The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop

Traveling in the Northwest by renting a car has become a popular way to explore the region. The advantages of renting a car for a Northwest trip are increasingly evident. ✴️ Advantages of Renting a Car: ✅1. No need to wake up early to catch a bus or train, no need to switch vehicles or buy tickets. Departure time can be decided based on your schedule. ✅2. Freedom to plan your route, choose stopover locations, and decide how long to stay at each spot. Stay longer at places you like and skip those you don’t. ✅3. Spacious vehicle capacity allows you to bring sufficient food, clothing, and other essentials. ✅4. Traveling with a few friends adds fun to the journey. ✴️ Things to Note When Renting a Car: ⭕️1. SUVs and business vehicles are generally suitable for travel, as the road conditions along the way are mostly good. ⭕️2. Always choose a reputable travel agency for car rental. ⭕️3. Make sure to sign a contract. ⭕️4. Include details such as the travel route, number of rental days, destinations, and other important matters in the contract to avoid disputes. ⭕️5. Traveling is both enjoyable and tiring, so prepare well for safety, plan your route carefully, and be mentally ready. 🚗 Choosing the Right Vehicle: Determine the type of vehicle based on the number of people. For 1-3 people, carpooling is an option. For 4-8 people, renting a car is recommended. A 5-seater sedan or SUV is suitable for smaller groups, while a 7-9 seater business vehicle offers more space. For larger groups, consider a 14-19 seater minibus or a 30-55 seater coach. ⭐ Essential Packing List for Northwest Travel: 🔸Important documents: ID card, student ID, driver’s license 🔸Sun protection items: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses 🔸Personal care items: skincare products, shampoo, makeup remover 🔸Electronics: chargers, power banks, drones 🔸Other essentials: thermos, wet wipes, disposable underwear 📌 Recommended Northwest Grand Loop Itinerary: ⭕D1: Arrival in Xining (airport/train station), check into hotel ⭕D2: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake (Heimahe) - Chaka Salt Lake ⭕D3: Delingha - Qarhan Salt Lake - Route 315 - Yadan Ghost City ⭕D4: Dachaidan - Emerald Lake - Dangjin Mountain - Dunhuang ⭕D5: Dunhuang Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake ⭕D6: Dunhuang - Guazhou - The Son of the Earth - Jiayuguan - Rainbow Danxia ⭕D7: Zhangye - Biandukou - Qilian Grassland - Menyuan - Departure ✅ Must-Visit Attractions in Qinghai and Gansu: ✅ Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Mirror of the Sky" ✅ Menyuan Flower Sea: Famous for its vast fields of rapeseed flowers ✅ Rainbow Danxia: Resembling a painter’s palette, perfect for photography ✅ Mogao Caves: A timeless artistic treasure, a must-see on your Northwest trip ✅ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake: Renowned for its unique landscape where sand and water coexist harmoniously 🌟🌟 Tips: Northwest attractions are far apart, so plan rest times wisely and stay in city centers or near scenic spots. Mogao Caves tickets need to be booked online in advance. Prepare for sun protection and hydration, as the Northwest climate is dry with strong UV rays.