【The Great Pass·Danxia·Flower Sea: A Stunning Journey from Jiayuguan to Xining】

Jiayuguan → Rainbow Mountains → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea → Xining Guide (Stop 6) 📍 Highlights 1. Jiayuguan Fortress - 🏰 "The First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven," the western starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Climb the towers for sweeping Gobi Desert views. - 🎫 Ticket: Combo pass 110 RMB (includes fortress, Overhanging Great Wall, and First Beacon Tower). - ⏰ Suggested duration: 2-3 hours, perfect for photos. 2. Zhangye Rainbow Mountains - 🌈 China’s most stunning Danxia landforms, colors intensify after rain, best at sunset. - 🎫 Ticket: 74 RMB, Platform 4 (prime sunset spot). - 🚁 Optional: Hot air balloon rides (weather permitting). 3. Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea - 🌼 A golden ocean in July, stretching for miles. Peak bloom mid-July. - 📸 Best photo spots: Yuanshan Viewing Platform, Qingshizui Town. - 🎫 Ticket: Some platforms charge, but free roadside areas are more breathtaking. 4. Xining (Return) - 🏙️ Journey’s end. Explore Mojia Street or Shuijing Alley for Northwest cuisine. - ✈️ Transport: Convenient airport/high-speed rail for departure. 🚗 Transport Tips - Jiayuguan → Zhangye: Self-drive/chartered car (~2.5 hours, 220km), with distant Qilian Mountain views. - Zhangye → Menyuan: ~3.5 hours (200km), crossing Daban Mountain (3,940m altitude). - Menyuan → Xining: ~2.5 hours (150km), passing Heiquan Reservoir. 🏨 Stay Recommendations - Zhangye: Danxia Pearl Hotel (near the park, Danxia views from windows). - Menyuan: Qingshizui Town homestays (ideal for early flower viewing). - Xining: Budget hotels downtown (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn). 🍽️ Must-Try Foods ✔ Jiayuguan BBQ ("Glasses BBQ" is legendary). ✔ Zhangye Cuomian noodles, Juanzi chicken (Sunji Fried Cannon). ✔ Menyuan yak yogurt, hand-torn lamb. 📌 Notes 1. Sun & cold protection: Menyuan’s high altitude (2,800m+) means strong UV and big temperature swings—pack a windbreaker + sunscreen. 2. Flower season: Book July stays early to avoid crowds. 3. Danxia visit: Colors pop post-rain; soft light after 4 PM. 💡 Sample Itinerary (1-Day Version) AM: Jiayuguan Fortress → Noon: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains → PM: Menyuan Flower Sea → Night: Arrive in Xining ✨ From mighty passes to golden seas—savor the Northwest’s grandeur! Wishing you joy on this final leg!