Details
Arrival in Xining: Beginning Your Plateau Journey
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It is recommended to arrive before noon to allow time to adjust to the altitude (about 2,200 m).
Enjoy free time in the afternoon. We recommend visiting the Dongguan Mosque or the Qinghai Provincial Museum to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and highland culture.
For dinner, you may try local specialties such as hand-pulled mutton, traditional yogurt, and liangpi (cold noodles).
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Xining city hotel
Xining → Qinghai Lake Blue Ice → Tianjun Stone Forest → Delingha
Depart early and follow National Highway G109 to Qinghai Lake (approx. 3 hours).
In winter, parts of the lake freeze over, forming thick layers of blue ice, ice cracks, and snow waves—excellent for close-range photography. (For safety, do not enter undeveloped frozen areas.)
Continue westward to explore Tianjun Stone Forest, known in Tibetan as “Yugong Mountain.” The dramatic black stone pillars carved by wind erosion rise from the snowy plain—mysterious, desolate, and rarely visited, making it a hidden gem for photographers.
Arrive in Delingha by evening and check into your hotel, with the snow-covered Gobi cityscape visible from afar.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Delingha city hotel
Qinghai Lake (Frozen Blue Ice)
Tianjun Stone Forest
Chaka Salt Lake (Snow Mirror) → Emerald Lake → Delingha/Dachaidan
Drive to Chaka Salt Lake. In winter, crowds are minimal and the frozen surface becomes a white “snow sky mirror,” ideal for minimalist landscape photos.
In the afternoon, visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake. Winter makes the water colors even richer—emerald green and sapphire blue contrasting beautifully with the snow and salt fields, like a scene from a fairytale.
Return to Delingha by dusk or stay overnight in Dachaidan depending on weather and energy.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Delingha or Dachaidan town
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake
Dachaidan → U-Shaped Highway → Water Yadan (Night Star Viewing)
Depart from Dachaidan and travel along the famous G315 U-shaped Highway, a straight road stretching toward the horizon, surrounded by open snowy plains. Aerial photography is stunning here.
In the afternoon, enter the Water Yadan Geopark, the world’s only Yadan landscape partially submerged in water. In winter, snow covers the mounds, resembling a frozen ancient city—silent and otherworldly.
In the evening, camp or stay near the scenic area. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way and star trails appear clearly—an ideal spot for astrophotography.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Water Yadan camp or return to Dachaidan
U-shaped highway
Watery Yardang
Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake
Drive to Dunhuang (approx. 4 hours), passing through vast snow-covered Gobi terrain.
In the afternoon, visit the Mogao Caves. Winter is low season, allowing quieter appreciation of the magnificent murals. It is recommended to book the A-ticket in advance.
Head to Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake at sunset. Winter temperatures make the sand firmer; snow on the dunes with the crescent lake creates an elegant, poetic scene.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Dunhuang city hotel or desert camp
Mogao Caves
Mingsha Mountain Moon Tooth Spring
Zhangye Rainbow Mountains (Snow-Covered Danxia)
Depart for Zhangye Rainbow Mountains (about 5 hours).
In winter, the Danxia colors appear softer, but snow on the ridges creates a unique red-white layered landscape. Morning light enhances the textures, making it ideal for photography.
Arrive in Zhangye city by evening and enjoy authentic Lanzhou beef noodles.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Zhangye city hotel
Colorful Danxia
Colorful Danxia
Qilian Grasslands → Gangshika Snow Peak → Return to Xining
Drive along the National Highway 227, crossing the expansive Qilian Grasslands, which transform into a silver-white Nordic-style landscape in winter.
Pass by Gangshika Snow Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Qilian Mountains. Its snow-covered summit is majestic and sacred—perfect for distant photography.
Return to Xining in the afternoon, concluding this magnificent and tranquil winter journey.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Xining city hotel
Gangshika Snow Peak
Qilian Mountains Grassland
Departure from Xining
Time to head home with beautiful memories. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Taipei.
Thank you for joining this unforgettable Qinghai–Gansu winter expedition. We look forward to seeing you again!
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Return flight
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2026-01 | $ 900 | Book now |
| Feb | 2026-02 | $ 900 | Book now |
| Mar | 2026-03 | $ 900 | Book now |
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 900 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 900 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-DAY Winter Qinghai–Gansu Plateau Adventure: Blue Ice, Yadan Landscapes & Dunhuang Culture
Fee Description
Travel Notes & Important Reminders
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Minimum group size: 16 people; maximum: 40. A licensed tour leader from Taiwan will accompany the group.
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Please inform us during registration if any of the following apply:
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Travelers aged 70+ or with mobility issues traveling alone
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Travelers under 18 not accompanied by a legal guardian
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Pregnant travelers must report pregnancy week and carry medical documentation; airline requirements may vary
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Travelers with infants
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Travelers requiring special meals (vegetarian options in remote areas may be limited)
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Solo travelers: room sharing with same-gender travelers will be arranged when possible; single room supplement applies if needed
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Special room requests (connecting rooms, specific floors, etc.) will be relayed to hotels but cannot be guaranteed
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ROC male citizens required to apply for military exit permits
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Non-ROC passport holders must verify their own entry regulations
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This is a group tour; please follow group meeting times.
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Leaving the group mid-tour is not permitted.
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Itinerary may be adjusted due to local conditions, weather, or transportation delays; all changes prioritize safety.
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Attraction tickets included in the tour are group-rate tickets; no senior/child discounts apply.
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Restaurants and service areas in Mainland China may sell local specialties—these are not designated shopping stops.
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Please familiarize yourself with local environments and customs before travel.
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High-speed rail in Mainland China prohibits knives, firearms, and dangerous goods. Violations may result in fines or penalties.
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ROC passports are used for Taiwan immigration; Mainland China requires a valid Mainland Travel Permit (Tai Bao Zheng).
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Upon receiving your passport, verify that all documents are complete.
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Do not carry fruits or meat products through customs; avoid political discussions to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
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This tour is not applicable to Mainland Chinese citizens or Taiwan business residents in Mainland China.
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Distances between cities in Qinghai, Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Gansu are long; bring books or headphones to enjoy the journey. Some regions have limited hotel standards—please be understanding.
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Meals in minority regions may be simpler than those in coastal cities. Vegetarian travelers are advised to prepare canned or instant food when necessary.
Booking Requirements
To ensure a smooth trip, please read carefully before registration.
● Due to real-name booking systems at hotels and attractions in Mainland China, a copy of your valid Mainland Travel Permit (Tai Bao Zheng) must be submitted upon registration and deposit payment. If capacity is full, the schedule may be adjusted accordingly.
