A Glorious Autumn Adventure - Jack's 7 Days Trip to Badain Jaran Desert and Populus Euphratica Forest

As a travel consultant, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about many challenges to my career. However, I was able to find solace and comfort in my love for traveling. Despite the various travel restrictions and limitations, I made it a priority to explore new destinations whenever possible, and it made me feel rejuvenated and invigorated. During the golden week holiday in 2021, we had traveled to northwest China and met the most beautiful autumn. Our awesome destinations include Badain Jaran Desert, Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest and Zhangye.

6 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica & Badain Jaran Desert Sightseeing Tour

Itinerary: Ejina / Badain Jaran Desert
Highlights: Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, Badain Jaran Desert, Historic Site, Strange Forest, Juyan Lake

Day 1-2 Getting to Badain Jaran Desert After A Long Trip

There are no direct flights or high-speed trains available from Chengdu to Badain Jaran Desert. Our group consisted of 8 members, and to save on travel expenses, some of them suggested taking an overnight train from Chengdu to Jinchang. However, I found the idea of spending 16 hours and 40 minutes on a crowded train unbearable. So, instead, three of us decided to take a bullet train to Xi'an and then catch a flight to Jinchang the following morning. Upon arrival in Jinchang, we were picked up by the car we had booked.

Jinchang Airport

Then, we drove a few hours in the Gobi Badain Jaran Town (the headquarter of Alxa Right Banner of Inner Mongolia) which is about 65km from Badain Jaran Desert National Park.

Covering an area of 47,000 square kilometers in western Inner Mongolia, Badain Jaran Desert is China's third largest desert. With five wonders - overwhelming sand peaks, incredible singing sand, mysterious multi-colored lakes, unceasing springs and age-old Tibetan monastery, Badain Jaran Desert stands itself out as “the most beautiful desert in China” by Chinese National Geography

We met the first lake in Badain Jaran Desert

Day 3-4 An Incredible Expedition through Badain Jaran Desert

We booked a Jeep to undertake the desert adventure, and every 4 of us got on one SUV from the tourist center to the first spot – Badain Lake. Our travel route is Badain Lake - Dagetu - Fairy Peak - Yinderitu Spring - Bilutu - Badain Jaran Temple.

Beautiful Lake with Beautiful Reflection

Due to the vast expanse of the desert, the lakes and sand dunes that are the highlights of Badain Jaran can only be accessed by SUV, unless you are willing to trek through the desert for several days.

Must-Experience Jeep Safari

Our journey are full of stunning stops, including desert oases, Genghis Khan Sand Carving, Dagetu Lake, etc. We ever climbed to the top of Bilutu, the world's highest sand dune at an altitude of 1611 meters. After a 4-5 hour drive, we arrived at Badain Jaran Temple, also known as the Forbidden City in the desert. We had plenty of free time to explore the mesmerizing desert until the sun began to set.

We pre-booked a deluxe Mongolian yurt with a private toilet, available shower, and air-conditioning to immerse ourselves in the Mongolian lifestyle. The yurt, a unique cylindrical house of local nomads, has movable beds with two beds in each yurt. For dinner, we ordered mutton and vegetables, which turned out to be really delicious.

Neat and Comfortable Mongolian Yurt

The Outside Appearance of Mongolian Yurts

In the next morning, we rose early at 5:30 a.m. to witness the first golden rays of sunlight illuminate the vast expanse of the Badain Jaran Desert. The sunrise was a breathtaking display of light and shadow, with the sun playing a game of hide-and-seek before gradually ascending like a dancing sparrow from the horizon, casting its golden glow upon the sea of sand. After the sunrise, we returned to the campsite.

After breakfast, we resumed our jeep safari adventure and made a stop at Barun Jaran, a stunning lake known for its reflection of the surrounding sand dunes. We also visited Barunyikeri where two lakes are separated by an edge of sand dunes, and the lovely Heavenly Lake. We took plenty of photos to capture the beauty of these natural wonders.

Beutiful Heavenly Lake

Following our desert adventure, we enjoyed a good lunch in the town at noon before setting off for our next destination – Ejina to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Populus Euphratica trees.

3 Days Badain Jaran Desert Real Essence Tour with Jeep Safari

Itinerary: Badain Jaran Town - Badain Jaran Desert
Highlights: Badain Jaran Desert - Jeep Safari, Camping, Badain Lake, Bilutu Sand Peak, Nuoertu Lake, Baoritaolegai Sand Oasis

Day 5 Populus Euphratica Forest Sightseeing

Our first stop was Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest, a less-crowded forest that combines the beauty of the Populus Euphratica and the desert. The trees are just situated along the bank of Ruoshui River, and on a sunny day, we were able to capture stunning photos of the trees and their reflection in the water.

Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest

We then proceeded to Heicheng Historic Site, the remains of a historical city that belonged to the Xixia Kingdom from 1038 to 1227. The city's outer walls and some observation towers are the only remnants that have survived to this day. A small Buddhist temple is also present, constantly battling the desert sand that threatens to bury everything. As we explored the deserted city, we couldn't help but imagine the Great Khan's hordes approaching and the emptiness around it intensified our imaginations.

Heicheng Historic Site

After exploring the mystery of Heicheng City, we went to Strange Forest, where numerous dead Populus euphratica trees stand firmly in the desert. Despite being dead, their bodies form graceful postures, like static dancers, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.

Strange Forest View

We were in awe as we arrived at the most stunning scenery in Ejina, the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest. Our first stop was at the Second Bridge, the largest area in the forest with an open waterway, where we were able to take in the breathtaking views. Next, we visited the Fourth Bridge, a famous filming location for the Chinese film Hero. Continuing our tour, we arrived at the Seventh Bridge (Qidaoqiao) where we were surrounded by younger Populus Euphratica trees with smaller but straighter trunks. Finally, we were able to experience a distinctive desert scene at the Eighth Bridge.

Beautiful Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest

Day 6-7 Zhangye Exploration and Departure

On that day, we embarked on a drive from Ejina to Zhangye, and our next stop was the breathtaking Pingshanhu Grand Canyon. This natural wonderland is a paradise for hikers, geologists, and photographers alike. The vivid reddish rocks are shaped in a variety of fascinating formations, leaving visitors in awe. Some have even compared its beauty to the famous Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA.

We enjoyed amazing sunset in Pingshanhu Grand Canyon

5 Days Zhangye Danxia Badain Jaran Desert Geography Miracle Tour

Itinerary: Zhangye - Badain Jaran Town - Badain Jaran Desert
Highlights: Zhangye Danxia Geo-park, Zhangye Binggou Danxia Scenic Area, Badain Jaran Desert, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

As we prepared to depart for Chengdu, we made sure to visit the Matisi Temple, a renowned center of Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist worship that showcases stunning grotto art, rich Buddhist culture, and fascinating Yugu nationality folk customs. The temple boasts kilometers of winding trails that lead to high ridges, offering mesmerizing views of the Hexi Corridor We were left in complete awe by the solemn and imposing atmosphere of Mati Monastery, and we were mesmerized by the temple's exquisite beauty.

Matisi Temple - Grottos in the Cliff

After indulging in a visual feast for seven days, we made our way back to Chengdu from Zhangye by train. Although we were a little tired, we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our trip and are always eager to explore new places. We have plans to visit North Xinjiang someday, and we hope our dream will come true soon in the near future.

I have a good time with my friends