If you’re planning your first trip to Northwest China, you’ve probably heard of the Gansu–Qinghai loop, often called the “Gannan–Qinghai Grand Circle.”
This route has everything: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, rainbow-colored hills, salt lakes, and ancient Silk Road culture — all in one trip.
But here’s what most foreign travelers don’t know:
Some areas in this region are not open to foreign passport holders.
Without the right information, you may get stuck on the road or be rejected by hotels.
To help you travel smoothly, here is the Foreign Traveler–Friendly Gansu–Qinghai Itinerary, including what’s open, what’s not, where you can sleep, and how to avoid all the common pitfalls.
📌 2 Major Restrictions Foreign Travelers Must Know
1️⃣ Accommodation Restrictions: Almost all of Haixi Prefecture is closed to foreign visitors
This is the most important rule.
Haixi (except Golmud City) is not open to foreign passport holders.
| Area | Can Foreigners Stay? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golmud | ✔ Yes | The ONLY available stop |
| Dachaidan | ❌ No | Entire area restricted |
| Delingha | ❌ No | Doesn’t accept foreign passports |
| Mangya | ❌ No | Fully restricted |
| Water Yardang | ❌ No | Foreigners rarely permitted |
👉 In simple terms:
Between Chaka → Dunhuang, you MUST stay in Golmud.
Anyone you see staying in Dachaidan online is likely a local or using non-foreign ID.
2️⃣ Scenic Site Restrictions: Some spots don’t allow foreign entry
These areas usually require special permits and are unstable for foreign travelers:
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❌ Urt Water Yardang (Water Yadan)
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❌ Jade Lake (Feicui Lake)
But don’t worry — the best alternative sites are both open and spectacular:
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✔ Qarhan Salt Lake — huge, white, and dreamlike
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✔ Heidushan — otherworldly black desert landscapes
These two are safer, more accessible, and just as stunning.
3️⃣ Permit Requirements: Needed if entering non-open regions
If your itinerary stays on the classic “Xining → Golmud → Dunhuang → Zhangye” loop, you generally don’t need a permit.
But if you want to enter deeper parts of Haixi Prefecture (e.g., Mangya, Lenghu), you need to apply 5–10 working days in advance.
Common documents required (your travel agency will help):
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Personal résumé + information form
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Non-Open Area Application Form
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Detailed daily itinerary
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Commitment letter
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Passport & visa copies
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Route map
All information must be accurate. Any mistake may cause rejection.
Haixi Checkpoint
🧭 Backup Plans: If Restrictions Change Last Minute
Military exercises or temporary policies can occasionally affect access to Golmud.
If that happens, here are two excellent alternatives:
Plan A｜Travel only Qinghai + Dunhuang + Zhangye
Still includes:
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Qinghai Lake
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Chaka Salt Lake
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Black desert landscapes
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Mogao Caves
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Zhangye Rainbow Mountains
Very stable and foreign-friendly.
Plan B｜Focus on “Qinghai + Gansu Central”
You can explore:
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Xining (Dongguan Mosque)
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Qinghai Lake
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Chaka Salt Lake
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Kanbula National Park
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Tibetan culture in Tongren
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Lanzhou
Great scenery and zero restrictions.
✈️ Essential Tips for Foreign Travelers
1. Always bring passport + physical copies
Many hotels need to photocopy your documents.
2. Book Mogao Caves A-tickets early
B-tickets don’t include the best caves.
3. Private car or shared shuttle is best
Self-driving is not recommended for foreigners due to checkpoint requirements.
4. Weather is extremely dry — sun protection is a must
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, scarves.
5. Carry some cash
Small towns may have unstable internet for mobile payments.
6. Avoid driving long distances at night
Roads are dark and remote.
🌟 Yes, Foreigners CAN Travel the Gansu–Qinghai Loop Safely
The Gansu–Qinghai loop is one of China’s most beautiful journeys — a mix of salt lakes, rainbow mountains, desert culture, and vast grasslands.
For foreign travelers:
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✔ Xining, Chaka, Golmud, Dunhuang, and Zhangye are all accessible
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✔ As long as you avoid restricted zones, the route is smooth
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✔ With basic planning, your trip will be just as amazing as any local traveler’s
