Alxa–Zhangye 5-Day Tour: A Detailed Guide to Avoid Pitfalls

New Year’s trip: Alxa–Zhangye 5-day tour, full of excitement! Check out this guide to make your New Year’s trip even more exciting!
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🚗 Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Xi’an to Lanzhou/Zhangye, the first stop of your Northwest China trip!
Day 2: Explore Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area and experience the beauty and grandeur of nature.
Day 3: Watch the sunrise at Juyanhai Lake, explore Ceke Port, and enjoy the autumn scenery at Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area. A day full of fun!
Day 4: Experience local culture at Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town and admire the natural wonders at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.
Day 5: Return from Lanzhou/Zhangye to Xi’an, ending your wonderful Northwest China trip with a full heart!
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Must-see attractions:

Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍Address: Nantai Village, Nijiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province
⏰Opening hours: All day
🕰️Duration: 3–5 hours
Zhangye Danxia is a stunning combination of Danxia landform and colorful hills. You will be amazed by the natural wonders and breathtaking scenery. Definitely worth a visit!

Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍Address: 100 meters east of Yidao Bridge, Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰Opening hours: All day
🕰️Duration: 1 day
The Populus euphratica forest here has been standing for 3,000 years. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and dazzling, making you feel like you are in a fairy tale world.

Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍Address: 18 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League (98 km on Jiuhang Road)
⏰Opening hours: All day
🕰️Duration: 1 day
Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area attracts visitors with its diverse seasonal scenery. No matter when you visit, you can experience the unique charm of nature.

Juyanhai Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📍Address: 40 km north of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰Opening hours: All day
🕰️Duration: 1–2 days
The beautiful scenery of Juyanhai Lake is mesmerizing. The lake and sky blend into one, and in autumn, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the sunset, creating a fairyland on earth.
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**Notes**:
🚗 Airport transportation: There are no direct flights from Alxa to Zhangye. You can transfer via Yinchuan or Lanzhou, or take a long-distance bus.
🎉 Customs: Respect the local Mongolian culture and experience the unique ethnic customs to avoid conflicts.
🍖 Food: Must-try Alxa roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed mutton, and traditional snacks like cheese and milk tofu.
📸 Photo spots: Zhangye Danxia and Alxa Desert are beautiful photo spots. Don’t miss them!
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The deserts of Alxa and the Danxia landform of Zhangye are masterpieces of nature. Don’t miss this magical land! 🌟