Offering nearly 30 fun and delicious premium self-driving routes, along with convenient rental hubs in scenic areas, urban centers, and cities along the 318 National Highway, eHi Car Rentals has deeply expanded its presence in the self-driving tourism market. This has not only made it one of the most favored and trusted car rental brands among driving enthusiasts, but also a brand continuously watched by the industry. Recently, eHi Car Rentals teamed up with Beijing TV’s “Food Paradise” program, leveraging their respective strengths to launch the “So Majestic is Our Land” BTV Food Paradise · eHi Car Rentals Belt and Road Culinary Journey. The goal is to explore the best self-driving routes in the northwest that offer both breathtaking scenery and delicious food.
It is understood that the northwest self-driving route planned for this event is a classic one: the nine-day “Xining–Lanzhou–Zhongwei–Yinchuan” journey showcases the vast desert and setting sun along the northern frontier; while the “Xi’an–Lanzhou–Zhangye–Jiayuguan–Dunhuang–Hami–Turpan–Urumqi” route retraces the ancient Silk Road once echoed with camel bells—where history and culture run deep, showcasing both dramatic changes through time and exquisite culinary delights. The “Food Paradise” production team selected one of these routes from a “food-centric” perspective, aiming to guide audiences through an eating-and-exploring adventure, as well as to scout ahead for travelers planning a trip to the northwest, providing a vivid and rich reference for their self-driving journeys.
Along the ancient Silk Road, the sound of camel bells still whispers tales of Tang and Han dynasties. Today, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road shines anew. Traveling along the path of ancient civilizations, exploring historical traces while savoring delicious food to delight the taste buds is precisely the journey that all who yearn for Qinghai Lake and Dunhuang are hoping for—and both eHi Car Rentals and BTV’s “Food Paradise” have set their sights on this place rich in both cultural and culinary heritage.
On this journey, adventurers driving along the Silk Road will step into Chaka, the Mirror of the Sky, traverse the Qaidam Basin, and head straight into Dunhuang to explore the Mogao Caves. The five-day itinerary is rich and fulfilling.
Departing from Xining, it takes just half an hour to reach Ta’er Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Tibetan region. As the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the world’s second-largest Buddha, Ta’er Monastery impresses with its golden roofs, bodhi trees, and exquisite murals, appliqué thangkas, and butter sculptures. The butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué thangkas are hailed as the “Three Artistic Wonders of Ta’er Monastery” and are definitely not to be missed. After visiting the monastery, return to Xining and choose one of the three “snack streets”—Mojia Street, Shuijing Lane, or Koufu Street—to enjoy the city’s most authentic local specialties, such as whole roasted lamb, hand-grabbed lamb, yogurt, niangpi (cold rice noodles), and sweet wine fermentation—all must-try delicacies.
Qinghai Lake is just 75 kilometers from Xining. Starting from the western part of Xining and passing through the Riyue Mountain Pass and the Daotang River, you’ll arrive at Qinghai Lake. August is the most beautiful time to visit. In the early morning, a cool breeze blows as the dark blue waters remain still, and the air is fresh with a hint of earthy scent; at noon, the lake glistens under the sun, its azure surface almost blending with the sky, like a landscape painting; in the evening, the sunset casts a blush on the clear waters, complemented by golden rapeseed flowers and vast grasslands dotted with herds of cattle and sheep—it’s a paradise for those seeking a slow-paced life. Yi Feng Ge’s Clay Pot Lamb is one of the best restaurants for this dish by Qinghai Lake. Yaju Gathering Food City in Xining also offers tasty options like clay pot lamb, braised lamb tendons, and the “Three Qinghai Roasts,” which are also worth trying.
With lingering memories of Qinghai’s beauty, the journey continues, filled with anticipation for the next stop. After crossing the 3,817-meter-high Rubber Mountain, you’ll arrive at China’s Mirror of the Sky—Chaka Salt Lake. Clouds and their reflections suddenly become indistinguishable, making it hard to tell where the sky ends and the land begins—only white stretches beneath your feet as if you’re walking on air. After Chaka Salt Lake, there’s also Lovers’ Lake waiting for travelers. It consists of the saline Kuku Lake and freshwater Tosu Lake, twin lakes that are the only bodies of water in this segment of the trip. The lake is lush with reeds and teeming with water birds—equally breathtaking.
The night in Lovers’ Lake is spent in Dachaidan. From Dachaidan to Dunhuang is a 340-kilometer drive. After resting in the afternoon, continue your journey. Within a short 20-kilometer stretch, you’ll arrive at the Mogao Caves, the world’s largest and richest existing Buddhist art sanctuary. The cliffside is lined with 735 caves connected by long corridors—a true baptism of ancient art. Recommended snacks for this leg include Shun Zhang Ji’s Donkey Meat and Yellow Noodles, Longevity Alkaline Noodles, Mogao Niangpi, Pao’er Fried Pastry, Lamb Soup with Bread, Red Willow Dumplings, and Lamb Stewed Flatbread—each one is sure to be a feast for the palate.
Throughout the entire journey, eHi Car Rentals will also specially select brand-new luxury and comfortable SUVs with outstanding off-road capabilities, such as the Range Rover Discovery Sport, Volvo XC90, and Hyundai Santa Fe, ensuring the trip ends in the most comfortable and safe way possible.
No matter which route you choose for your self-driving adventure, eHi Car Rentals provides users with a comprehensive, convenient, and high-quality service experience. With the largest direct-operated service network in China, spanning over 200 cities, eHi Car Rentals also offers the most reliable support for your self-driving travel. Even for overseas road trips, eHi Car Rentals’ “International Rental Channel” now provides booking services in nearly 100 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, along with “24/7 Chinese-language customer support” for Chinese outbound travelers.
As a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, eHi Car Rentals has consistently ranked among the industry leaders in key metrics such as performance growth, rental rate, and turnover rate in recent years. It is also one of the most recommended car rental brands among domestic users. Follow eHi Car Rentals’ official website or app to enjoy more exclusive deals and make travel truly enjoyable.