March Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop Travel Guide
A Quiet and Beautiful Spring Journey in Northwest China
From late March to early April, the Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop enters a special season that many travelers often overlook.
When people talk about Qinghai and Gansu, they usually think of the rapeseed flowers in July or the green grasslands of August. But spring in Northwest China has a completely different charm.
There are no peak-season crowds, no long lines at scenic spots, and no traffic jams along the highways.
The landscapes—Gobi deserts, snow-capped mountains, salt lakes, colorful Danxia landforms, and vast deserts—feel even more expansive and pure during spring.
If you are planning a trip to Qinghai and Gansu in March or early April, this guide will explain everything you need to know, including weather, clothing, travel routes, scenic spot conditions, and useful travel tips.
Chaka Salt Lake
1. Weather Conditions on the Qinghai–Gansu Loop (March–April)
March along the Qinghai–Gansu route is still relatively cold, but not as extreme as many people imagine. The biggest characteristics are dry air and large temperature differences between day and night.
During the daytime, when the sun is out, the weather can feel quite comfortable. However, temperatures drop significantly in the morning and evening.
Approximate Temperatures in Qinghai
Xining: -3°C to 18°C
Qinghai Lake: -6°C to 14°C
Qilian: -6°C to 15°C
Dachaidan: -5°C to 12°C
Since most places in Qinghai sit at elevations around 3,000 meters, the perceived temperature may feel colder than the actual reading. Wind can also be stronger near Qinghai Lake and the Qilian Mountains.
Approximate Temperatures in Gansu
Lanzhou: -2°C to 20°C
Zhangye: -5°C to 19°C
Dunhuang: -4°C to 24°C
Once you enter Gansu Province, the temperature becomes noticeably warmer. In Dunhuang, midday temperatures can even feel like early summer.
2. What to Wear for the Qinghai–Gansu Loop in March
The most important principle when packing for a spring trip here is layering.
The temperature difference within a single day can be significant—cold mornings and evenings but warm afternoons.
Recommended Layering System
Base layer
Thermal underwear or quick-dry shirts
Mid layer
Fleece jacket, sweater, or hoodie
Outer layer
Down jacket or windproof outdoor jacket
This three-layer system is usually enough for the entire Qinghai–Gansu loop.
Essential Clothing Checklist
Windproof jacket ×1
Down jacket ×1
Thermal underwear ×2
Sweaters or hoodies ×2
Jeans or fleece-lined pants ×2
Thermal leggings ×1
Long dress ×1–2 (for photos)
Many travelers—especially women—like bringing dresses for photography, which is totally understandable.
Qinghai Lake, salt lakes, and deserts all make incredible photo backgrounds.
However, remember one important thing:
You can bring dresses, but a windproof jacket is absolutely essential.
Many first-time visitors underestimate how strong the wind can be in Northwest China.
3. Essential Accessories and Gear
There are several items that are extremely useful for travel in this region.
Sunglasses
Salt lakes and desert surfaces reflect sunlight very strongly. Without sunglasses, the glare can be overwhelming.
Choose sunglasses with UV400 protection.
Hats
Two good options:
Knitted hat (for warmth)
Bucket hat (for sun protection)
Bright colors also look great in photos.
Scarves or Shawls
The wind in Northwest China can be strong. A scarf not only keeps you warm but also adds a stylish touch to photos.
Ethnic-style shawls are particularly photogenic in deserts and salt lakes.
High-Top Shoes
It is recommended to bring either:
High-top sneakers
or
Martens-style boots
These help protect against wind and sand while also being comfortable for walking.
Sun Protection
Many people assume that the sun is weak in March, but this is not true.
High-altitude regions have strong UV radiation, and the reflection from salt lakes and desert sand makes it even stronger.
Be sure to bring:
SPF50 sunscreen
Lip balm
Sunglasses
Chaka Salt Lake
4. Skincare and Moisturizing Tips
The most noticeable thing about Northwest China is how dry it is.
The air humidity is very low, and strong winds can easily cause dry skin.
Recommended items include:
Moisturizing cream
Hydrating facial spray
Lip balm
Face masks
Some travelers even use face masks twice a day—morning and evening.
It might sound excessive, but it is actually very helpful in this climate.
5. Scenic Spot Conditions in March
Many travelers worry that attractions may be closed in early spring.
In reality, most of the major destinations along the Qinghai–Gansu route are open year-round.
For example:
Qinghai Lake
Chaka Salt Lake
Emerald Lake (Dachaidan)
Black Dushan
Zhangye Danxia Landform
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring
Mogao Caves
These attractions remain accessible during spring.
The only noticeable difference is that the grasslands have not turned green yet.
However, landscapes like salt lakes, deserts, and Danxia formations are not affected by the season.
6. The Biggest Advantage of Spring: Fewer Crowds
If you prefer avoiding crowds, March is actually an excellent time to travel the Qinghai–Gansu loop.
Because the peak season has not started yet, many places feel almost private.
For example:
Danxia sunset viewpoints
Gobi desert highways
Salt lake mirror reflections
During peak season these places can be packed with visitors.
But in spring, it is common to have entire scenic areas nearly to yourself.
Chaka Salt Lake
7. Classic 6–7 Day Qinghai–Gansu Loop Itinerary
In spring, a 6–7 day loop is usually ideal.
It covers most highlights without rushing.
Day 1
Arrival in Xining
Recommended places:
Ta’er Monastery
Dongguan Grand Mosque
Mojia Street Night Market
Day 2
Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake
Qinghai Lake is the largest saltwater lake in China.
In spring the lake appears especially blue, and there are very few tourists.
On sunny days, Chaka Salt Lake can still produce beautiful mirror reflections.
Day 3
Chaka → Dachaidan → Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake has become one of the most popular salt lakes in recent years.
Its water colors resemble sparkling gemstones.
Day 4
Dachaidan → Black Dushan → Dunhuang
Black Dushan resembles a Mars-like landscape.
Many films and photography projects are shot here.
Arrive in Dunhuang in the evening.
Day 5
Dunhuang
It is highly recommended to spend two full days here.
First day:
Mingsha Mountain
Crescent Moon Spring
Dunhuang Night Market
Day 6
Dunhuang
Mogao Caves
Yadan Devil City
The Mogao Caves deserve a full day to explore properly.
Day 7
Dunhuang → Zhangye → Rainbow Danxia → Xining
The sunset at Zhangye Danxia is breathtaking.
After visiting, return to Xining.
8. Travel Tips and Things to Avoid
Choose a reliable travel agency
Since spring has fewer tourists, some small tour groups may cancel at the last minute.
Choose a reputable local travel agency and sign a formal electronic contract.
Avoid extremely cheap tours
Very cheap tours often exclude:
Entrance tickets
Shuttle buses
Quality accommodation
In the end, the total cost may actually be higher.
Be cautious with desert camping
Some operators advertise desert camping even in March.
However, nighttime temperatures are still very low.
The best season for desert camping is usually after May.
Bring basic medications
Useful items include:
Rhodiola (for altitude adjustment)
Cold medicine
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Glucose supplements
Throat lozenges
If needed, supplies can also be purchased in Xining.
Chaka Salt Lake
9. Altitude Considerations
The elevation along the Qinghai–Gansu loop is not extremely high.
Most areas are between 2,500 and 3,500 meters.
However, some travelers may still experience mild altitude symptoms.
Helpful tips:
Avoid intense exercise on the first day
Drink plenty of water
Avoid excessive alcohol
Most people adapt within a day.
10. Final Thoughts
If you had to describe the Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop in March using just a few words, they would be:
Beautiful, cold, dry, and peaceful.
There are no blooming rapeseed fields yet, and the grasslands are not green.
But you will still experience:
Snow mountains
Salt lakes
Danxia landscapes
Gobi deserts
Vast sand dunes
Ancient Silk Road cities
And the best part—almost no crowds.
Many travelers say the same thing after completing the Qinghai–Gansu loop:
If I come back again, I would choose the off-season.
Because the true beauty of Northwest China is not in the crowds—but in its endless openness and silence.
