Day 1 Anywhere → or → Zhangye ★ All day gathering day
All day
Today is the gathering day for the event, and tourists from all over the country will be arriving in Zhangye, a key city in the Hexi Corridor. Anciently known as "Ganzhou," Zhangye's name, meaning "to cut off the arm of the Xiongnu and expand China's armpit," is renowned as a land of mulberry and hemp, a land of fish and rice, and a vital hub for the entire Hexi Corridor.
Tourists can choose their own mode of transportation and go to the meeting hotel by themselves, and report "China-TravelNote+name" to check in (a text message will be sent 3 days before the trip, please check it).
Tourists who arrive early can choose to visit Zhangye city freely.
Recommended attractions: Zhenyuan Tower (Drum Tower), Xixia Big Buddha Temple, Ganzhou Night Market
Recommended dishes: Beef rice, fish roe, chicken rolls, stir-fried balala...
Transportation Guide:
1. Zhangye City has Ganzhou Airport, which provides direct flights from Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and other places;
2. Zhangye has convenient railway transportation. There are many high-speed trains from Lanzhou to Zhangye (about 3 hours). Friends can arrive in Lanzhou from all over the country first (it is also cheaper to buy air tickets in advance), and then take the high-speed train to Zhangye.
Day 2 Zhangye → Alxa Right Banner → Xiaoshazao Lake → Xianggen Jilin → Zhongnuoritu
All day
Today's Topic: First Encounter with the Desert | A Desert Sunset + Three Colorful Lakes
After breakfast, we'll depart from Zhangye, a major city on the Hexi Corridor, heading north from the oasis to the desert. After approximately two hours, we'll arrive in Alxa Right Banner. We'll then transfer to an off-road vehicle (passengers per vehicle) to officially begin our desert safari. The endless sea of sand, the rolling dunes, and the diverse colors and shapes of the lakes—only seeing them in person can truly understand why Badain Jaran is known as "China's Most Beautiful Desert."
Today we'll explore three lakes in the desert, traversing sand dunes, experiencing the thrill of speed and adrenaline. Wheel tracks trace graceful curves across the vast desert, the rainbow-hued Little Elaeagnus Lake and the crimson fragrant roots of Jilin. By evening, we'll arrive at Zhongnuoritu. Climb the high dunes, quietly await the sunset, and experience a moment of inner peace, far from the hustle and bustle of the desert. At night, the stars are dazzling. How long has it been since you last gazed up at the stars?
Day 3: Full-day off-roading in Badain Jaran
All day
Today's Topic: Deep into the Desert | Encountering the Colorful Lakes
Today will be the most exciting day of the trip, as we'll explore over a dozen different lakes along the way. Get up early in the morning to watch the desert sunrise, then continue your journey after breakfast to surf between each sand dune.
We visited Gelike, Dabusutu (Emerald Lake), Tseringri, Zhunjigede (Two-Color Lake), and Dagetu (Red Lake) in turn. The different colored lakes one after another were dazzling, and everyone marveled at the wonders of nature.
We will prepare afternoon tea on that day. The staff have already set up the tent and prepared fruits and drinks. At this moment, we can feel extremely happy.
Arrive at Alatau in the evening and stay overnight.
Day 4: Badain Jaran Desert Off-Road → Alxa Right Banner
All day
Today's Topic: Farewell to the Desert | Challenging Mount Everest in the Desert
After breakfast, we'll continue our journey to Hudugjilin, Zhalat, Fairy Peak, and Yinderitu Holy Spring. We'll then hike to Birutu Peak, the highest sand dune in the Badain Jaran Desert. At 1,611.009 meters above sea level and 460 meters above sea level, Birutu Peak is known as the "Mount Everest of the Desert" and the world's highest sand dune. Led by our team leader, we'll tackle our first world's highest sand dune.
After a short rest, we set off for Suminjilin (Temple Lake), the "Forbidden City of the Desert." Built in 1755, the Badain Jaran Temple, with a history of over 200 years, is a landmark of the region and a sacred place for nomadic herders. We then visited Barunjilin, the Great Desert Lake, and finally reached the Badain Lakes. Badain Lake is the gateway to the Badain Jaran Desert, surrounded by golden sand dunes, where yellow and blue merge.
After exploring Badan Lake, we'll depart the desert, reluctantly bidding farewell to this magical landscape. Return to Alxa Right Banner for a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we'll enjoy a celebratory dinner, where we can reminisce about this exciting journey.
Day 5 Alxa Right Banner → Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon → Zhangye City ★ Dismissal Day
All day
Today is the last day of the trip, but it is still wonderful.
After breakfast, we'll depart for another newly discovered geological wonder, the Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, once described by National Geographic as "comparable to the Grand Canyon." We'll journey through this breathtaking natural masterpiece, appreciating its grandeur and capturing breathtaking photos.
After the tour, we returned to Zhangye and dispersed, and everyone said goodbye reluctantly.
