5-Day In-Depth Exploration of Alxa and Zhangye: A Journey You Won't Want to Miss

Alxa and Zhangye 5-day in-depth tour, a magical journey to explore the desert and Danxia! Save this super practical guide and start your adventure in the northwest!
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🚗 Itinerary:
D1: Depart from Xi'an - Lanzhou/Zhangye
Depart from Xi'an, head west, and arrive in Lanzhou or Zhangye to start your journey in the northwest! 🌄
D2: Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area
Enjoy a full day at Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area and experience the magnificence and mystery of nature. 🍂
D3: Juyan Lake - Ceke Port - Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tourist Area
Head to Juyan Lake in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise 🌅, then head to Ceke Port to experience the border culture, and finally arrive at Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tourist Area to explore the thousand-year-old Populus euphratica forest.
D4: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
Immerse yourself in the colorful Zhangye Danxia all day long, as if you were in a huge oil painting. 🎨
D5: Lanzhou/Zhangye - Xi'an
End your pleasant journey in the northwest and return to Xi'an from Lanzhou or Zhangye, bringing home a lot of memories and gains! 🏠
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Must-visit attractions:

1. Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: Nantai Village, Nijiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province
⏰Opening hours: November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025, 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
🕐Duration: 3-5 hours
Zhangye Danxia is a paradise for photography and adventure lovers, with its rich and varied colors and unique and spectacular landforms.

2. Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Tourist 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 three-thousand-year-old Populus euphratica forest is even more dazzling in the golden autumn, making it a great place to experience the vitality of nature.

3. Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: 18 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa, (98 km on Jiuhang Road)
⏰Opening hours: September 9, 2024 to March 31, 2025, 6:30 am to 8:30 pm
🕐Duration: 1 day
The ever-changing scenery of Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest is fascinating, with different views waiting to be discovered in each season.

4. Juyan Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: 40 km north of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰Opening hours: November 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
🕐Duration: 1-2 days
The sea and sky of Juyan Lake and the lake surface reflecting the sunset are beautiful, making it an ideal place to relax.

5. Ceke Port ⭐⭐⭐
📍Address: Subonur Sumu Township, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
⏰Opening hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm
🕐Duration: 2-3 hours
Ceke Port is an important land port between Inner Mongolia and South Gobi Province of Mongolia, where you can experience the busy scene of border trade up close.
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Travel essentials: 🎒
👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in Alxa and Zhangye in February is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is recommended to bring warm coats, sweaters, and sports pants for easy movement. Don't forget to bring comfortable sneakers for easy walking in the desert.
🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses and sun hats are essential to protect your eyes and skin. Masks are also important to protect against sand and dust. In addition, a lightweight scarf can protect you from the sun and add style.
📲 **Electronic devices**: Don't forget your cell phone and power bank, and a GPS or walkie-talkie is also helpful, especially when driving. Remember to install the 🗺 in advance to prevent poor signal.
💊 **Emergency items**: Car first aid kit, tow rope, and spare tires are all reassuring for self-driving tours. Also, don't forget to bring your usual medicine and sunscreen!
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Every step of your journey to Alxa and Zhangye is a beautiful scenery, so don't forget to capture these wonderful moments with your camera! 📸