8 Days Qinghai Lake Zhangye Danxia Badain Jaran Desert Wonders Tour

Qinghai Province, Gansu Province, and Inner Mongolia each offer unique landscapes and cultural experiences. Qinghai stands out for its high plateau features and rich Tibetan culture. Gansu captivates with its wild and colorful scenery, while Inner Mongolia promises adventure. Each region offers a distinct travel experience, catering to different interests and preferences.The Danxia Badain Jaran Tour offers a unique blend of landscapes and cultural experiences. Qinghai showcases high plateau features and rich Tibetan culture, providing a serene and spiritual journey. Gansu, on the other hand, offers a wild and colorful adventure, with diverse landscapes and vibrant traditions to explore. Inner Mongolia is known for its adventurous spirit, offering thrilling experiences in vast steppes and deserts. Each region brings a distinct flavor to the tour, making it a memorable and diverse travel experience.

• Make sure everyone bring passport with
• Full names and passport numbers are required to book tickets for attractions.

Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1 Xining Arrival

Welcome to Xining , the capital city of Qinghai Province,Located at an altitude of 2,261 meters, Xining offers a unique experience due to its high elevation. This altitude can impact visitors, especially those not accustomed to such heights. It is essential to stay hydrated and acclimate gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Despite the challenges, the city’s breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic experience in northwestern China.

Day 2 Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka (B, L )

After breakfast, drive around 150 km to see the picturesque Qinghai Lake，Driving through picturesque landscapes can be like flipping through a photo album. The vibrant green grasslands, the endless blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and herds of animals grazing create a captivating scene that keeps boredom at bay. Each sight along the way adds to the visual feast, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

The Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake offers a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful spots in the region. The serene waters of the lake, surrounded by majestic mountains, create a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. The essence of the whole Qinghai Lake area is encapsulated in the breathtaking scenery and natural beauty that can be found at Erlangjian.

Day 3 Chaka Salt Lake – Xining (B, L )

If weather permits, and you don’t mind walking about 3km  to the sunrise location, you can get up early to watch the breathtaking sunrise  at Chaka Salt Lake.

Chaka Lake is a rare geographic wonder as well as an important salt production center on the ancient Silk Road. The breathtaking scenery on clear days, with the azure sky, floating clouds, and distant lofty mountains, creates a natural mirror-like effect. The beauty of nature is truly beyond imagination in these moments, where everything seems to blend seamlessly into a picturesque landscape that captivates the senses.

There are many ways to explore Chaka Salt Lake.Taking a sightseeing train to the lake’s hinterland allows you to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil journey. From there, leisurely exploring on foot from the hinterland to the entrance offers a more immersive and serene experience, ensuring you can fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings at your own pace.

Day 4 Xining – Zhangye (B, L )

After breakfast, drive about 28 km to visit the famous Kumbum Monastery，The blend of Tibetan and traditional Chinese styles in the temple complex creates a unique and visually stunning architectural experience. The colorful and intricate decorations add to the charm and cultural richness of the site. The harmonious integration of these two distinct architectural styles showcases a beautiful fusion of traditions, making it a remarkable place to visit and appreciate the cultural heritage.

After the monastery visit, drive to Xining downtown. You will then be taken to visit Dongguan Mosque, the largest mosque in Qinghai.The mosque serves as a sacred sanctuary for Muslims in Northwest China, offering a place for worship, community, and spiritual growth. As one of the four greatest mosques in the region, it holds significant cultural and historical importance. Additionally, being the highest-level institute of Islamic study, it plays a crucial role in education and preservation of Islamic teachings in the area.

Day 5 Zhangye Danxia Sightseeing ( B, L )

After breakfast, you will go to visit Binggou Danxia Landform first which is about 1 hour’s driving from Zhangye downtown. Just like Linze Danxia’s vibrant colors captivate the eyes, Binggou Danxia has its own unique charms. Despite fewer visitors, Binggou’s allure lies in its tranquil atmosphere and untouched beauty. The secluded nature of the area offers a more intimate and peaceful experience for those who venture there.

In the afternoon, drive about 30mins to visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geographical Park，The landscape of mountains and cliffs formed in the pre-Jurassic Age showcases a breathtaking sight of colorful sunset glow. The barren mountains, draped in a red grit rock stratum, stand as a testament to geological history. Each peak and ridge tells a story of ancient times, adding to the allure of this rugged terrain.

Day 6 Zhangye – Badain Jaran Town (B, L)

After breakfast, you will visit the famous Giant Buddha Temple. This iconic site offers a serene atmosphere where you can marvel at the impressive architecture and rich history. The tranquil surroundings of the temple provide a perfect setting for contemplation and reflection on the beauty of the world.The temple known for having the largest indoor sleeping Buddha in Asia is a significant landmark. Built in the Xixia Dynasty in 1098, this temple boasts regal arrangements and houses precious Buddhist scriptures and wall paintings. This impressive complex stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the region.

After exploring the Giant Buddha Temple, driving about 160 kilometers (2 hours) to Badain Jaran Town is a convenient option. This town is the largest near the Badain Jaran Desert, offering a strategic location for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the desert. The short distance makes it accessible for a day trip, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique landscapes and culture of the area.During your excursion to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon Scenic Area, you will be captivated by the peculiar rock formations. The unique shapes and textures of the rocks create a mesmerizing landscape that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of these natural wonders!

Day 7 Badain Jaran Desert Jeep Safari & Exploration (B, L)

After breakfast, drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the entrance area of the desert park to visit Badain Jaran Geo-park Museum，The Badain Jaran Desert in China is renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique cultural significance. It is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, with heights reaching up to 500 meters. The desert is also rich in cultural history, with ancient Buddhist temples and Mongolian nomadic tribes adding to its allure. The Badain Jaran Desert is a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural exploration in China.

Get ready for an exhilarating off-road adventure in the Badain Jaran desert. Climb aboard a rugged Jeep and embark on a thrilling journey deep into the heart of the desert. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate the sandy dunes and vast landscapes of this unique and mesmerizing desert region. The experience promises to be an unforgettable mix of excitement, exploration, and natural beauty.

Exploring destinations like Badain Lake, desert oasis, and Genghis Khan Sand Carving offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders. From the serene beauty of Dagetu Lake to the refreshing Yinderitu Spring, each stop provides a unique experience. Temple Lake, with its historical significance, adds a cultural dimension to the journey. These diverse stops offer a captivating blend of nature and history for travelers to immerse themselves in.

Day 8 Badain Jaran Desert Departure (B, L)

Watching the sunrise from a sand mountain at around 5:30-6:00 A.M. is a magical experience. The first ray of golden sunlight gradually illuminating the vast desert below creates a breathtaking sight. The quiet solitude of the early morning and the peaceful beauty of nature coming to life make it a moment of pure tranquility and awe.

After breakfast, keep on Jeep Safari adventure. You will make a stop at Barun Jaran (Barunjilin), a stunning lake which is a great place to take photo of sand dunes’ reflection.

Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

Free cancellation