Live Your Best Lives
Alxa League, a league within the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is located in the westernmost region of the region. It primarily comprises Mongolian, Han, Hui, Manchu, and Tibetan ethnic groups. The Mongolians are particularly distinctive in Alxa. Since the banner's establishment, the Mongolians have largely practiced Tibetan Buddhism, a practice passed down through generations. Consequently, Alxa Left Banner boasts numerous lama temples. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, the banner boasted 46 temples and churches, including 37 lama temples, 7 mosques, and 1 Han Buddhist temple. These lama temples are known for their grand scale and exquisite design.
Here, you can enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine, primarily beef, mutton, and dairy products, as well as fried rice, barley noodles, and rice and noodles. For distinguished guests, they even prepare roasted whole lamb, offering a unique experience of Mongolian ethnicity. Every autumn, the poplar forests of Eqin Banner in Alxa League are a truly remarkable sight, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Temperate continental climate;
Best in summer and autumn
Ejina Populus euphratica forest
Autumn boasts clear skies and refreshing air, with little wind and sand, making it a perfect time to venture into the heart of the desert. Early to mid-October is particularly noteworthy, as the leaves of the poplar trees are at their most vibrantly yellow. On a sunny day, following a camel caravan into the desert offers a chance to admire oases, magical fountains, and, with luck, even mysterious mirages, fully appreciating the desert's magnificent beauty. Every autumn, the endless poplar forests undulate like waves, their golden-red leaves blazing like fire, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Tenggertong Lake Grassland Tourist Scenic Area
Located in the heart of the Tengger Desert in Alxa Left Banner, 30 kilometers from Zhongwei City, Ningxia, the Tonghu Grassland Tourist Area boasts a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions, including deserts, salt lakes, wetland grasslands, sand springs, oases, pastoral villages, and rock paintings.
Alxa League, located in Inner Mongolia, is a historically significant region known for its unique desert landscapes and the traditional lifestyle of the local Mongolian people. The region has been a hub for nomadic cultures and has a rich history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. It also holds cultural significance with its ancient Buddhist temples and rock art sites.
Alxa League is located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, near the Gobi Desert. The region can be reached by car from Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, or by train to nearby cities. Due to its remote location, taxis and buses are the most common forms of transport within the league.
The majority of attractions are open year-round, with the best times to visit being in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Summer can be very hot, while winter is cold and can be difficult for desert exploration.
Entrance fees vary depending on the site. For example, the Badain Jaran Desert charges about 100-200 RMB for entry, while the Alxa Museum has an entry fee of around 30 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site or online via local tourism platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during the peak tourist season (April to October), especially for guided tours of the Badain Jaran Desert or the Alxa Museum. It’s advisable to book at least a few days in advance, particularly if you plan on visiting during major holidays or festivals.
A visit to Alxa League typically requires 2-3 days. This allows time to explore the desert, visit the Helan Mountain Rock Art, and immerse yourself in the local culture and history. Longer stays are recommended if you want to experience the annual festivals or take part in camel treks.
Guided tours are available at most major sites, including the Badain Jaran Desert and the Alxa Museum. English-speaking guides may be available, but it is more common to find tours in Mandarin. Audio guides are also available at some locations in multiple languages.
A suggested itinerary is to start with a visit to the Alxa Museum in the morning, followed by a trip to Helan Mountain to explore the rock art. In the afternoon, head to the Badain Jaran Desert for a camel ride or desert exploration. On the second day, consider visiting the Alxa Desert Festival if it coincides with your visit.
Night visits are not common in the Alxa League, but there are some special tours available during the Desert Festival that include night-time performances and cultural shows. The desert also offers a beautiful stargazing opportunity due to its remote location.
The Alxa League is not as crowded as major Chinese tourist cities, but it can get busier during the summer and during the annual Desert Festival. The least crowded times to visit are in the winter months (December to February) or early spring and late autumn.
Basic facilities are available at major tourist sites like the Badain Jaran Desert and the Alxa Museum, including toilets, rest areas, and food vendors. However, these facilities may be limited in more remote areas of the desert.
While the Alxa League is generally suitable for elderly visitors and children, the terrain can be challenging, especially in the desert. Some attractions, such as the Badain Jaran Desert, may require walking on sand dunes, which could be difficult for those with mobility issues. It’s recommended to check accessibility options before planning your trip.
Cash is still widely accepted in the Alxa League, especially in more remote areas. However, mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common in major tourist areas like the Alxa Museum and the Badain Jaran Desert.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes in Alxa League, particularly near tourist sites like the Alxa Museum and Badain Jaran Desert. These establishments offer traditional Mongolian food, including lamb dishes, noodles, and dairy products.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available, especially in the Hui Muslim areas and local restaurants. Vegetarian dishes are commonly made from vegetables and tofu, while halal food is widely offered in the region due to the presence of the Hui Muslim community.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Alxa League, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels. Some hotels near the Badain Jaran Desert offer desert-themed stays, while others provide more traditional Mongolian experiences.
Souvenir shops are available in Alxa League, especially near major attractions. Typical souvenirs include traditional Mongolian clothing, handicrafts, sand art, and locally made jewelry. You can also find products like Mongolian woolen items and desert-themed memorabilia.
From Alxa League, you can travel to nearby cities such as Hohhot by train, bus, or car. Taxis are available within the league for local transport, but renting a car is recommended for more flexibility if you plan on visiting remote areas.
