6 Days Ejin Banner & Badain Jaran Desert Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Ejin Banner

   Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will pick you up at the airport or train station and transfer you to Dalaihob Town, the seat of Ejin Banner.

   You have two travel options: fly to Ejin Banner Taolai Airport (about 30km from Dalaihob Town) or take a train to Ceke Railway Station (about 80km from Dalaihob Town). The flight time from Beijing to Ejin Banner is about 2 hours.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Dalaihob Town

2. Day 2: Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest Tour
   Marvel at Unique Landscapes of Populus Euphratica Forest

   After breakfast, embark on today’s Ejin Banner nature tour. Your guide and driver will drive you to Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest, 20km from Dalaihob Town. Standing on Golden Sands Island, you will see populus euphratica trees reflected in the sparkling lake. From late September to mid-October, the forest turns golden, forming a magnificent landscape with the desert and weak water.

   Then move to the Heicheng Historic Site, the ruins of a massive ancient city. The city walls are relatively well preserved here, and ruins of villages, farmhouses, and Buddhist buildings are faintly visible. But many of the ruins are buried under the sand due to quicksand. Explore these sites while feeling historical change.

   

   Continue your adventure to Strange Forest. Here wind and sand erosion have shaped numerous dead populus euphratica trees into various forms. Stroll through the strange forest to witness the wonders of nature. Also watch a sunset and see the shadows of trees become more magnificent in the golden light.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Dalaihob Town

   

3. Day 3: Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tour
   Discover the Stunning Populus Euphratica Forest Scenery

   In the morning, drive to Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, located in the center of Ejina Banner—Ejina Oasis. In the reserve, observe populus euphratica trees of varied forms and much rare wildlife. The best time to visit here is from September to October, when the leaves of trees turn golden, forming a brilliant picture of the river.

   

   Visit the Second Bridge (Erdaoqiao), Fourth Bridge, Seventh Bridge, and Eighth Bridge, each crossing the Ejina River. The Second Bridge offers a panoramic view of the forest and the clear river, and the Fourth Bridge is the beat place for the sunrise. The Seventh Bridge charms with a heart-shaped lake surrounded by the forest. Besides, the Eighth Bridge is a desert park offering a variety of desert activities (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Dalaihob Town

4. Day 4: Juyan Lake to Badain Jaran Town Tour
   Explore Beautiful Lake View and Frontier Culture

   The last stop of the Ejin tour is Juyan Lake, which boasts rich biodiversity and historical relics. It stands as one of the three terminal lakes of the Heihe River, creating a vast inland delta between the Qilian and Gobi Altay mountains. The lake is shaped like a crescent moon, and the reeds around the lake make for a picturesque view. In the autumn, a large number of migratory birds can also be observed.

   Following your visit to Juyan Lake, transfer to Badain Jaran Town, the gateway to the Badain Jaran Desert.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Badain Jaran Town

   

5. Day 5: Badain Jaran Desert Adventure Tour
   Attracted by the Natural Scenery during the Desert Adventure

   Embark on a full-day Badain Jaran Desert adventure tour starting with a visit to the Badain Jaran Geo-park Museum. You will learn about history and culture of the desert, as well as the customs and traditions of the local people.

   

   Later experience an off-road adventure to explore some great attractions like Badain Lake, Yinderitu Spring and Temple Lake. Badain Lake is the largest and most famous lake in the desert. The crystal blue water is surrounded by sand dunes. At the Yinderitu Spring, you can see the spring water gushing out of a small reef in the salt lake. Built in the Ming Dynasty, Temple Lake is home to a Buddhist temple, a sacred site in the desert. And stand on the wooden bridge over the desert oasis and immerse in the serene view.

   

   Next, challenge yourself to climb Bilutu, the highest sand dune in the world. During the exciting climb, you will admire spectacular views of the golden desert and the clear lake. Also hear the distinctive sound of sand rubbing against each other.

   Conclude today’s desert adventure at Badain Jaran Temple. The temple is surrounded by a lake on three sides and the desert on the other. Visit the majestic buildings with golden glazed tiles on the roofs. And admire the exquisite murals and brick carvings, showing the rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

   In the evening, spend the night in a Mongolian yurt in the desert. Experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle and relax on the starry night.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in a Mongolian yurt in the desert

6. Day 6: Badain Jaran Desert Exploration Tour
   Admire the Wonderful Lakes in the Desert

   Wake up early and witness the mesmerizing desert sunrise, with the changing colors of the lakes and the sky.

   

   After breakfast, continue your desert off-road adventure. Drive to Barun Jaran, featuring a crescent-shaped lake with a white sand beach. Barunyikeri is an oasis, and it is amazing to see the springs gushing out to flood the entire meadow every fall and winter. Heavenly Lake is round and deep blue in color, reflecting the sky and clouds to create a charming atmosphere.

   

   The 6 days Ejin Banner and Badain Jaran Desert Tour of Inner Mongolia ends here. You will be escorted to the airport or train station for your next destination.

   Good to know:

   • Zhangye Ganzhou Airport, about 300km from Badain Jaran Town, offers flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu.
   • Zhangye West Railway Station, about 280km away from Badain Jaran Town, provides train connections to destinations in northwest China like Lanzhou, Xining, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A