If you are planning a road trip in northwest China, the Qinghai-Gansu Loop offers a perfect combination of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Choosing the right route depends on what you want to prioritize: scenery or culture.
1. Route Planning: Scenic vs Cultural
For those who want to focus on breathtaking landscapes, the clockwise route from Xining to Qinghai Lake, Delingha, Golmud, Lenghu, Dunhuang, Zhangye, and finally back to Lanzhou is ideal. This route highlights the diverse terrain of the Tibetan Plateau, salt lakes, and desert landscapes.
If your focus is cultural experiences, start in Lanzhou, continue to Wuwei, Zhangye, and Dunhuang, then head from Lenghu and Dachaidan, passing Qinghai Lake back to Xining. A key note: avoid exhausting yourself before high-altitude sections; entering from Xining and exiting via Lanzhou is safer for acclimatization and energy management.
2. Must-Visit Spots
Xining and surroundings:
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Kanbula National Forest Park: A short drive from Xining, this forested area offers a refreshing contrast to the plateau’s arid landscape.
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Ganjia Village: Stop along the way for authentic hand-pulled lamb—it’s a local favorite and a must-try.
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Xining Tibetan Culture Museum: Allocate about two hours to explore Tibet’s cultural artifacts without leaving the city.
Kanbula National Forest Park
Qinghai Lake :
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Nanshan Viewpoint: Navigate here for panoramic views of the entire Erlangjian Scenic Area. Higher elevations offer better perspectives.
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Black Horse River : Ideal for lakeside exploration.
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Donggeer Viewpoint : Perfect for spotting seagulls and capturing the lake’s beauty.
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For tea lovers: consider Chaka Salt Lake in Chaka Town if the weather is good—this location has contributed significantly to the route’s popularity, though it is weather-dependent. If conditions are less ideal, head to Tianjun County in preparation for Halah Lake the following day. Note: round trips from Tianjun require a minimum 450 km EV range.
Chaka Salt Lake
Delingha & Golmud :
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Delingha is optional; many travelers choose to skip it.
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From Golmud, adventurous drivers can take Route 109 to explore Kokoxili or Xiwangmu Yaochi, though realistically, completing this in one day is challenging unless driving non-stop for 24 hours.
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Qarhan Salt Lake: Truly one of the most beautiful spots on the loop—don’t skip it.
Qarhan Salt Lake
East & Water Yardan / Cold Lake:
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Visiting East Yardan and Water Yardan is optional, especially if you plan to traverse the Mars One Highway later. Instead, take the U-shaped highway through Nan Baxian Devil City to Cold Lake.
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Cold Lake: Previously a simple stopover, it now merits two days. Highlights include Ruyi Lake and Black Dushan, both accessible via non-paved roads. The Mars One Highway’s campsite and the Erboliang crossing are nearby. Allow sufficient time for these attractions.
East Yardan and Water Yardan
3. Spots You Can Skip
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Sun and Moon Mountain
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Dachaidan Jade Lake
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Water Yardan
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Qinghai Lake cliffs
4. Optional Attractions
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Ta’er Monastery
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Red Cliff Mars Geology
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Oil towns along the route
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Erlangjian Scenic Area
Red Cliff Mars Geology
5. Travel Safety & Logistics
Charging infrastructure is generally sufficient along the loop. Key points include:
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Red Cliff Mars Geology entrance: EV charging available.
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Kokoxili Route 109: Pay attention to the 300-meter mark before Kunlun Holy Spring and Wudao Liang charging stations.
6. TIPS
Driving from Xining to Cold Lake provides the most visually appealing landscapes, showcasing geological formations and plateau scenery along the way. This route allows for a relaxed pace without unnecessary risk. A complete exploration of these recommended spots requires at least 5–6 days; standard 7–8 day loops are often designed to fit traveler vacations rather than realistic sightseeing plans. Stick to the must-visit and optional spots, and plan EV charging stops carefully for a smooth journey.
By following this guide, travelers can enjoy both the natural beauty and the cultural richness of the Qinghai-Gansu Loop safely and efficiently, making it an unforgettable northwest China road trip experience.
