Guizhou + Qinghai 10-Day Combo Tour: From Karst to Desert, Experience Southwest and Northwest in One Journey
Last week, Mr. Zhang from Singapore and his family of four contacted us, wanting to complete a 10-day trip covering both Guizhou and Qinghai. "They want to see both the landscapes and the vast Northwest, while giving their children some new experiences." However, they were unsure how to connect the two provinces or manage the altitude transitions.
We've been operating ground services in Guizhou for 10 years. The Guizhou + Qinghai cross-province itinerary is one of the smoothest we run. Here's the full plan for your reference.
Why are these two provinces grouped together?
Guizhou Karst: lush green mountains, rivers, caves, and Miao villages; Qinghai Plateau: salt lakes, grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and vast deserts. The two styles are perfectly complementary. In just 10 days, you'll experience the highlights of Southwest and Northwest China all in one trip.
Travelers flying in from overseas typically land in Guiyang first to acclimate for two days before flying to Xining and ascending to higher altitude. This gradual transition helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
How to plan a 10-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang, relax at Qianling Mountain to see monkeys, stroll by Jiaxiu Pavilion, and enjoy Huaxi beef noodles. Stay downtown; $1–$2 per night.
Day 3: Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall. Drive time: 2.5 hours. See the main falls and the Water Curtain Cave. Tickets cost 160. Book 3 days in advance during peak season. Stay in Anshun.
Day 4: Fly from Guiyang to Xining. Flight time: 2.5 hours. Book tickets in advance for $1–2. Don't rush your itinerary upon arrival; Xining is at an altitude of 2200 meters. Just visit Kumbum Monastery.
MeituShuo ReminderOn the day you arrive in Xining, avoid bathing and drinking alcohol. Altitude sickness is most likely to occur on the first day. We always remind our guests of these precautions before they reach Xining; those who follow them rarely experience issues.
Day 5: Depart from Xining to Qinghai Lake. Drive time: 3 hours, passing Riyue Mountain. Entrance fee for Erlangjian Scenic Area: 90. From 7 to 8, rapeseed flowers bloom in golden fields against the blue lake—perfect for photos. Stay at Heimahe Town.
Day 6: Wake up early to watch the sunrise, then head to Chaka Salt Lake. Drive time: 2.5 hours. Entrance fee: 60; small train: 50. Return to Xining in the afternoon.
Avoid These Pitfalls: Bring flip-flops and sunscreen to Chaka Salt Lake. The salt crystals on the lake bed are sharp and hurt your feet, and UV radiation is 3–4 times stronger than in Guiyang. Without sunscreen, you can get sunburned in just two hours.
Day 7: Drive G227 to Qilian, pass through the vast rapeseed flower fields of Menyuan (peak bloom in 7), and view Zhuoer Mountain's Danxia landforms. The scenery is all along the way—no extra tickets required. Stay overnight in Qilian.
Day 8: Qilian to Zhangye Rainbow Desert. Drive time: 3.5 hours. Tickets cost 75 (includes shuttle bus). Best lighting: 4–6 PM. Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 9: Zhangye to Xining via highway in 4 hours. Visit Shuijing Lane Night Market in Xining and enjoy hand-grabbed mutton.
Day 0: Fly from Xining back to Guiyang or directly overseas. Trip concludes.
How do the two provinces connect?
No direct high-speed rail from Guiyang to Xining. Flights take 2.5 hours; book in advance for 800–1500. High-speed rail requires a transfer in Chengdu or Xi'an, totaling 8–10 hours—not recommended.
We recommend finishing the Guizhou leg in 5 days via a chartered car, then flying to Xining on day 6 for the Qinghai leg with a separate local vehicle and driver. Using local cars and drivers for each province ensures the most efficient transition.
How to arrange a private car?
For the Guizhou section, we operate our own fleet: 7-seat business vans available from 800 to 1000 per day during summer vacation.
For the Qinghai section, we've arranged for a local partner fleet to handle all pickups and transfers, with our team monitoring quality throughout. Our drivers have over 10 years of experience on Qinghai routes, are familiar with road conditions, and know how to manage altitude sickness effectively. 5-seater SUVs cost approximately 600 to 800 CNY per day; 7-seater business vans cost about 900 to 1200 CNY per day. Rates include fuel, tolls, driver meals, and accommodation. Daily driving time ranges from 3 to 5 hours. We recommend selecting an SUV or higher-grade vehicle.
MeituShuo ReminderFor private car charters in Qinghai, ensure the driver has high-altitude driving experience. Handling ice, snow, and curves differs significantly from Guizhou; our local expert drivers will ensure your safety.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Qinghai's elevation ranges from 2200 to 3800 meters, while Guiyang is only at 1100 meters—significant altitude difference. Start taking Rhodiola rosea one week before departure. For the first two days in Xining, avoid strenuous exercise, overeating, and alcohol.
We always send the High Altitude Sickness Prevention Guide in advance for this route, and drivers remind guests upon arrival in Xining. In practice, 90% of guests experience no noticeable symptoms; children often adapt faster than adults.
Avoid These PitfallsMany "oxygen tanks" on Xining streets contain compressed air, not medical oxygen. If you feel unwell, visit any major hospital for oxygen therapy; you'll likely recover within 30 minutes.
Read more
Guizhou + Xinjiang 13-Day Combo Tour: How to Connect the Best of Both Provinces
Guizhou Summer Getaway: Where Are the Coolest Places to Escape the Heat
Chat with us on WeChat first:18285125548 (Phone / WeChat)Free route planning for you. No deposit required upfront.
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