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The Badain Jaran Desert, located in the western part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, stretches east of the Ejina River, west of the Zongnai and Yabrai Mountains, and south of Guaizi Lake. It is one of the world's four largest deserts, covering a total area of 47,000 square kilometers. The Bayannur and Quixote Sand Mountains are among the world's highest sand dunes, rising between 1,200 and 1,700 meters above sea level. They are renowned for their unique shapes and steep dunes. The Badain Jaran Desert is rife with sand gullies, cliffs, and peaks, and the rolling yellow sand, a millennium-old desert, is particularly spectacular. It was named "China's Most Beautiful Desert" by National Geographic China.
The Badain Jaran Desert is home to the world's highest sand dunes, spectacular singing sand areas, numerous lake oases, ever-flowing sand sea springs, and mysterious desert temples. These unique and charming landscapes have made it an ideal place for desert exploration, tourism, and photography in recent years.
The Badain Jaran Desert belongs to the temperate arid and hyperarid climate zone, with scarce precipitation, extremely hot summers, and strong winds in winter and spring;
Therefore, late September to late October every year is the best time to travel.
Recommended 1-day tour
No tickets required
There is no entrance fee to the Badain Jaran Desert, but some individual attractions charge admission fees, such as 50 yuan for Badain Lake and 220 yuan for the Badain Jaran Desert Geological Park.
All day
The Badain Jaran Desert is one of the largest deserts in China, famous for its towering dunes, some of which are among the highest in the world. The desert is historically significant due to its location along ancient trade routes and the presence of Buddhist temples and relics, including the ancient Badain Jaran Temple.
Located in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia, Badain Jaran Desert is accessible from Alxa Left Banner. The nearest major city is Yinchuan, which is about 400 km away. Visitors can reach the desert by car, taxi, or bus, as there is no direct metro connection. It’s best to travel by private car or join a guided tour.
The desert is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is mild. Winter visits are possible but can be harsh with extreme cold and snow. The desert is open at all times, but guided tours are recommended during daylight hours for safety.
The entrance fee varies depending on the tour package or region of the desert visited, typically ranging from 50 to 200 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through tour agencies. Booking through local travel agencies may be more convenient as part of a package that includes transportation.
While tickets are available on-site, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (May to October). Booking a few days in advance will ensure availability for tours and accommodations.
To fully explore Badain Jaran Desert, you will need at least one full day. This allows time to visit the desert dunes, Crescent Moon Lake, and experience a camel ride. A two-day trip is ideal if you want to take your time and explore the surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available and are recommended for first-time visitors. Most tours are conducted in Mandarin, but some tours may offer services in English or other languages depending on availability. Audio guides may be available for certain areas.
Start your day with a visit to the Crescent Moon Lake, followed by a camel ride to explore the sand dunes. Afterward, visit the Badain Jaran Temple and the nearby oasis. End the day with a sunset photography session at the highest dunes for the best views.
Night visits are not typically available due to the challenging desert conditions, but the area is known for its spectacular stargazing opportunities. There are no light shows, but the natural beauty of the desert at night is a unique experience.
Badain Jaran Desert is popular, especially during the summer months. The least crowded times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends and national holidays.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water are available at the desert entrance and near the Crescent Moon Lake. There are also small local shops offering snacks and drinks. Be sure to carry enough water and food for extended trips into the desert.
The desert’s terrain can be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Camel rides can be strenuous, and the sand dunes may be challenging for young children or those with mobility issues. It is advisable to check with tour operators for accessible options.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also common in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it’s recommended to carry cash when visiting remote areas.
There are limited restaurant options near the desert, mostly serving traditional Mongolian cuisine. You can also find small cafes or shops offering snacks and drinks. For more variety, it’s recommended to dine in Alxa Left Banner or Yinchuan before heading to the desert.
Local restaurants typically offer Mongolian cuisine, which includes meat-based dishes. Vegetarian options may be limited, but halal food is available due to the local Hui Muslim population.
There are basic accommodations near the desert, including guesthouses and local hotels in Alxa Left Banner. For a more luxurious stay, consider staying in Yinchuan and making a day trip to the desert.
There are small souvenir shops near the desert entrance selling traditional Mongolian crafts, textiles, and items related to desert life. Local products such as hand-woven carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs made from camel wool are popular.
After visiting Badain Jaran Desert, it’s best to return to Yinchuan or Alxa Left Banner. Taxis or private cars are the most convenient options for continuing your trip. Bus services are also available but can be less frequent.
