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    • Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours

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      Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.

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    5 Days Badain Jaran Desert Tour from Zhangye – Gansu to Inner Mongalia

    5 days

    Vibrant Landscapes: Rainbow Mountains, Golden Deserts, Pink Lakes & Red Canyons

    Fascinated by northwestern China’s natural wonders? Zhangye (Gansu) is your gateway to Inner Mongolia’s famous Badain Jaran Desert Lakes. Join our 5-Day Badain Jaran Desert Tour from Zhangye to explore a kaleidoscope of scenery—from Gansu’s Rainbow Mountains to Inner Mongolia’s golden sands!

    Explore Zhangye & Badain Jaran’s Natural & Cultural Gems:

    1. Catch stunning sunrises and sunsets at Zhangye Danxia (Rainbow Mountains)—a UNESCO Geopark and filming site for Mulan and The Great Wall.
    2. Embark on an exciting Badain Jaran Desert jeep safari (China’s 3rd largest desert)! Discover singing dunes, sacred springs, and vivid lakes (deep blue, pink, crimson) dotted across the golden sands.
    3. Explore Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, a Silk Road hidden treasure—red-rock cliffs carved by wind over billions of years.
    4. Unwind at Mati Temple Grottoes, where ancient Buddhist art blends with snow-capped Qilian Mountains and green grasslands.
    Book now for an unforgettable journey through China’s most surreal landscapes! Don’t miss Zhangye’s Silk Road cultural highlights: Dafo Temple (linked to Journey to the West) and Mati Temple Grottoes. Experience the perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.

    Itinerary Quick Look

    5-Day Badain Jaran Desert Tour from Zhangye (Simplified Version)

    Day 1: Zhangye Arrival (Before Lunch) | Airport/Train Station Pick-up, Zhangye Danxia Geopark

    Welcome to Zhangye—“Golden Zhangye,” a fertile oasis in the Hexi Corridor, hailed as “Jiangnan of the Frontier” for its scenic beauty. Once known as Ganzhou (source of Gansu’s “Gan” character), it was a key Silk Road node.
    Your guide will meet you upon arrival and take you to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (Rainbow Mountains) for sunset. This UNESCO site, famous for its vibrant layered rock formations, served as a filming location for Mulan and The Great Wall. Explore 4 main observation decks (shuttle buses provided): No.1 (Yunhai Platform) for panoramic views and No.4 (Hongxia Platform) for the best sunset photo ops.
    • Optional: Visit Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark Museum (closed Mondays) for deeper geological insights
    • Notes: Wear comfortable shoes; sunrise/sunset or post-rain offers the most vivid colors
    • Arrival Tips: Fly to Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (24km from downtown) or take high-speed trains from Lanzhou, Xi’an, Dunhuang, etc.
    • Dining: None
    • Accommodation: Zhangye

    Day 2: Zhangye → Badain Jaran Town | Optional Danxia Sunrise, Dafo Temple

    Early morning: Opt for a sunrise viewing at Zhangye Danxia (optional). After breakfast, visit Dafo Temple (Big Buddha Temple)—a Western Xia Dynasty royal temple housing Asia’s largest indoor reclining Buddha (34.5m). Admire ancient Journey to the West murals (predating the novel by 200 years) and rare Buddhist scriptures.
    Note: The reclining Buddha is under digital restoration (scaffolding) until June 2025.
    Later, drive 250km (4.5hrs) to Badain Jaran Town. Rest overnight upon arrival.
    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Badain Jaran Town

    Day 3: Badain Jaran Desert Adventure | Jeep Safari, Colorful Lakes & Dunes

    After breakfast, head to the Badain Jaran Desert (1hr drive)—China’s 3rd largest desert (UNESCO World Heritage 2024), known for its “five wonders”: towering dunes, singing sands, colorful lakes, sacred springs, and ancient temples.
    Embark on a thrilling Jeep safari (route adapts to conditions) to explore:
    • Vibrant lakes (e.g., Dagetu Red Lake, Yinde Ritu Divine Spring)
    • 200-500m sand peaks (wave-like desert landscapes)
    • Badain Jaran Temple (200-year-old spiritual gem with murals)
    Overnight in a desert tent.
    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Badain Jaran Desert

    Day 4: Badain Jaran Desert → Zhangye | Optional Desert Sunrise, Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon

    Early morning: Opt for a sunrise viewing over the desert (optional). After breakfast, drive to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon (57km, 1hr)—a Silk Road hidden gem with red-rock cliffs carved by wind and water over billions of years. Hike to admire its grand, Zhangjiajie-like scenery.
    Later, return to Zhangye (60km, 1.5hrs).
    • Optional: Visit Shanxi Guild Hall (300-year-old merchant hall) or Zhangye City Museum (closed Mondays, 10,000+ relics)
    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Zhangye

    Day 5: Zhangye Departure | Mati Temple Grottoes, Airport See-off

    Morning: Drive 60km (1.5hrs) to Mati Temple Grottoes, nestled under the snow-capped Qilian Mountains (“Little Switzerland”). Explore 37 ancient grottoes (1,600-year history) with 500+ Buddha statues and 2,500㎡ of murals—blending Buddhist art, Tibetan culture, and stunning natural scenery.
    Notes: Altitude ~2,580m; bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes; weather is changeable—pack an umbrella.
    After the tour, check out and your guide will escort you to the airport for departure.
    Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel! We hope to welcome you back for more Asian adventures. Safe travels!
    • Extension Ideas: Extend to Inner Mongolia (Baotou, Hulunbuir), other Gansu cities (Dunhuang, Lanzhou), or China’s top destinations (Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu) for a customized itinerary.
    • Dining: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: None

    Simplification Notes

    1. Condensed Details: Cut redundant historical context (e.g., shortened Zhangye’s name origin, simplified geological formation explanations) while retaining core highlights.
    2. Streamlined Structure: Used bullet points for key attractions/notes, shortened complex sentences, and removed repetitive descriptions.
    3. Preserved Critical Info: Retained travel essentials (transport, accommodation, dining, key activities) and must-see landmarks, ensuring clarity for tourists.
    4. Consistent Terminology: Unified spellings (e.g., “Badan Jaran” instead of mixed “Badan Jaran/Badain Jaran”) and abbreviated UNESCO references for readability.

    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
      Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
      Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
      Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
      Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
      Accident insurance
      Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
    • Not Included
      International airfares
      Entry visa fees
      Personal expenses
      Single room supplement
      Recommended optional activities
      Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
      Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers


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    5 Days Badain Jaran Desert Tour from Zhangye – Gansu to Inner Mongalia

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