Great Northwest China: 7-Day Qinghai Lake to Badain Jaran Desert Road Trip
Cross three provinces in 7 days — from Qinghai Lake's sacred waters to Qilian's grasslands and the wild Badain Jaran Desert
Route Overview
Xining → Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake → Qilian Grassland → Zhangye Danxia → Badain Jaran Desert → Xining
This 7-day loop starts and ends in Xining, covering China's most dramatic northwest landscapes — the 'Mirror of the Sky' salt lake, endless grasslands, rainbow-colored mountains, and a desert so vast you can camp under a billion stars.
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Great Northwest Road Trip
Arrive Xining
Fly into Xining Caojiabao Airport. Check into hotel and rest. If you arrive early, explore Dongguan Great Mosque and try Qinghai-style lamb noodles.
Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake
Drive to Chaka Salt Lake — China's 'Mirror of the Sky'. Walk on the crystallized salt flats for surreal reflections. Continue to Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland lake. Stay lakeside for sunset and sunrise.
Qilian Grassland & Zhuoer Mountain
Drive north into the Qilian Mountains. Cross vast grasslands dotted with yak and sheep herds. Hike to Zhuoer Mountain viewpoint for 360° panoramic views of the Qilian range.
Giant Buddha Temple & Zhangye Danxia
Visit the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Si) housing a 34-meter reclining Buddha. Afternoon: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains — the famous Danxia landform with its stunning striped colors. Golden hour is the best time for photography.
Enter Badain Jaran Desert
Drive into the Badain Jaran Desert, home to the world's tallest stationary sand dunes (over 500m). Reach the desert oasis of Qinghai Zi (Blue Lakes). Camp in the desert under millions of stars.
Desert Off-Road Adventure
Full day of 4x4 desert off-roading. Climb to the summit of 'Desert Everest' for breathtaking views. Visit hidden lakes and temples nestled between towering dunes. Return to Zhangye.
Menyuan → Xining (Departure)
Drive through Menyuan rapeseed flower corridor (spectacular in July). Return to Xining for departure. Optional: buy Tibetan handicrafts at Xining's souvenir shops.
Scenic Highlights Along the Route
Practical Tips
- Altitude: Qinghai Lake sits at 3,200m — take it easy on Day 1-2. Carry altitude sickness medication.
- Desert camping: Nights are cold even in summer. Bring warm layers.
- Transport: This route requires a private vehicle or organized tour — no public transport to the desert.
- Best season: June–September. July is peak for Menyuan rapeseed flowers.
- Budget: ~4,000-6,000 CNY per person including transport, accommodation, and meals.
