations, food guide)

Gansu Qinghai Grand Ring Road is one of the most charming self-driving travel routes in northwest China, with magnificent natural scenery , rich history and culture and delicious local cuisine. This article will provide you with detailed route planning, attraction recommendations and food guides to help you enjoy your trip on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Ring Road.

Route planning

The Gansu-Qinghai Grand Ring Road self-driving tour route usually starts in Lanzhou and passes through Gansu and Qinghai provinces, with a total distance of about 2,000 kilometers. The following is a classic route plan:

Day 1: Lanzhou

After arriving in Lanzhou, you can first visit Lanzhou’s famous attractions, such as the Yellow River Iron Bridge, Baita Mountain and Lanzhou Water Car Museum. In the evening, taste local specialties such as Lanzhou noodles and mutton skewers.

The next day: Lanzhou - Jiayuguan

Depart in the morning for Jiayuguan, which is one of the important passes of the ancient Great Wall of China. Visit Jiayuguan City Wall and Jiayuguan Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Great Wall.

Day 3: Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Continue driving to Dunhuang, which is an important stop on the Silk Road. Visit the Mogao Grottoes and admire the treasures of mural art. In the evening, you can taste local fruits and special snacks in Dunhuang City.

Day 4: Dunhuang - Xining

Leave Dunhuang and head to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Qinghai Lake on the way. After arriving in Xining, you can visit Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai Lake Museum.

Day 5: Xining - Chaka Salt Lake

Depart from Xining and head to Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai. This is one of the largest salt lakes in China, and the lake water shows brilliant and colorful colors. You can take a stroll around the lake and admire the stunning natural scenery.

Day 6: Chaka Salt Lake - Qinghai Lake

Continue to move along the Grand Ring Road and arrive at Qinghai Lake. Qinghai Lake is the largest saltwater lake in China and one of the landmarks of Qinghai Province. You can enjoy sunrise and sunset views by the lake and taste local fish delicacies.

Day 7: Qinghai Lake - Lanzhou

On the last day, return to Lanzhou. In Lanzhou you can taste Lanzhou Ramen again and buy some local specialties as souvenirs. Ending a pleasant self-driving trip on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Ring Road.

Attraction Recommendations

There are many scenic spots worth visiting along the Gansu-Qinghai Ring Road. Here are some recommendations:

Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge

< p>The Yellow River Iron Bridge is China's first large-scale bridge designed and constructed by the Chinese themselves, and it is also one of the milestones in China's modern engineering history.

Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan is one of the important passes on the Great Wall in ancient China. It has a long history and unique architectural style.

Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes

Mogao GrottoesIt is a world cultural heritage and is famous for its rich murals and sculptures.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake is the largest saltwater lake in China. The water is clear and blue, and the surrounding scenery is picturesque.

Food Guide

There are many delicacies worth tasting on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Ring Road. Here are some recommendations:

Lanzhou Ramen

Lanzhou Ramen It is a specialty delicacy in Lanzhou, famous for its delicious soup base and chewy noodles.

Mutton skewers

The mutton skewers in Gansu and Qinghai are very famous. The meat is tender and juicy, and it is even more delicious with special seasonings.

Qinghai yogurt

Qinghai yogurt is a local specialty drink with a mellow taste, coolness and thirst quenching.

Chaka Salt Lake salt-boiled beef

The salt-boiled beef near Chaka Salt Lake is a local specialty. The beef is tender and tender, and the salt taste is just right.

I hope the above guide for self-driving travel on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Ring Road can help you, and I wish you a happy trip!