Dunhuang Grand Ring Road Self-Driving Tour Route Dunhuang Grand Ring Road When is the best time to go?

The Dunhuang Grand Ring Road is a route that many young people in China prefer and long for. Facing the long desert, they have a strong sense of conquest.

So how to choose the route for this ring line? What is the most suitable time? When is the best climate to go on a self-driving tour?

The Dunhuang Ring Road generally refers to the Qinghai-Gansu Ring Road. If it starts and ends from Dunhuang, it is actually a good idea. Generally speaking, the Qinghai-Gansu Ring Road For the Circle Line, the peak period is summer vacation, but the scenery in summer is also more colorful.

Recommended routes based on field running:

Dunhuang-Jiayu Pass-Zhangye-Qilian-East Bank of Qinghai Lake/Heima River-Chaka/Delingha-Shui Yadan/De The Lingha-Dunhuang route avoids Xining because it is not convenient to enter and exit Xining during peak hours. For example, Daban before entering the city is prone to traffic jams. And if there is not enough time, there is no reason to visit Xining, which highlights the Gobi and Some special attractions, with Delingha as the starting point, allow enough time to appreciate the precious scenery of the desert and Gobi, which are slightly less popular.

Disadvantages of going this way:

There are few direct routes to Dunhuang Airport, it is more expensive in peak seasons, and there are few railway station lines. If you go to the mainland, you will most likely need to transfer to Lanzhou or Xining (if you transfer) , Lanzhou has greater advantages, with many lines and low fares)

The Dunhuang Grand Ring Line you are talking about should refer to the Qinghai-Gansu Northwest Grand Ring Line that starts from Lanzhou or Xining and returns to Dunhuang in the west. This route is a classic route for northwest tourism. It has become very popular in recent years and many people travel here. There are many people traveling here from June to September every year, especially during the summer vacation when students are on vacation. Many families choose this route to drive by themselves.

I have traveled this route twice, once on a chartered tour, taking a flight or high-speed rail from your place of residence to Lanzhou (why did you choose Lanzhou instead of Xining? Guess the main reason first, the answer I will tell you later), contact the local travel rental company and charter a car. The second is a self-driving tour. Since the route is familiar, I went on a self-driving trip with a few friends for a few days.

I think this large ring road in the northwest is very suitable for self-driving travel, with national and provincial highways along the way. The road conditions are particularly good and the altitude is not high. Except for the Heima River where the altitude is 3,800 meters, the rest are below 3,500 meters. There is no need to worry about altitude sickness.

If you are going to the Northwest for the first time and want to take the Northwest Great Ring Road, I suggest you rent a car and travel freely. This will be very worry-free and you don’t have to think about the driving route, where to eat, and where to go. Stay and play with peace of mind.

Our first time was this way. Three families chartered a 14-seater minibus, and they were responsible for the driver’s meals but not the accommodation. We agreed in advance how much the fare would be, and we didn’t need to pay for the rest. worry. The driver master is a driver, a tour guide, or a half-nanny. He knows exactly how far he travels every day and where there are good sights, especially local specialties and all kinds of delicious food. It's easy to play.

8-day itinerary for the self-driving tour of the Northwest Great Ring Road:

On the first day, Lanzhou (Zhongchuan Airport) - Xining - Kumbum Monastery - Laji Mountain - Dao Crossing the river - Qinghai Lake - Heima River.

The main reason for staying in Heimahe Town is to get up and watch the sunrise tomorrow morning. Accommodation in this place is relatively expensive, ranging from 400 yuan per room in peak season to 100-200 yuan in low season.

The next day, Heima River - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha - Dachaidan

Main attractions: Chaka Salt Lake, this is a must-go place. Alien ruins, Koruk Lake tourist attraction, stay in Dachaidan County.

The third day, Dachaidan - Dangjin Mountain - Aksai - Yadan Devil City - Yumen Pass - Dunhuang

Main attractions: Dangjin Mountain is suitable for photography. The scenery is nice. Yadan Devil City Scenic Area, Yumenguan (not recommended, just an earthen fortress) and stay in Dunhuang for the night. Book tickets for Mogao Grottoes in advance. The number of visitors is limited to 6,000 people per day.

The fourth day, one day in Dunhuang

Main attractions: Crescent Moon Spring, Mingsha Mountain, and Mogao Grottoes. Stay in Dunhuang for the night.

The fifth day, Dunhuang - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye

Main attractions: Jiayuguan Scenic Area, Danxia Landform. Live in Zhangye city.

The sixth day, Zhangye - Minle (Biandukou) - Ebao Town - Qilian

Main attractions: beautiful scenery of Qilian Mountain, rapeseed flowers, Niuxin Mountain. Stay in Qilian County for the night.

The seventh day, Qilian - Ebao - Menyuan - Xining

Main attractions: Niuxin Mountain, see the rapeseed flowers in Menyuan, Qilian Mountain grassland. Stay in Xining at night, eat hand-caught mutton and drink yogurt.

Day 8, Xining—Lanzhou—Tianshui—Xi’an