Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop · 8–10 days
Two provinces, six landscapes in one loop — the route our Hong Kong and Taiwan guests ask for most, and the one we know best.
Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop is a private tailor-made route in Qinghai · Gansu, running 8–10 days, best from May–Oct. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) arranges a dedicated vehicle and a Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking guide; the vehicle serves your party only and there are no shopping stops.
- Duration
- 8–10 days
- Best season
- May–Oct
- Region
- Qinghai · Gansu
- Group size
- 4–12, private
- Shopping stops
- None
- Arrival cities
- Any Chinese city with an airport
Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop private tour
The Grand Loop is worth a dedicated flight because of its density: the alpine blue of Qinghai Lake, the mirror flats of Chaka, the emerald brine lakes of Dachaidan, the grottoes and dunes of Dunhuang, the fortress at Jiayuguan and the rainbow hills of Zhangye — all strung along one 8 to 10 day drive.
| Duration | 8–10 days |
|---|---|
| Best season | May–Oct |
| Region | Qinghai · Gansu |
| Suits | Families, elderly parents, first visits |
| Shopping stops | None |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
How this route runs.
Arrive Xining · Kumbum Monastery
Xining → Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha
Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dunhuang
Dunhuang · Mogao Caves · Crescent Lake
Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan → Zhangye Danxia
Zhangye → Qilian grasslands → Xining
Departure from Xining
The full day-by-day detail, including stops, driving times and hotel options, is sent with your personalised itinerary.
What you see along the way.
China's largest inland saltwater lake, 3,196 m above sea level. We overnight by the shore instead of rushing in and out.
The famous 'mirror of the sky'. We go at dawn or dusk for softer light and fewer people.
A quieter salt-lake cluster in emerald and turquoise, far less crowded than Chaka.
Timed entry only. We book the real caves in advance and arrange a guide.
A spring cradled by sand dunes. Late afternoon entry, camel ride and sunset.
The rainbow hills glow in slanting afternoon light — we schedule the afternoon slot, not midday.
Itemised, with nothing hidden.
Included
- Private vehicle and driver throughout (no shared coaches)
- Licensed guide throughout — Cantonese-speaking for Hong Kong guests, Mandarin for Taiwan guests
- Hotel accommodation as listed (upgradeable to international brands)
- Admission and timed-entry bookings for Mogao Caves, Chaka Salt Lake, Zhangye Danxia and others
- Fuel, tolls, parking and driver/guide expenses
- 24-hour support during the trip (WhatsApp)
Not included
- International flights to and from China (bookable on request)
- Domestic flights and high-speed rail (bookable on request)
- Meals — your guide recommends restaurants and you order and pay directly
- Personal expenses, travel insurance, and costs arising from events beyond our control
Questions about Qinghai–Gansu Grand Loop.
When is the best time for the Grand Loop?
May to October. July and August have the most comfortable temperatures but also the biggest crowds and the tightest Mogao Caves tickets. June and September are quieter with good weather and better value. April and November can still see snow on mountain sections.
Is the altitude a problem?
Xining is about 2,200 m, Qinghai Lake 3,196 m and Chaka around 3,100 m. We keep the first two days gentle so your body adapts, carry oxygen in the vehicle and adjust the pace freely. Guests with heart or blood-pressure conditions should consult a doctor first.
What is the difference between 8 and 10 days?
Eight days is the most compact version of the full loop with longer driving days. Ten days adds a full circle of Qinghai Lake, Guide Danxia, and an extra day in Dunhuang for Yumen Pass and the Yardang landforms. With elderly parents we recommend ten.
How much does it cost?
It depends on group size, hotel grade and season. Two sharing usually costs less per person than a solo traveller, and a group of four less again. Send us your dates and we quote precisely rather than giving a vague range.
What documents do Hong Kong and Taiwan travellers need?
Hong Kong residents travelling on a Home Return Permit generally need no visa. Taiwan residents need a Taiwan Compatriot Permit. This route does not require a Tibet permit.
You may also like these.
Short tripQinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake
The shortest and gentlest Qinghai route: an alpine lake, a salt flat and a Tibetan monastery in five days.
CultureDunhuang & the Silk Road
Murals, dunes, a frontier pass and wind-carved desert. Dunhuang compresses Silk Road history and geography tighter than anywhere else.
GrasslandQilian Grasslands & Menyuan
Grasslands at 15–20°C in midsummer, with rapeseed fields running to the horizon. The cool-weather version of Qinghai.
Rebuild this route around your dates.
Send us your dates and group size — a draft itinerary and a clear price within one working day.