The Northwest Grand Loop starts in Xining, circles Qinghai Lake, crosses the Qilian Mountains and the Hexi Corridor to Dunhuang, then returns via Jiayuguan and Zhangye - about 8 days and the most epic road trip in China.
Days 1-2, Xining to Qinghai Lake: Kumbum Monastery with its butter sculptures and murals, then cycle or drive around Qinghai Lake - in June-August the rapeseed flowers and the lake make a picture.
Days 3-4, Chaka Salt Lake and Dachaidan: the mirror of the sky is made for bright-coloured photos; the Emerald Lake green pools scatter across the desert like gems.
Days 5-6, Dunhuang: the Mogao Caves are a UNESCO site and a thousand-year treasury of Buddhist art - book on the official site 30 days ahead; then ride a camel at Singing Sand Dunes to watch the sunset over Crescent Lake.
Days 7-8, Jiayuguan and Zhangye: the First Pass Under Heaven fortress, then the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye - nature spilled paintbox - before crossing back over the Qilian range to Xining.
The northwest is dry with big temperature swings - protect against sun and dehydration. The loop is over 2,000 km; share driving between two people or join a local tour with a driver.
