Guinan travel guide and discussion

Desert on the left, emerald lake on the right, listen to the Yellow River roar from the cliff Life is vast, and so should be your freedom This is not the Norwegian fjords, this is Longyangxia on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Itinerary plan👉🏻 Day1️⃣: Xining → Longyang Grand Canyon (cliff plank road + boat exploration) → check in at Hongliu Manor Day2️⃣: Longyang Lake Desert → Longyangxia Dam → Earth Forest Geological Park → Dangjia Temple Day3️⃣: Lakeside sunrise → salmon feast → return trip 📸 Must-visit spots ✅ Longyang Grand Canyon | Dual perspectives to unlock the "Colorado of China" · Cliff sightseeing: 8 km cliff plank road overlooking the canyon, Yellow River emerald green like jade! The best photo spot is the "Pillar of Heaven" viewing platform, with a stunning 600-meter drop, and wild ibexes occasionally appear 🐑~ (arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds) · Boat exploration: take a boat deep into the 33 km canyon, see the strange rocks "Four Holy Men on a Pilgrimage" and "Game Peak," the narrowest part is only 60 meters! Choose the upper deck for photos, remember to bring a windbreaker ✅ Longyang Lake × Desert | "Half water, half flame" Take a 1-hour boat ride to the uninhabited desert area on the west bank, golden sand dunes + deep blue lake in one frame! Great for desert photography, collecting colorful pebbles, the scene where sand meets lake is absolutely stunning ✅ Longyangxia Dam: climb the viewing platform to see the "First Dam of the Yellow River" (178 meters high), feel the marvel of human engineering, with mighty water mist during flood season! ✅ Earth Forest Geological Park | China’s Colorado 50 km of continuous earth forest! Hike the plank road to check in at "Divine Camel Asking Buddha" and "Natural Bridge," recommended to visit after 4 PM when the light gilds the red colors, creating a magical effect ✅ Dangjia Temple | Millennium-old temple on the cliff A Tibetan Nyingma sect temple, with solemn red, white, and gold Tibetan-style architecture. 📸 Take photos from the hill behind the temple of the "Padmasambhava statue + panoramic view of Longyang Lake," full of sacred vibes! 🍣 Salmon freedom Longyangxia is the hometown of domestic salmon. Raised in 2600-meter snow-fed waters, a paradise for sashimi lovers Highly recommend having a "whole salmon feast" in Longyangxia to unlock various ways to enjoy salmon and experience the joy of salmon freedom 🏡 Stay | Hongliu Manor lakeside guesthouse ✨ Same as featured in Running Man! Filming location in 2020, facing Longyang Lake, choose the "lake view standard room," open the window to emerald waves~ · Tips: Remember to book early during peak season 💡 Practical tips 🚗 Transportation: 2 hours self-drive from Xining (Jingzang Expressway → Xidao Road), or take a bus from Xining Bus Station to Longyangxia Town (3 hours / limited schedules) 🎫 Tickets: Canyon + boat ¥180, Earth Forest ¥80, Dangjia Temple free ⚠️ Altitude 2700 meters+, bring oxygen canisters to prevent altitude sickness, large temperature differences on the plateau! Bring a thick jacket even in summer

The reason navigation apps don't route you here is that it's a low-grade road: Y006, a county road, also known as the Zhihai Highway. After exploring Ani Zhihai Sacred Mountain, our next stop was Guinan County. Looking at the map, we realized we didn't need to follow the navigation back to Guide County for a big detour. We could just take the Zhihai Highway directly to G227, which was time-saving, easy, and pleasant. 🔻Why is it time-saving? Please see the diagram in the comments section. If you are driving from Ani Zhihai to Guinan County, the Zhihai Highway is clearly a shortcut through the mountains. If you compare it with the location of the corresponding national highway from Guide County to Guinan County on the map, you will understand how much time this road saves. 🔻Why is it easy? Although it's a low-grade county road, the road conditions on the Zhihai Highway are quite good. It's paved the whole way and has little traffic. Although the road is a bit narrow and requires crossing mountains, the overall driving experience is quite relaxed. 🔻Why is it pleasant? Because we discovered a "1 tree" photo spot on the road. The background is the sacred Ani Zhihai Mountain, the foreground is an alpine meadow, and a solitary tree on the meadow adds the perfect touch. The impression this scene left on me is no less than standing at the foot of Ani Zhihai, which shows that the mountain is best viewed from a distance. We noticed this scene while driving on the winding mountain road. When we drive on roads with very little traffic, we keep our speed slow so we don't miss the scenery along the way. 🚙Road trip tips 📱Navigation: Not available, requires your attention 🅿️Parking: Very few cars on the road, can park temporarily at passing points ⛽Refueling: Refuel or charge in nearby county towns before setting off ⏳Time: About 30 mins to drive the Zhihai Highway alone; about 1 hour for driving, sightseeing ▶️All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan'er. ▶️The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please excuse any omissions. ▶️Due to time sensitivity, some scenes may have changed; please refer to the current situation. ▶️All attractions visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog are accessible by sedan. ▶️Location information is provided by the website; please leave a comment if you need more detailed information. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog on a virtual road trip to deeply explore niche travel destinations.

I often hope to find meaning in a journey thinking that "far away" just means moving forward endlessly until in Qinghai I discovered that the Yellow River can be as blue as the ocean deserts can also be green...

🚙 Our 2-day road trip route Day 1 Anizhizhai > Zhihai Highway > Passing Maying Town > Senduo Town > Guinan County Day 2 Guinan County > Mugetan > Zeku County We had two goals for this Guinan road trip: first, to explore the sacred mountain of Anizhizhai, about which there is little information; second, to see the desert south of the Yellow River. Did we achieve our goals? What interesting travel experiences did we have along the way? In 5 minutes, join us in our video for an immersive experience. ▶️ All videos are originally filmed and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan'er. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please excuse any omissions. ▶️ Due to the passage of time, some scenes may have changed; please refer to current conditions. ▶️ All attractions visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog are accessible by sedan. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website; please leave a comment if you need more details. 🔸🔹🔸 If you love road trips and going off the beaten path, listen to what Caicai Juan'er has to say. 🚙 Our 2-day road trip route Day 1 Anizhizhai > Zhihai Highway > Passing Maying Town > Senduo Town > Guinan County Day 2 Guinan County > Mugetan > Zeku County We had two goals for this Guinan road trip: first, to explore the sacred mountain of Anizhizhai, about which there is little information; second, to see the desert south of the Yellow River. Did we achieve our goals? What interesting travel experiences did we have along the way? In 5 minutes, join us in our video for an immersive experience. ▶️ All videos are originally filmed and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan'er. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please excuse any omissions. ▶️ Due to the passage of time, some scenes may have changed; please refer to current conditions. ▶️ All attractions visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog are accessible by sedan. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website; please leave a comment if you need more details. 🔸🔹🔸 If you love road trips and going off the beaten path, listen to what Caicai Juan'er has to say.

We had long been dreaming of visiting this desert in Guinan, Qinghai. When we first learned about it, online articles described it as "the southernmost desert in China." Later, we learned the correct description should be "the large alpine sandy land with the lowest latitude south of the Yellow River on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau." But this didn't affect our desire to see this desert at all. During this summer road trip in Qinghai, we finally arrived in the long-awaited Guinan. The day before, we saw the miracle of desert turning into oasis. The next day, we prepared to go to the core area of the desert marked on the satellite map—Mugetan—to take a look. ⚠️ Advice for driving in desert areas We are driving a sedan. Actually, regardless of whether you are driving a sedan or not, we do not recommend dangerous driving in desert areas. As always, we try to find roads in better condition, only exploring lightly to understand the current state of the Mugetan Desert before returning. This puts safety first and doesn't take up too much time. 🚙 Our road trip navigation experience After carefully checking the satellite map, we found a road near the county town that crosses the desert. We chose a point on the highway and drove toward this road. After arriving at this road, we found the road conditions were quite good, so we drove into the desert along the road. 🏜️ Travel experience in the Mugetan Desert So the answer is that we finally successfully saw this desert south of the Yellow River. From what we saw, the desert on both sides of this road already has sand fixation + greening measures in place. Some places have become oases, and there are even herdsmen grazing sheep there. Only when we first entered the road, there were a few tall sand dunes on both sides that hadn't changed their appearance, with two or three people sandboarding nearby. Mr. Gou speculated that this area might be reserved for future tourism development, so no sand fixation or greening measures were taken. After we traveled a bit further, the sand dunes on both sides of the road were mostly in the sand fixation + greening mode. Then we flew our drone. From the aerial view, the vast desert was still full of sand fixation + greening measures everywhere. An hour later, when we left this small road and returned to the main road, and even after we had driven out of Guinan County, we were still marveling at the speed of the "desert turning into oasis" progress in Mugetan. The desert area shown on the satellite map has been continuously shrinking. 🏜️ History of the Mugetan Desert You should know that since the middle of the last century, the Mugetan Desert has been expanding wantonly to the southeast at a speed of 5 to 15 meters per year. Nearly 200 hectares of grassland and farmland were swallowed by it every year, seriously affecting the production and life of local people and greatly damaging the fragile ecological environment of Guinan. After decades of unremitting efforts, we have the greenery that is presented before our eyes today, which was hard-won. 🚙 Practical road trip tips 📱 Navigation: Set to "Mugetan Desertification Control Exhibition Hall" 🛣️ Road conditions: Concrete road, better than expected 🅿️ Parking: Basically no cars on the road, you can park temporarily on the side ⏳ Duration: It is recommended to arrange about 1 hour for the drive 🚙 Road trip follow-up After leaving Mugetan, we left Guinan and entered the next county: Zeku County. ▶️ All photos are original shots and productions by Mr. Gou and Cai Cai Juan Er. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experience; please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Affected by timeliness, some scenes may have changed; please refer to the current situation. ▶️ All attractions visited by Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Gou are accessible by sedan. ▶️ Address location information is provided by the website; please leave a message if you need more detailed information. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Gou on a virtual road trip to deeply explore niche travel destinations.

If Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake represent the "iconic faces" of Qinghai, then this road trip route from Guinan to Guide is the "hidden soul" of Qinghai. The landscape along the way shifts suddenly from endless desert sands to vast blue waters, then switches to a thousand-year-old ancient city built of rammed earth. Avoid the crowds, roll down the windows, and in this niche corridor, truly understand the vastness and tenderness of "Beautiful Qinghai." 🌟 Mugetan Desert Park Mugetan is one of the largest desertified areas in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. However, unlike other barren deserts in the Northwest, it presents a unique landscape where sand dunes and grasslands coexist—"sand-grass symbiosis." The rolling sand dunes shimmer with gold in the sunlight. After more than 30 years of conservation efforts, a 185 km circular sand-blocking shelterbelt has been formed. It is suitable for photography, hiking, off-roading, or riding desert motorcycles to experience the stunning contrast between the desert and the oasis. Tip: Mugetan is not a paid scenic area but rather an ecological conservation zone. It is recommended to bring your own water and food, and take sun protection measures. 🌟 Longyangxia Tourist Resort Longyangxia is known as the "First Dam on the Ten Thousand Mile Yellow River." Key highlights: · Longyang Grand Canyon & Cliff Plank Road: The canyon has a drop of 600 meters. The 8 km hiking trail offers views of the "Emerald Sky Canyon" · Longyang Lake: An artificial lake on the main stream of the Yellow River. You can take a boat tour and view the dam from a distance · Earth Forest Geological Park: A 50 km cluster of columnar earth forests. Admission is approximately 60 yuan · Salmon feast: Farmed in glacial meltwater at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Sashimi, chopped chili fish head, and "kangguo" dumplings are all worth a try 🌟 Guide Ancient City Guide Ancient City was first built in the 13th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1380 AD) and is over 600 years old. The ancient city belongs to a Ming Dynasty architectural complex, and the city walls are well-preserved. Highlights: · Yuhuang Pavilion: The landmark building of the ancient city; you can climb the tower to overlook the entire city · Confucian Temple and Guandi Temple: The core architectural complex of the ancient city · Stroll along the stone-paved roads of the ancient city and feel the charm of traveling back in time 💡 Travel tips: 1. Vehicle: The entire route is accessible by sedan, but an SUV is recommended for better handling on some unpaved roads 2. Fuel: There are gas stations in Longyangxia Town, and Guinan and Guide counties have plenty of stations. It is recommended to fill up before driving the middle sections 3. Altitude sickness: The altitude is 2,700–3,500 meters. Remember to rest and drink plenty of water 4. Best season: The climate is best from July to September, though the pear blossom season in April also has its own unique charm 5. Sun protection and warmth: The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is significant. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket are essential 🏁 Conclusion: Echoes of the journey As the headlights pierce the twilight of Guide Ancient City, the asphalt road under the wheels feels like a time tunnel—one moment you were chasing the sunset on the sand ridges of Mugetan, and the next you were overlooking the "Plateau Emerald" from the cliffs of Longyangxia. Now, the drumbeats and horn calls from 600 years ago seem to still echo within the rammed earth of the ancient city walls

Just got back from Guinan, and my suitcase still smells like fresh grass from the prairie. I can’t help but share this hidden gem with you! The summer here really stays at 22℃. When the wind blows, even your hair feels cool—way more comfortable than staying in an air-conditioned room. Trip highlights: breathtaking places you can’t miss 1. Mangqu National Wetland Park A “green gem” hidden on the edge of the county! Walk along the wooden boardwalk with the gentle Mangqu River flowing beneath your feet. The reeds on the shore ripple in the wind, and snow-capped mountains are faintly visible in the distance. At dusk, the sunlight turns the water golden red, making every photo wallpaper-worthy. 2. Taxiu Grassland Not the kind of trampled tourist grassland! The grass here grows waist-high, blooming with purple monkshood and yellow wildflowers. Cattle and sheep scatter across the prairie like tiny moving stones. Pick a hill to lie on, watch the clouds drift slowly across the sky, and feel time slow down. 3. Lucang Temple A temple deep in the grassland, its red walls and golden roof stand out vividly against the green grass. No need to find a special angle—just stand at the temple entrance with the rolling mountains behind you, and every shot looks amazing. Itinerary: 3 days and 2 nights is just right · Day 1: Arrive in Guinan county → visit Mangqu National Wetland Park in the afternoon → watch the sunset at Taxiu Grassland in the evening · Day 2: Morning blessing at Lucang Temple → horseback riding at Taxiu Grassland in the afternoon (remember to bargain!) → stay at a grassland guesthouse and stargaze at night · Day 3: Early morning grassland sunrise → enjoy a local breakfast in town → return trip · Food recommendations: surprises in small local restaurants 1. Hand-pulled lamb: be sure to choose the bone-in! Cooked until tender, dipped in pepper salt, the aroma hits you instantly 2. Tsampa: best when freshly made by herders, mixed with butter tea. It’s sticky but the more you chew, the more flavorful it gets 3. Yogurt: not the sweet, heavy kind from supermarkets! This is sour enough to make you frown, add a spoonful of sugar for a rich taste 4. Travel tips: details to keep in mind · Guinan is about 3,000 meters above sea level. Don’t run or jump when you arrive; walk slowly to acclimate · The grassland has big temperature swings between morning and night in summer. Bring a light jacket or you’ll shiver while stargazing · The cattle and sheep belong to the herders. Don’t touch or chase them, and keep your distance when taking photos · UV rays are very strong! Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen or you’ll get two shades darker in one day Guinan isn’t a trendy spot with crowds—just blue skies, grasslands, and a slow pace of life. If you want to escape the summer heat, this place is perfect. Next time I go, I’m staying on the grassland for a whole week!

Hey! The groundhog is calling you to Qinghai! In the sweltering heat of 37°C, while the rest of the country is in scorching mode, the Northwest region enjoys a comfortable 20°C! This summer, embark on a trip around Guinan, Qinghai, and experience a whole new way to beat the summer heat. A date with my best friend, this time I escaped to the hidden gem of Guinan, Qinghai. The wind here blows from the transition zone between the Qilian and Kunlun Mountains. Grasslands, grazing cattle and sheep, the Yellow River, seas of flowers, deserts, and off-road adventures—it's all there, so beautiful you won't want to leave. If you also want to experience the same hidden beauty of Southwest China, then follow this route! --Qinghai Two-Day Self-Driving Tour Guide Preparation: Arrive in Xining, explore the surrounding area, eat, and stay. Day 1: Xining—Lajishan (early morning sunrise)—Guide (lunch)—Guinan Muge Beach (chance encounter with an exciting race)—Guinan County (overnight stay) Day 2: Guinan—Taxiu Flower Sea—Gama Yangqu Bridge—Chaka Salt Lake—Qinghai Lake—Xining Station 1: Xining—Lajishan Lajishan is an important transportation hub in Xining. It's said that the sunrise here is incredibly beautiful. Station 2: Guide (lunch) Guide is located in the transition zone between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and is known as the "Little Jiangnan of the Plateau." The Yellow River is magnificent, and the grasslands are gentle. Here you'll understand the magical existence of "The Yellow River is clearest in Guide." Station 3: Guinan Muge Beach (dinner and overnight stay in Guinan County) From Guide to Guinan, the journey is filled with flower seas and songs. You may have seen many Gobi deserts, but a million-acre plateau desert is rare in China. The sand of Muge Beach is soft and fine; driving the AVT across the desert feels like gliding through a giant sheet of jelly. On a map of China, you might not immediately pinpoint Guinan's location, but in the annals of national desertification control, from a barren wasteland of rolling sandstorms to a verdant oasis amidst the yellow dust, Guinan has left an indelible mark. Trees grow remarkably resilient from the Gobi Desert; camel rides across the golden sands, the gentle sound of camel bells carried on the wind, and the long shadows cast by the setting sun create a sense of timeless beauty against the vast desert backdrop. This coincides with the passionate opening of the 4th Muge Beach Desert Off-Road Challenge. This is a natural off-road paradise; every low growl from the engine is a wild response to nature. This is not just a race, but a dialogue with the desert, a challenge to oneself. Here, I witnessed the vibrant, fiery desert landscape and a feast of speed and passion. Taxiu Flower Sea If the beauty of the Qinghai Plateau is healing to the body and soul, then the endless fields of wildflowers, in shades of yellow, pink, and purple, are like an overturned palette of colors. Mid-July is the peak of their bloom, and from this angle, it resembles the "heartbeat of the earth," making every snapshot a scene of Miyazaki-esque romance. When you're in Taxiu Village, a beautiful highland town at an altitude of around 3300 meters, the tightly wound springs of city life are gently loosened by the long, cold winds of the plateau. Summer in this small county town truly moves at a slow pace. It doesn't rush you, nor does it give you too many necessities. You can simply relax on the grassland, sit in a traditional Mongolian-Tibetan style yurt, and time will flow by on its own. One visit to this place is never enough. I'll come back to Guinan next year! Fourth Stop: Gamayangqu Bridge The Gamayangqu Yellow River Bridge, known as the "First Bridge of Qinghai," connects Gonghe County, Xinghai County, and Guinan County, with a total length of 2418 meters. Driving across the bridge, the summer breeze wafted across the Yellow River, and with each gust, all worries vanished. Stop 5: Chaka Salt Lake. With over 3,000 years of mining history, Chaka Salt Lake was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, known as China's "Mirror of the Sky," and selected by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the "55 Places You Must Visit in Your Lifetime." Stop 6: Qinghai Lake. This is China's largest saltwater lake. Now is the most beautiful time of year at Qinghai Lake, with thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers blooming around the lake. The vast blue waters are surrounded by bright golden yellow flowers, half a gentle sea of ​​flowers, half a lake. There's no need to rush; just let your heart be free and leave your love here. At this moment, I finally understood the vivid portrayal of Qinghai's landscape in Li Bai's lines: "Climbing high, I behold the grandeur of heaven and earth; the mighty river flows on and on, never to return. Yellow clouds stretch for ten thousand miles, stirred by the wind; white waves surge like snow from the mountains."

Guinan, known as "Colorful Guinan," is located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Here, high-altitude deserts and grasslands coexist, with thousands of acres of wildflowers blooming in abundance. It combines the vastness of the desert with the gentle beauty of the plateau, making it a true hidden gem of Qinghai. · 3-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Head straight to Muge Beach Desert to witness the unique spectacle of "sand and grass coexisting." Then, visit Taxiu Flower Sea, strolling among the asters and cosmos flowers. Day 2: Explore Gama Yangqu, enjoying the magnificent "Second Bend of the Yellow River" from the viewing platform. Day 3: In the morning, drive along the Xijiu Highway, admiring the thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers on both sides; those interested can experience local desert off-roading and feel the speed and excitement. · Must-Try Foods: Hand-pulled mutton, yak butter tea, tsampa, yak yogurt. · Tips: Guinan's average altitude is about 3100 meters. Be careful to slow down to prevent altitude sickness. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a windproof jacket or a light down jacket. The ultraviolet radiation is extremely strong at high altitudes, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential.

Since summer began, southern regions have gradually entered barbecue season. Yufan has been sharing great summer getaway spots, visiting Xinjiang, Qinghai, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Hubei, Guizhou, Guangdong, Sichuan, Chongqing, and more. Honestly, after traveling across the country, if I had to recommend a place that combines cool weather and stunning scenery, it would be Qinghai. The plateau climate is refreshing and pleasant, and the landscape is incredibly diverse—deserts, grasslands, salt lakes, gobi, flower seas, yardang formations… all unfolding in turn, never tiring to explore. Within Qinghai, besides the vast Haixi region, there is a lesser-known treasure I want to highlight: Guinan. Guinan County belongs to the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, it is known as “Liucai Guinan” (Colorful Guinan) and sits at an average altitude of about 3,100 meters. It’s not on the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop or the traditional popular Qinghai tourist routes. Because of this, it’s often missed by travelers but has preserved a rare sense of pristine nature and tranquility. Once you arrive, you’ll discover countless hidden scenic gems: the winding Yellow River, the coexistence of plateau desert and grassland, vast flower seas blooming freely. It combines the vastness of the desert, the grandeur of the Yellow River, and the softness of the grasslands, while also maintaining rich Ando Tibetan culture. Guinan is a rare, off-the-beaten-path summer treasure in Qinghai. Mugetan Desert—From “sand advancing, people retreating” to “sand retreating, greenery advancing” Mugetan Desert is a rare plateau desert south of the Yellow River. Unlike the barren gobi deserts of northwest China, it features a unique “sand and grass coexistence” landscape where sand dunes and grasslands intertwine. Beyond the yellow sand, lush green pasture spreads, creating a distinctive scene. The rolling dunes shimmer golden under the sun. From a high vantage point, the vast sandy sea stretches to the horizon. Covering 1,313 square kilometers, this desert area has long been known as “sandbar.” Historical records describe it as “hundreds of miles around, with no vegetation.” Decades ago, shifting sands advanced southward each year, swallowing pastures and farmland. After generations of sand control efforts, the once-devastated land has been reborn. Forest coverage steadily increased to 8.26%, and the overall grassland vegetation coverage reached 66.21%. Yellow sand and green grass now weave together, with vibrant life emerging from the barren land. This striking contrast is truly moving. Taxiu flower sea—a purple dream on the plateau Visiting Guinan in summer, Taxiu flower sea is a must-see. It’s vast and boundless, with the sky like a dome covering the land. Wildflowers spread across the plateau, with asters and gesang flowers blanketing the hills. Cattle and sheep leisurely wander through the flower sea. Distant mountains layer the background, with blue skies and white clouds completing the healing scene. A gentle breeze stirs the waves of flowers, and a faint floral fragrance drifts through the air, refreshing the soul. It’s hard to imagine that within the same county, the grandeur of the desert and the softness of the flower sea switch so naturally. Walking through the flowers, there’s no need to chase crowds—just quietly enjoy the unique tranquility of the plateau and encounter the romance of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Gama Yangqu—the grandeur of the Yellow River’s second bend Another highlight of Guinan comes from the ever-flowing Yellow River. Gama Yangqu is located at the border of Guinan and Xinghai counties, at the second bend of the Yellow River’s nine bends. From the viewing platform, the best views of Gama Yangqu are fully revealed to every visitor. The Gama Yangqu Yellow River grand bridge spans 2,418 meters, lying across the river like a giant steel dragon. The Yellow River rushes forward with the plateau’s strong winds, creating a magnificent and expansive scene that truly captures the majestic spirit of “the Yellow River’s water coming from the sky.” A golden feast by the roadside—vast rapeseed flower sea In Guinan, beauty isn’t just in the scenic spots but also along the road. In midsummer July, tens of thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers bloom brilliantly along the Xijiu highway. The continuous golden flower sea stretches like a woven carpet into the distance. A gentle breeze ripples the waves of flowers. Blue skies and white clouds frame the rolling green mountains, filling the view with dazzling gold. You can stop by the roadside anytime to take photos, each shot a naturally atmospheric plateau wallpaper. Desert off-road racing—a highland feast of speed and passion Visiting Guinan in summer brings an unexpected surprise: the annual Mugetan Desert off-road challenge race takes place as scheduled. The race uses the natural sand dunes of Mugetan Desert to create a dedicated track, attracting off-road enthusiasts from across the country. The event is lively, with cheering crowds, fluttering flags, Tibetan folk performances, and visitors and locals gathering in the desert to witness the race. On the track, engines roar across the plateau. Vehicles dash over rolling dunes, sprinting, turning, and leaping, kicking up clouds of yellow sand. Power and speed collide freely in the highland desert. Skilled drivers compete fiercely, and every thrilling overtake draws cheers from spectators. This event is more than a competition—it’s a vibrant cultural and tourism showcase for Guinan, blending desert scenery, racing excitement, and plateau culture, fully expressing the passionate spirit of colorful Guinan. Bonfire party and intangible cultural heritage cuisine After the daytime excitement fades, Guinan’s nights are equally wonderful. Huge bonfires light up the desert, marking the start of a Tibetan-style bonfire party. Melodious Tibetan songs play as local men and women dance the lively Guozhuang dance. Visitors eagerly join in, laughing freely around the fire. Guinan offers not only fun but also exceptional food. Authentic roasted whole lamb is a specialty. Slow-roasted over charcoal, the lamb turns golden with crispy skin and tender meat, sprinkled with distinctive spices that fill the air with aroma. Enjoying the tender lamb with butter tea, accompanied by the evening breeze, songs, and a starry sky, you experience the unique romantic atmosphere of the plateau. Yufan tips Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. From Xining, take the Xijiu highway directly to Guinan, about 250 km. The road is in good condition and accessible by regular cars. It’s best to rent a car upon arrival in Xining for a flexible, relaxed trip. One-way drop-off is free, so even on weekends, you can leave whenever you want. Tickets: Mugetan Desert, Taxiu flower sea, Gama Yangqu viewing platform, and roadside rapeseed flower sea are all free and very visitor-friendly. Itinerary: Depart from Xining, pass through Guide to visit Mugetan in Guinan, stay overnight in Guinan county town (hotels available in all price ranges), visit Taxiu grassland the next day, then head to Gama Yangqu Yellow River bridge for sightseeing, and finally go directly to Qinghai Lake or Chaka Salt Lake to enter the Haixi or Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop! Notes: Guinan’s average altitude is about 3,100 meters. Don’t rush to run or jump upon arrival—give your body time to adjust. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring a jacket even in summer. UV rays are strong on the plateau, so prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you experience mild altitude sickness, prepare an oxygen bottle in advance, drink plenty of water, and rest well. Best time to visit: July–August, when the flower sea is in full bloom and off-road races are held. Epilogue From desert to flower sea, from the Yellow River to grassland, from the passion of off-road racing to the warmth of bonfire parties—Guinan is like a thick book, with each page telling a different story. It’s not on popular routes but holds Qinghai’s richest landscapes and most sincere hospitality. Some places are worth the detour—the farther you go, the more rewarding the journey. Guinan is exactly that kind of place.

This summer, my good friends and I set off on a road trip. Leaving Xining, we drove south along the Ninggui Expressway. The mountains outside the window gradually changed from lush green to arid yellow. After passing Guide, the Yellow River water turned from muddy to clear, signaling that we were entering the symphony zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. On this four-day, three-night road trip, as the wheels crossed the boundary between loess and oasis, Guinan, a highland secret embraced by a bend of the Yellow River, unfolded before us. Here lies a golden ocean called Muge Tan, the only desert south of the Yellow River. The shifting sand dunes resemble frozen giant waves, singing a vast and desolate epic under the fierce plateau wind and sun. In July, Guinan takes the visual contrast of ice and fire to the extreme. On one side, the roar of engines and swirling yellow sand mark the fourth Muge Tan Desert Off-Road Challenge, where off-road champions from across the country compete in speed and passion. On the other side is the tranquil and brilliant Taxiu flower sea, where tens of thousands of acres of rapeseed and highland barley weave a yellow-green ocean that sways gently under the blue sky and white clouds, softening the highland’s midsummer. To truly understand Guinan, you need to move from wild to calm. At Muge Tan, you can ride a gentle camel, listen to the jingling bells, and retrace the ancient trade route. Or slide down from the top of the tall dunes to feel the thrill of weightlessness. For more excitement, be sure to ride an ATV desert buggy, diving and spinning between sand peaks and valleys, letting your screams and laughter blend with the wind. When your adrenaline settles, drive to the Gama Yangqu Bridge spanning the Yellow River gorge. Standing on the bridge, watch the Yellow River flow quietly here and feel the grand dialogue between human engineering and natural landscape. Practical guide: navigate Guinan with ease ✅ Best travel time: late July to August. The weather is cool, making it the best window to see the Taxiu flower sea and join the desert race. ✅ Transportation guide: Self-drive: recommended. Depart from Xining via Ninggui Expressway or S101 provincial road. Navigate to Guinan County. The scenery along the way is stunning. ✅ Core experiences: 👉 Watch the race: follow the schedule of the fourth Muge Tan Desert Off-Road Challenge and experience the unique figure-eight track. 👉 Desert activities: Muge Tan base offers camel riding, sand sliding, ATV/UTV (all-terrain vehicle) surfing, and more. Prices are best checked on-site for comparison. 👉 Nature sightseeing: Taxiu flower sea (free, recommended in the morning for best light); Gama Yangqu Yellow River grand bridge (parking available for viewing, please stay safe). ✅ Gear reminders: 🌳 Sunscreen essentials: the plateau UV rays are intense. Sunglasses, sun hats, and high-SPF sunscreen are must-haves. 👉 Clothing: the plateau has extreme temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring warm jackets or light down coats. High-top shoes are recommended to keep sand out. 👉 Moisturizing: the climate is dry. Remember to bring lip balm and moisturizing spray. ✅ Ecological protection 👉 Muge Tan is both a scenic area and a demonstration zone for sand control achievements. Please take all your trash with you and leave only footprints.

Longyangxia, the canyon we've been dreaming of, is our "dream canyon." As the top of the three gorges in the upper Yellow River, it was closed for years due to environmental protection and then affected by the three-year pandemic. We happened to catch the first wave of reopening. With few visitors, we had the place almost to ourselves. 🚙 Our Longyangxia day 1 driving route Guide County → Bakatai → Longyangxia Ecotourism Area 🚙 Recap of our first encounter with Longyangxia That day, we set off from Guide County, crossed the 4,000m-high cloud grassland Bakatai, and continued west along G310. Gradually, the lush green grassland gave way to a vast, desolate landscape stretching across the horizon. Turning onto a small road, soon a splash of blue appeared in the desolation. The Longyangxia we had longed for was finally in sight, but our thoughts soared away with the circling eagles in the clear sky. Our initial navigation target, "Longyangxia Ecotourism Area," is actually the boat departure point for the Longyang Grand Canyon. Since our plan was a full self-driving trip with a rest stop in Longyangxia town, we decided to take a boat ride on Longyang Lake instead of cruising the canyon. Fortunately, there is a boardwalk here for hiking up the mountain to enjoy a high vantage point of the Longyangxia entrance. There is also a road down to the Yellow River, where steep cliffs rise like screens on both sides. This is the boat departure point for tours deeper into the canyon. ✈️ Aerial view of Longyangxia After hiking the boardwalk, we returned to the lawn below and flew a drone for the first time at the Longyangxia entrance to see the distant scenery. From the aerial perspective, the river water shifts from emerald green to deep blue due to the angle, a stunning sight. Even more surprising, the circular areas in the river are salmon farms. 🚙 Next stop: Longyang Grand Canyon cliff viewing area Leaving the boat point, we continued winding along G310 on mountain roads. Longyangxia narrows as it goes upstream. After a turn, the Yellow River disappears from view, and the unknown draws us to follow its trail. Our next stop is the Longyang Grand Canyon cliff viewing area. See you there. 🚙 Practical tips for self-driving tours 📱 Navigation: set destination to "Longyangxia Ecotourism Area" 🛣️ Road conditions: fully paved roads in good condition. Many mountain curves, drive carefully 🅿️ Parking: parking areas along G310; free parking outside the canyon boat point ⏳ Duration: 1 hour if only hiking the boardwalk; 2–3 hours for boat ride plus boardwalk hike ⛽ Fuel and charging: available in Longyangxia town 🍜 Food and lodging: Longyangxia town has many hotels and restaurants. The hotel we stayed at offered good value, and there are nearby places to eat stir-fry dishes. Leave a message if you need details ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juaner. ▶️ The above content is based on personal travel experience. Please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timing, some scenes may have changed. Please refer to current conditions. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juaner and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website. Leave a message if you need more details. 🔸🔹🔸 Join Caicai Juaner and Mr. Dog on a self-driving cloud tour to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Where to go to cool off in the hot summer? Qinghai is definitely the top choice for traveling with kids! Here, you’ll find a refreshing 25°C breeze 🍃 and a series of family-friendly mountain and countryside inns where kids can have fun and the whole family can relax~ 🏡 Fairy tale cabin by Qinghai Lake Address: Qinghai Lake, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Highlight: Private cabin by Qinghai Lake with sunrise views right from the window 🌅 Tips: Large temperature difference between morning and evening, remember to bring a jacket for the kids! 🏕️ Alpine ranch campsite Address: Guinan County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Highlight: Stunning starry Milky Way at night ✨ and daytime experience of milking cows Family rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌲 Rapeseed flower sea inn in Menyuan Address: Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Highlight: July is peak bloom season, the whole mountain is a sea of golden flowers! 🌼 Special reminder: The bloom lasts about 20 days, booking in advance is recommended~ 🏔️ Mongolian yurt at the foot of Qilian Mountains Address: Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Highlight: Experience nomadic life with horseback riding and archery 🏹 Must bring: Sunscreen! High altitude means very strong UV rays ☀️ 🌊 Yellow River’s first bend scenic inn Address: Mado County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Highlight: Lie in bed and enjoy the magnificent view of the “Yellow River’s first bend” Recommended room: Family suite with a separate children’s activity area 👶 ✨ Travel tips: 1. Best travel time: June–August 2. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat 3. Slow down in high-altitude areas to avoid intense exercise

As time slips away and the days become mundane and drawn out, being stuck in a monotonous routine can easily make us stubborn overthinkers. We constantly worry about gains and losses, obsessing over the unknowns of the future, agonizing over the regrets of the past, and haggling over immediate benefits. Day in and day out, we engage in meaningless emotional drain, slowly exhausting our passion and anticipation for life. At times like this, what we need most is an unhurried getaway. By traveling far, we can broaden our horizons, elevate our perspectives, and let the scenery soothe our souls while putting an end to our mental exhaustion. When we step out of our confined spaces and set off for the vast unknown, we break free from the cages of our own making, discovering a much wider world and more diverse ways of living. We cross paths with different people, witness different landscapes, and experience different paces of life. Gradually, we come to realize that everyone's life has its flaws and every journey has its twists and turns. There is no need to demand perfection in everything, no need to force things to go our way, and certainly no need to doubt ourselves over minor setbacks. With a broadened perspective, our mindset becomes more peaceful and forgiving. We stop being overly sensitive and tearing ourselves apart, learning instead to go with the flow and take things as they come. Travel is never an excuse to escape life, but rather a journey of self-cultivation. With every departure, we let go of our anxiety, end our emotional drain, and expand our outlook on life—allowing us to embrace life and chase after the mountains and seas with a more graceful, resolute, and clear-minded presence.

Hidden along the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Guinan County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Northwest China, the Longyang Gorge Earth Forest is one of China's most spectacular yet lesser-known landscapes. Over millions of years, the Yellow River carved deep canyons through the plateau, leaving behind towering earth pillars, dramatic cliffs, and striking red sandstone formations that have earned the region the nickname "China's Colorado." The rugged terrain is complemented by the emerald waters of the Longyang Gorge Reservoir, where one of China's most remarkable hydropower projects blends with an extraordinary natural setting. Despite its breathtaking scenery, this magnificent canyon remains relatively undiscovered, rewarding visitors with vast panoramas, geological wonders, and an overwhelming sense of scale. 📍 Location: South Bank of Longyang Gorge Reservoir, Guinan County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Northwest China 🏜️ Highlight: Dramatic earth forest, canyon landscapes, and the upper Yellow River 🌄 Feature: Towering earth pillars, red cliffs, plateau scenery, emerald reservoir waters, and remarkable geological formations 🍃 Atmosphere: Wild, majestic, and awe-inspiring 📸 Best for: Landscape photography, road trips, geology enthusiasts, and off-the-beaten-path adventures ✨ Signature feeling: Standing above the canyon as the Yellow River winds through towering cliffs sculpted by millions of years of nature. A hidden masterpiece where the Yellow River reveals one of China's most extraordinary landscapes. 🏜️✨

Gallop across the vast land of Qinghai and encounter seven secret scenic spots✨ Stroll through the Jinyin Beach Grassland and experience the romantic prairie charm; check in at the Qinghai Lake cliff to overlook the vast and boundless blue lake; explore the Tianjun Stone Forest to unlock the plateau's billion-year geological wonders; rush to Hala Lake and venture deep into the no-man's land to meet the sacred secret realm; linger at Tosu Lake to enjoy the tranquil lake and mountain scenery; immerse yourself in Chaka Salt Lake, where the reflections of heaven and earth resemble a mirror of the sky; traverse Longyang Gorge to appreciate the majestic and rugged Yellow River canyon. Along the way, grasslands, lakes, stone forests, and gorges showcase the pure and wild beauty of Northwest China.

With 12 photos of me dancing with nature during my travels, I twirl my skirt to bid farewell to this year and dance with vitality to welcome the new year. Photo ① I twirl my skirt on the gradually turning oasis of Muge Sand Desert 📍 Qinghai · Guinan · Muge Sand Photo ② I twirl my skirt in the cool breeze of the midsummer Ganga Grassland 📍 Gansu · Xiahe · Ganga Secret Realm Photo ③ I twirl my skirt at the Colorful Sand Forest Color Square 📍 Yunnan · Luliang · Colorful Sand Forest Photo ④ I twirl my skirt in front of the rushing waterfall of Duoyi River 📍 Yunnan · Luoping · Duoyi River Photo ⑤ I twirl my skirt under the blooming century-old pear trees in Jiajizhai 📍 Yunnan · Gejiu · Jiajizhai Photo ⑥ I twirl my skirt in the intermittent light before sunset on the mountaintop of Huoxi Township 📍 Sichuan · Seda · Huoxi Township Photo ⑦ I twirl my skirt in front of the glaciers of the Himalayas on G219 📍 Tibet · Shigatse · Gangba County Photo ⑧ I twirl my skirt under Genie Peak, the main peak of Genie Sacred Mountain 📍 Sichuan · Litang · Genie Town Photo ⑨ I twirl my skirt in the green wild forest of Langshidang in midsummer 📍 Qinghai · Huzhu · Langshidang Photo ⑩ I twirl my skirt under the crabapple trees in the Tianjin Garden of Kunming Expo Park in spring 📍 Yunnan · Kunming · Expo Park Photo ⑪ I twirl my skirt by the Blue Lake under Yajiageng Snow Mountain 📍 Sichuan · Luding · Yajiageng Photo ⑫ I twirl my skirt by the Qionghai Lake in winter 📍 Sichuan · Xichang · Qionghai Park ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juaner. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timeliness, some scenes may have changed; please refer to the current situation. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juaner and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website; please leave a message if you need more detailed information. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juaner and Mr. Dog on a self-driving tour of Yunnan to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.

When we capture nature with our lens, nature frames itself with us. That moment is eternity. ① Framing Ourselves with Namcha Barwa Peak 📍Tibet · Nyingchi · Suosong Village We stood on the giant rocks of Suosong Village, waiting for the sunlight to burst out from the mountains. The moment when the golden sunrise illuminated Namcha Barwa Peak and the Yarlung Tsangpo River was captured by us. ② Framing Ourselves with Anizhihei Peak 📍Qinghai · Guinan · Anizhihei Unlike the famous Namcha Barwa Peak, Anizhihei in Qinghai remains a secret realm. We almost reached the foot of this highest peak of the broadly west-tilted mountain, dancing in frame with the green hills and prayer flags. ③ Framing Ourselves with Longwu Gorge 📍Qinghai · Jianzha · Longwu Gorge The Longwu River flows into the Yellow River at Longwu Gorge, then rushes down, bursting through the magnificent Danxia Gorge, forming the fertile plains of Jianzha County. Near the confluence, we framed ourselves with the Longwu River about to join the Yellow River and the red Danxia landscape. ④ Framing Ourselves with Ranwu Lake 📍Tibet · Chamdo · Ranwu Lake In autumn, Ranwu Lake is surrounded by colorful forests and snow-capped peaks. We were fortunate to be here, framing ourselves with this beautiful scene. ⑤ Framing Ourselves with Guilin Scenery 📍Guangxi · Yangshuo · Li River That day, Guilin Yangshuo was wrapped in light mist and drizzle. We stood on a rock by the Li River, framing ourselves with the hazy and romantic Guilin landscape. ⑥ Framing Ourselves with Honghe Terraces 📍Yunnan · Honghe · Nimei Terraces Compared to the Yuanyang Terraces, the Honghe Terraces are hidden deep in the mountains, unknown to many. We were lucky to enter the mountains and meet the hardworking Hani people's achievement—the Nimei Terraces before sunset. ⑦ Framing Ourselves with Riqu Wetland 📍Tibet · Chamdo · Anjula Mountain Pass Did you pass by Anjula Mountain Pass on G318? We are glad not to have missed the scenery outside the window. Even the little-known Riqu Wetland timely showed us an unforgettable sea of stars view. ⑧ Framing Ourselves with Meili Snow Mountain 📍Yunnan · Deqin · Meili Snow Mountain Everyone should see the sunrise at Meili Snow Mountain at least once in their life. Winter Meili, the dry season snow mountain, the perfect sunrise, and our encounter together made this framing possible. ⑨ Framing Ourselves with Baishi Cliff 📍Gansu · Xiahe · Ganga Secret Realm The summer of Ganga Grassland and Baishi Cliff is both a fairy tale and a fantasy world. Holding hands, we enjoy this vast land together. ⑩ Framing Ourselves with Shangri-La Lake 📍Sichuan · Muli · Shangri-La Lake Shangri-La Lake was formerly called Cundong Haizi, but after we were fortunate to see the clouds part and reveal the colorful autumn scenery, it felt like a pure land in our hearts. ⑪ Framing Ourselves with the East Slope of Mount Everest 📍Tibet · Dingjie · Xilin Viewing Platform This is an area on G219 where desert and wetlands coexist. At the end of this area are the twin peaks of the world's highest Mount Everest and the fourth highest Lhotse. We stood at the other end of this area, thousands of miles apart in space but intersecting in a moment in time. ⑫ Framing Ourselves with Pumo Yongcuo Lake 📍Tibet · Shannan · Pumo Yongcuo At the high cape, we welcomed the deep blue Pumo Yongcuo Lake. The vast sky and earth bring peace to a distant heart and calm to a deep heart. The vast land echoes our small figures. ▶️ All photos were originally taken and produced by Mr. Dog and Caicai Juan'er. ▶️ The above content is summarized based on personal travel experiences; please forgive any omissions. ▶️ Due to timeliness, some scenes may have changed; please refer to the current situation. ▶️ All scenic spots visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog are accessible by car. ▶️ Location information is provided by the website; for more details, please leave a message. 🔸🔹🔸 Follow Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Dog on a self-driving tour to deeply explore off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.