9 Days Gansu-Qinghai Tibetan Plateau Cycling Tour with Qilian Mountain and Qinghai Lake

▌Core Cycling Information (The altitude is stable at 1800m throughout the journey, with no obvious ups and downs, suitable for warm-up cycling)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Zhangye (张掖) Downtown Hotel → Zhangye National Wetland Park (张掖国家湿地公园) → Ganjun Town (甘浚镇) → Periphery of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (张掖丹霞国家地质公园外围) → Zhangye (张掖) Downtown Hotel (70km in total, clockwise circular route, no retracement).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is a flat asphalt road with a wide surface and little traffic (away from the main road), no steep slopes or sharp bends, suitable for warm-up cycling; some sections are adjacent to farmland and wetlands, with a wide view and good road conditions, no potholes or gravel.
• Cycling Slope: The whole journey is gentle with minimal ups and downs (slope ≤ 3°), no long-term climbing or descending, mainly riding at a constant speed, suitable for adapting to the high-altitude cycling rhythm.

▌Cycling Time Plan (It is recommended to start early to avoid the midday heat):

• 07:30 Depart from the hotel, have breakfast (it is recommended to eat porridge, steamed buns and eggs to supplement carbohydrates and protein), check the vehicle and replenish water (2L per person) before departure.
• 07:30-09:30 Cycle to Zhangye National Wetland Park (张掖国家湿地公园) (about 20km, ride at a constant speed of 18-20km/h, rest once for 10 minutes on the way).
• 09:30-10:30 Rest around the wetland park, take photos, replenish a small amount of dry food (energy gel, chocolate), and check the tire pressure.
• 10:30-12:00 Cycle to Ganjun Town (甘浚镇) (about 25km, ride at a constant speed, rest once on the way, replenish water and pay attention to sun protection).
• 12:00-13:00 Have lunch in Ganjun Town (甘浚镇) (choose a local home-cooked restaurant, focus on light food, supplement rice, vegetables and a small amount of meat, avoid greasiness), rest for 30 minutes.
• 13:00-15:00 Cycle to the periphery of Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (张掖丹霞国家地质公园外围) (about 15km, enjoy the distant view of Danxia landform along the way, ride at a constant speed and avoid staying too long).
• 15:00-16:30 Cycle back to the hotel in downtown Zhangye (张掖) (about 10km, ride easily, adjust the rhythm and relieve cycling fatigue).

▌Supply Point Details (Adequate supplies throughout the journey, no need to store a large amount of additional materials):

• 0-20km: From downtown Zhangye (张掖) to the wetland park, there are 2 convenience stores along the way, where you can replenish water and snacks.
• 20-45km: From the wetland park to Ganjun Town (甘浚镇), there is 1 rural canteen along the way, where you can replenish water and instant noodles.
• 45-60km: From Ganjun Town (甘浚镇) to the periphery of Danxia Geopark, there are no supply points along the way, so you need to prepare enough water and dry food in advance.
• 60-70km: From the periphery of Danxia Geopark to downtown Zhangye (张掖), there is 1 convenience store along the way, where you can replenish water.

▌Accommodation: The same hotel in downtown Zhangye (张掖) (no need to change, convenient for storing luggage and vehicles, altitude 1800m, continue to adapt to high altitude).
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★ (Simple, warm-up level), the whole journey is gentle with no difficult sections, mainly to adapt to high-altitude cycling, run-in the vehicle and exercise the rhythm.
▌Precautions:

• Sun Protection: The ultraviolet radiation in Zhangye (张掖) is extremely strong. Wear a sun hat, arm sleeves and wind-sand mask throughout the journey, and reapply high SPF sunscreen (SPF50+, PA++++) every 2 hours.
• Hydration: Ride at a constant speed, replenish water every 15-20 minutes, and can be paired with electrolyte powder to avoid dehydration.
• Vehicle Inspection: After cycling, check the vehicle's brakes, tires and chain, oil the chain, repair minor wear and tear, and ensure the vehicle is free of faults for cycling the next day.
• Rest: Avoid staying for a long time during cycling, rest every 30-40 minutes, move your joints to relieve muscle fatigue and avoid discomfort caused by sitting for a long time.

▌Core Cycling Information (The altitude rises gradually, mainly gentle slopes, no steep slopes throughout the journey, and gradually adapt to high-altitude cycling)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Zhangye (张掖) Downtown Hotel → National Highway G227 → Xiaoman Town (小满镇) → Xindun Town (新墩镇) → Sunan Yugur Autonomous County (Sunan 肃南裕固族自治县) (80km in total, straight-line cycling, no retracement).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is a branch of National Highway G227, with a flat asphalt road, wide surface and moderate traffic (mainly small vehicles and trucks, pay attention to avoidance), no potholes or gravel, and high riding comfort.
• Cycling Slope: The whole journey is a gentle uphill with a slope of 3°-5°, no continuous long uphill, and occasional gentle downhill (slope ≤ 2°) in the middle. The overall altitude rises gently from 1800m to 2200m, with moderate cycling pressure.
• Scenery Along the Way: Gradually transition from Zhangye (张掖) oasis to the edge of grassland, with farmland, Gobi and sporadic grassland along the way, wide view, and the scenery gradually transitions to the style of Qilian Mountains (祁连山).

▌Cycling Time Plan (Start early to avoid midday heat and afternoon strong winds):

• 07:00 Depart from the hotel, have breakfast (mainly carbohydrates, paired with protein, such as soybean milk, fried dough sticks and eggs), check the vehicle and replenish water (3L per person, need to increase water intake as the altitude rises), electrolyte powder and dry food before departure.
• 07:00-09:00 Cycle to Xiaoman Town (小满镇) (about 30km, gentle uphill, ride at a constant speed of 16-18km/h, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, replenish water and a small amount of dry food).
• 09:00-10:30 Cycle to Xindun Town (新墩镇) (about 20km, gentle uphill, rest once on the way, check the tire and relieve muscle fatigue).
• 10:30-12:30 Cycle to the periphery of Sunan Yugur Autonomous County (Sunan 肃南裕固族自治县) (about 30km, gentle uphill, altitude gradually rises to 2200m, rest once on the way, replenish energy and adapt to the altitude).
• 12:30-13:30 Have lunch in Sunan (肃南) County (choose a local characteristic restaurant, you can try Yugur ethnic characteristics food, focus on light and easy-to-digest food, supplement energy), rest for 30 minutes.
• 13:30-14:00 Go to the pre-booked hotel in Sunan (肃南), check in, sort out cycling equipment and rest to adjust.

▌Supply Point Details (The distance between supply points is moderate throughout the journey, no need to overstore materials):

• 0-30km: From downtown Zhangye (张掖) to Xiaoman Town (小满镇), there are 3 convenience stores and 2 restaurants along the way, where you can replenish water, dry food and meals.
• 30-50km: From Xiaoman Town (小满镇) to Xindun Town (新墩镇), there is 1 rural canteen along the way, where you can replenish water and instant noodles.
• 50-80km: From Xindun Town (新墩镇) to Sunan (肃南) County, there are 2 convenience stores along the way, and the supply near Sunan (肃南) County is sufficient (supermarkets and restaurants are complete).

▌Accommodation: Hotel in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County (Sunan 肃南裕固族自治县) (choose the county center, with nearby convenience stores and bicycle repair shops, altitude 2200m, further adapt to high altitude).
▌Altitude Change: 1800m (Zhangye 张掖) → 2200m (Sunan 肃南), the altitude rises gently, some people may have mild altitude sickness (dizziness, fatigue), which is a normal phenomenon.
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★★ (Medium, adaptation level), mainly gentle uphill with no steep slopes, mainly testing endurance and high-altitude adaptability, the cycling rhythm needs to be slowed down to avoid strenuous exercise.
▌Precautions:

• Altitude Sickness Response: Keep riding at a constant speed during cycling, do not chase speed. If dizziness or fatigue occurs, stop to rest immediately, drink glucose oral liquid or warm water to relieve altitude sickness; avoid heavy breathing and strenuous exercise.
• Wind Protection: There may be slight crosswinds in the afternoon. Keep the body stable while riding, avoid forced acceleration against the wind, and save energy.
• Material Supplement: Sunan (肃南) County is an important supply point for the subsequent trip to Qilian (祁连) County. You can replenish enough water, dry food and commonly used medicines, check cycling equipment and repair minor vehicle faults.
• Keep Warm: The altitude of Sunan (肃南) is 2200m, with a large temperature difference between day and night (25-30℃ during the day, 10-15℃ at night). Change into dry clothes in time after cycling, put on a fleece jacket to avoid catching cold.

▌Core Cycling Information (High-altitude cycling throughout the journey, with long uphill, high difficulty, transfer by vehicle after cycling to save energy)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Hotel in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County (Sunan 肃南裕固族自治县) → National Highway G227 → Kangle Grassland (康乐草原) → Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇) → Qilian (祁连) County (100km in total, straight-line cycling, core high-altitude section).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is the main road of National Highway G227, with a flat asphalt road, wide surface and moderate traffic. Some sections are adjacent to Qilian Mountains (祁连山), with a wide view, and the scenery along the way is grassland and canyon, which is beautiful.
• Cycling Slope: The core section is gentle uphill + long uphill. The first 50km is gentle uphill (slope 3°-5°), and the last 50km is long uphill (slope 5°-8°), no steep slopes. The altitude gradually rises from 2200m to 3400m (altitude of Qilian 祁连 County), with large physical consumption.
• Special Sections: The section from Kangle Grassland (康乐草原) to Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇) has a fast altitude rise, no shelter along the way, extremely strong ultraviolet radiation, and may have crosswinds, which increases the cycling difficulty.

▌Cycling Time Plan (Start in the early morning to avoid midday heat and strong ultraviolet radiation at high altitude):

• 06:00 Depart from the hotel, have breakfast (high-calorie and high-carbohydrate, such as steamed buns, porridge and beef, to supplement enough energy), check the vehicle and replenish water (4L per person, fast dehydration at high altitude), electrolyte powder and high-energy dry food (beef jerky, chocolate, energy gel) before departure.
• 06:00-08:30 Cycle to Kangle Grassland (康乐草原) (about 30km, gentle uphill, ride at a constant speed of 15-17km/h, rest twice for 15 minutes each time on the way, replenish water and energy, and adapt to the altitude rise).
• 08:30-11:00 Cycle to Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇) (about 40km, long uphill, altitude rises to more than 3000m, rest three times for 15-20 minutes each time on the way, relieve altitude sickness and muscle fatigue, and replenish energy).
• 11:00-12:00 Have lunch in Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇) (simple and fast, such as instant noodles, rice and home-cooked dishes, supplement carbohydrates, rest for 30 minutes).
• 12:00-14:30 Cycle to Qilian (祁连) County (about 30km, long uphill, altitude rises to 3400m, rest twice on the way, ride at a constant speed, do not chase speed, avoid altitude sickness caused by strenuous exercise).
• 14:30-15:00 Arrive in Qilian (祁连) County, properly store the cycling vehicle (can be stored in a local hotel or bicycle shop), sort out carry-on luggage, go to the designated place to gather, and prepare to transfer to Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) by vehicle.
• 15:00-18:00 Transfer to Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) by vehicle (about 3 hours' drive, flat asphalt road throughout the journey, altitude drops from 3400m to 3200m, you can enjoy the distant view of Qilian Mountains (祁连山) grassland and Qinghai Lake (青海湖) on the way, rest and adjust to relieve cycling fatigue).
• 18:00 Arrive at Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), check in, rest and adjust, and have dinner (focus on light food, avoid greasiness).

▌Supply Point Details (High-altitude section, the distance between supply points is large, need to prepare sufficient materials in advance):

• 0-30km: From Sunan (肃南) to Kangle Grassland (康乐草原), there is 1 rural canteen along the way, where you can replenish water and instant noodles.
• 30-70km: From Kangle Grassland (康乐草原) to Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇), there are no supply points along the way, so you need to prepare enough water (4L per person) and dry food (at least 2 meals) in advance.
• 70-100km: From Eb堡 Town (峨堡镇) to Qilian (祁连) County, there is 1 convenience store along the way, where you can replenish water and snacks; the supply in Qilian (祁连) County is sufficient (supermarkets, restaurants and bicycle repair shops are complete).

▌Accommodation: Homestay/Tent Camp at Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) (near the lake, convenient for cycling the next day, altitude 3200m, adapt to high-altitude accommodation).
▌Altitude Change: 2200m (Sunan 肃南) → 3400m (Qilian 祁连 County) → 3200m (Bird Island 鸟岛 of Qinghai Lake 青海湖), the altitude rises sharply, the risk of altitude sickness increases, which needs to be focused on.
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★★★ (Difficult, core high-altitude section), mainly long uphill, large physical consumption and high risk of altitude sickness, need to reasonably distribute physical strength and avoid forced cycling.
▌Precautions:

• Altitude Sickness Response: Keep riding at a constant speed throughout the journey, do not accelerate quickly or do strenuous exercise. If severe altitude sickness (headache, nausea, difficulty breathing) occurs, stop to rest immediately, contact your companions, and take altitude sickness medicine if necessary; stay at the pass (if any) for no more than 15 minutes to avoid staying for a long time.
• Sun Protection and Wind Protection: The ultraviolet radiation at high altitude is extremely strong. Wear sun protection equipment throughout the journey and reapply sunscreen every 1 hour; there may be strong crosswinds in the afternoon. Keep the body stable while riding, ride in groups and take care of each other.
• Vehicle Storage: When transferring from Qilian (祁连) County to Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) by vehicle, properly store the cycling vehicle, do a good job in vehicle protection (put on a dust cover and fix the wheels) to avoid vehicle damage.
• Keep Warm: The altitude of Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) is 3200m, and the night temperature is extremely low (5-10℃). Carry a windproof jacket and a thin down jacket, keep warm in time after check-in, and avoid catching a cold (a cold at high altitude can easily cause severe altitude sickness).
• Hydration and Supply: Dehydration is fast at high altitude. Replenish water in small amounts and many times during cycling, and can be paired with electrolyte powder to avoid dehydration; carry dry food with you and replenish it in time when hungry to avoid cycling on an empty stomach.

▌Core Cycling Information (The first day of cycling around Qinghai Lake (青海湖), stable altitude, beautiful lake scenery, mainly gentle sections, moderate difficulty)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) → West Lake Loop Road (环湖西路) → Shinaihai Town (石乃亥乡) → Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) (70km in total, cycling around the lake clockwise, close to the lake shore, with lake scenery accompanying the whole journey).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is the West Lake Loop Road (环湖西路) asphalt road of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), with a flat and narrow surface, little traffic (mainly cyclists and small sightseeing vehicles), no steep slopes or sharp bends, minimal ups and downs (slope ≤ 2°), and extremely high riding comfort.
• Scenery Along the Way: Close to the west bank of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), the lake water is blue, with grasslands, flocks of cattle and sheep, and herdsmen's tents on the bank, the scenery is extremely beautiful, you can stop to take photos at any time, which is one of the most beautiful sections in cycling around the lake.
• Road Attention: Some sections are adjacent to the lake, there may be a small amount of water accumulation (after rain), pay attention to avoidance while riding to avoid slipping; there are herdsmen's cattle and sheep crossing the road along the way, need to slow down and avoid, pay attention to safety.

▌Cycling Time Plan (Start early to enjoy the lake scenery and avoid midday heat):

• 07:30 Depart from the homestay/camp at Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛), have breakfast (simple and fast, such as highland barley cakes, milk tea and eggs, to supplement energy), check the vehicle and replenish water (3L per person), electrolyte powder and a small amount of dry food before departure.
• 07:30-09:30 Cycle to Shinaihai Town (石乃亥乡) (about 30km, ride at a constant speed of 17-19km/h, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, enjoy the lake scenery and replenish water).
• 09:30-11:30 Cycle to Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) (about 40km, ride gently, rest twice for 10-15 minutes each time on the way, take photos, replenish a small amount of dry food and relieve muscle fatigue).
• 11:30-12:30 Have lunch in Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) (choose a restaurant by the lake, focus on Qinghai (青海) characteristic food, such as hand-grabbed mutton, yak yogurt and highland barley noodles, to supplement energy), rest for 30 minutes.
• 12:30-14:00 Rest around Heimahe Town (黑马河乡), adjust physical condition, check the vehicle, sort out cycling equipment, and can walk by the lake to enjoy the scenery of Qinghai Lake (青海湖).
• 14:00 Go to the pre-booked accommodation in Heimahe Town (黑马河乡), check in, rest and adjust to relieve cycling fatigue.

▌Supply Point Details (Adequate supply points on the lake loop road, can be replenished at any time):

• 0-30km: From Bird Island (Niaodao 鸟岛) to Shinaihai Town (石乃亥乡), there are 2 herdsmen's tent supply points along the way, where you can replenish milk tea, highland barley cakes and water.
• 30-70km: From Shinaihai Town (石乃亥乡) to Heimahe Town (黑马河乡), there are 3 convenience stores and 2 restaurants along the way, where you can replenish water, dry food and meals.
• Heimahe Town (黑马河乡): Adequate supply, with supermarkets, restaurants and bicycle repair shops, where you can replenish all kinds of materials and check the vehicle.

▌Accommodation: Homestay/Tent Camp in Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) (near the lake, convenient for watching the sunrise the next day, altitude 3200m, adapt to high-altitude accommodation).
▌Altitude: Stable at 3200m throughout the journey, no obvious ups and downs. After adaptation in the previous days, most people's altitude sickness symptoms will be relieved.
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★★ (Medium, leisure level), the whole journey is gentle with no difficult sections, mainly focusing on enjoying the lake scenery and leisure cycling, with moderate physical consumption.
▌Precautions:

• Safe Cycling: The West Lake Loop Road (环湖西路) is narrow. Ride on the right side of the road while cycling, do not reverse or occupy the road, avoid collision with other cyclists and sightseeing vehicles; when cattle and sheep cross the road, slow down in advance and avoid patiently.
• Sun Protection and Wind Protection: The ultraviolet radiation of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) is extremely strong, and the wind by the lake is strong. Wear sun protection equipment and wind-sand mask throughout the journey to avoid sunburn and sand getting into eyes.
• Hydration: The wind by the lake is strong, and water evaporates quickly. Replenish water in small amounts and many times during cycling, and can be paired with electrolyte powder to avoid dehydration.
• Accommodation Preparation: Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) is a popular accommodation point for cycling around the lake. Book accommodation in advance to avoid no room; the night temperature is low, prepare warm clothes to avoid catching cold.
• Sunrise Preparation: If you plan to watch the sunrise of Qinghai Lake (青海湖) the next day, check the sunrise time in advance (about 5:30-6:00), prepare warm clothes, and go to the lake 1 hour in advance to wait.

▌Core Cycling Information (The second day of cycling around Qinghai Lake (青海湖), the route connects with yesterday, stable altitude, mainly gentle sections, and the rape flower sea (June to August) along the way is extremely beautiful)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) → West Lake Loop Road (环湖西路) → Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡) → Periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) (70km in total, cycling around the lake clockwise, accompanied by lake scenery and rape flower sea).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is a section of West Lake Loop Road (环湖西路) and National Highway G109, with a flat asphalt road, wide surface and moderate traffic (mainly sightseeing vehicles and cyclists), no steep slopes or sharp bends, minimal ups and downs (slope ≤ 2°), and high riding comfort.
• Scenery Along the Way: From the west bank to the south bank of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), the lake water is blue, the rape flower sea (blooms from June to August) along the bank is endless, forming a beautiful picture with the lake water and grassland, and there are herdsmen's tents and flocks of cattle and sheep along the way, with extremely beautiful scenery.
• Road Attention: Near Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡), the traffic flow increases slightly, need to pay attention to avoidance; some sections have small gravel, pay attention to avoiding while riding to avoid flat tires.

▌Cycling Time Plan (You can get up early to watch the sunrise before starting cycling):

• 05:30 (Optional) Go to the lake to watch the sunrise of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), wear a thick coat to avoid catching cold, and return to the accommodation to have breakfast after watching the sunrise.
• 07:30 Officially depart, have breakfast (carbohydrates + protein to supplement energy), check the vehicle and replenish water (3L per person), electrolyte powder and dry food before departure.
• 07:30-09:30 Cycle to Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡) (about 35km, ride at a constant speed of 17-19km/h, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, enjoy the rape flower sea and replenish water).
• 09:30-10:30 Rest in Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡), take photos, replenish a small amount of dry food, and check the tire pressure.
• 10:30-12:30 Cycle to the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) (about 35km, ride gently, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, enjoy the lake scenery and flower sea, and replenish energy).
• 12:30-13:30 Have lunch on the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) (choose a restaurant by the lake, eat Qinghai (青海) characteristic food, supplement carbohydrates and protein, rest for 30 minutes).
• 13:30-15:00 Rest on the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围), adjust physical condition, can overlook the scenic area scenery, check the vehicle and sort out cycling equipment.
• 15:00 Go to the pre-booked accommodation on the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围), check in, rest and adjust to relieve cycling fatigue.

▌Supply Point Details (Adequate supply along the way, no need to overstore):

• 0-35km: From Heimahe Town (黑马河乡) to Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡), there are 2 convenience stores and 3 herdsmen's tent supply points along the way, where you can replenish water, dry food and milk tea.
• 35-70km: From Jiangxigou Town (江西沟乡) to the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围), there are 2 convenience stores and 1 restaurant along the way, where you can replenish water, dry food and meals.
• Periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围): Adequate supply, with supermarkets, restaurants and bicycle repair shops, where you can replenish all kinds of materials and check the vehicle.

▌Accommodation: Homestay on the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) (near the lake, altitude 3200m, good accommodation conditions, convenient for rest and adjustment).
▌Altitude: Stable at 3200m throughout the journey, no obvious ups and downs, altitude sickness symptoms are basically relieved, and you can ride normally.
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★★ (Medium, leisure level), the whole journey is gentle with no difficult sections, mainly focusing on enjoying the lake scenery and rape flower sea, with moderate physical consumption.
▌Precautions:

• Flower Sea Photography: In the rape flower sea area, pay attention to avoiding pedestrians while riding, do not step on the flower sea at will, stop the vehicle stably when taking photos to ensure safety.
• Wind Protection: The wind by the lake is strong, especially in the afternoon. Keep the body stable while riding, ride in groups, avoid forced acceleration against the wind, and save energy.
• Vehicle Inspection: There is a small amount of gravel along the way. After cycling, check whether the tire is punctured or worn, repair it in time to ensure the vehicle is free of faults for cycling the next day.
• Hydration and Sun Protection: Continue to do a good job in sun protection and hydration. The ultraviolet radiation and sand at high altitude are still strong, so you can't take it lightly.
• Catering Choice: There are many restaurants on the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围). Pay attention to choosing regular restaurants, ask the price clearly before ordering to avoid high-price traps.

▌Core Cycling Information (The last section of cycling around Qinghai Lake (青海湖), gentle sections, transfer to Xining (西宁) by vehicle after cycling, altitude drops to relieve altitude sickness)
▌Detailed Cycling Route: Periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) → East Lake Loop Road (环湖东路) → Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡) (70km in total, cycling around the lake clockwise, the last section of lake scenery).
▌Road Condition Details:

• The whole journey is the East Lake Loop Road (环湖东路) asphalt road, with a flat and wide surface, moderate traffic (mainly sightseeing vehicles and small vehicles), no steep slopes or sharp bends, minimal ups and downs (slope ≤ 2°), and high riding comfort.
• Scenery Along the Way: From the south bank to the east bank of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), the lake water is still blue, with alternating grasslands and farmland along the bank. Near Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡), there is the Daotang River (倒淌河) landscape of "All rivers in the world flow eastward, only this river flows westward", which is beautiful.
• Road Attention: Near Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡), the traffic flow increases slightly, need to pay attention to avoidance; some sections are adjacent to the highway, ride on the right side of the road while cycling to ensure safety.

▌Cycling Time Plan (Start early to complete the lake loop cycling and transfer to Xining (西宁) on time):

• 07:30 Depart from the homestay, have breakfast (high-calorie and high-carbohydrate to supplement enough energy), check the vehicle and replenish water (3L per person), electrolyte powder and a small amount of dry food before departure.
• 07:30-09:30 Cycle to the periphery of Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡) (about 35km, ride at a constant speed of 17-19km/h, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, enjoy the lake scenery and the distant view of Daotang River (倒淌河), and replenish water).
• 09:30-11:30 Cycle to Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡) (about 35km, ride gently, rest once for 15 minutes on the way, replenish a small amount of dry food and relieve muscle fatigue).
• 11:30-12:30 Have lunch in Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡) (choose a local restaurant, eat light and easy-to-digest food to supplement energy), rest for 30 minutes.
• 12:30-13:00 Sort out cycling equipment, properly store the vehicle (can be stored in a local hotel or bicycle shop, or checked with the vehicle), go to the designated place to gather, and prepare to transfer to Xining (西宁) by vehicle.
• 13:00-15:00 Transfer to Xining (西宁) by vehicle (about 2 hours' drive, 100km in total, flat asphalt road, altitude gradually drops from 3200m to 2200m, you can enjoy the grassland and farmland scenery on the way, rest and adjust to relieve cycling fatigue).
• 15:00 Arrive in Xining (西宁), check in at the hotel, rest and adjust to relieve altitude sickness (the altitude drops, and the altitude sickness symptoms will be completely relieved).

▌Supply Point Details (Adequate supply throughout the journey, final material supplement):

• 0-35km: From the periphery of Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区外围) to the periphery of Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡), there are 2 convenience stores and 1 restaurant along the way, where you can replenish water, dry food and meals.
• 35-70km: From the periphery of Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡) to Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡), there is 1 convenience store and 1 rural canteen along the way, where you can replenish water and snacks.
• Daotanghe Town (倒淌河乡): Adequate supply, with supermarkets and restaurants, where you can replenish all kinds of materials to prepare for the transfer to Xining (西宁) by vehicle.

▌Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Xining (西宁) (choose one near the city center or Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺), with adequate supply nearby, altitude 2200m, no risk of altitude sickness).
▌Altitude Change: 3200m (Qinghai Lake 青海湖) → 2200m (Xining 西宁), the altitude drops sharply, the altitude sickness symptoms are completely relieved, and the body gradually adapts to the transition climate between plain and plateau.
▌Cycling Difficulty: ★★★ (Medium, finishing level), the whole journey is gentle with no difficult sections, mainly to complete the finishing of the lake loop cycling, with moderate physical consumption, and the cycling rhythm can be slowed down.
▌Precautions:

• Vehicle Storage: After cycling, properly store or check the vehicle, do a good job in vehicle protection to avoid vehicle damage; if you need to transport the vehicle back to Xi'an (西安), you can contact the logistics in advance to go through the check-in procedures.
• Vehicle Riding Attention: During the vehicle ride, you can move your body slightly to relieve muscle fatigue after cycling; the altitude drops, slight tinnitus may occur, which is a normal phenomenon, and you can relieve it by swallowing saliva.
• Rest and Adjustment: After arriving in Xining (西宁), rest fully, avoid strenuous exercise, and let the body adapt to the change of altitude drop; you can take a hot bath (avoid taking a long bath) to relieve cycling fatigue.
• Material Sorting: Sort out cycling equipment, pack the unnecessary materials, and prepare for the urban tour and return the next day.

▌Core Itinerary: Sightseeing in Xining (西宁) urban area, rest and adjustment, sorting out cycling-related matters, and tasting local food.
▌Detailed Tour and Cycling-Related Arrangements:

• 08:30 Depart from the hotel, have breakfast (Xining (西宁) characteristic breakfast, such as sheep offal soup, sanzi and highland barley cakes), rest and adjust to relieve cycling fatigue in the previous days.
• 09:00-11:30 Visit Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺) (a landmark scenic spot in Xining (西宁), free of charge, understand Hui culture and architectural characteristics, walk throughout the whole process, no need to ride a bicycle).
• 11:30-12:30 Go to Mojia Street Food Street (莫家街美食街), taste Xining (西宁) characteristic food (hand-grabbed mutton, yak yogurt, niangpi, Qinghai old yogurt, fried noodles), and have lunch here.
• 12:30-14:30 Rest in the food street, sort out cycling photos and videos, review the whole cycling journey, go through the relevant procedures for vehicle check-in (if any), and check the high-speed rail information for the return trip the next day.

This is the final chapter of your travel experience as you depart from Xining (西宁), the capital of Qinghai Province (青海省). After days of exploring plateau landscapes, ethnic culture, and high-altitude scenery, this is a smooth transition back to your onward destination.

Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may enjoy a relaxed morning in Xining. Many travelers choose to take a short walk through the city, revisit a local market for souvenirs, or enjoy a final bowl of Qinghai-style noodles (青海面食) before departure.

Xining serves as an important transportation hub on the Tibetan Plateau, offering convenient connections to major cities across China. Whether you are flying out or taking a high-speed train, the city provides a comfortable and efficient departure point after your Qinghai journey.

As the trip concludes, travelers often reflect on the diverse landscapes experienced—from vast grasslands and sacred lakes to monasteries and mountain roads—making Qinghai a truly unforgettable destination.