Unlock Badain Jaran with kids! The pink lakes in the desert are so healing

Who understands! Taking kids to the Badain Jaran Desert, they play so much they don’t want to leave! Hidden deep in the yellow sand are over 100 lakes, including the pink-changing Red Sea, and even a 300-year-old ancient temple waiting for us in the sand. This is definitely the right choice for a family trip~

📍 Family-friendly 2-day Badain Jaran itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Badain Jaran Town → Visit the Geological Park Museum first (great for kids to learn about the desert) → Badain Lake (kids can play in the shallow sand, water is super clear) → Genghis Khan Sand Sculpture (kids will be amazed by the huge sand sculpture) → Salt Lake (white lake surface looks like a mirror, great for photos) → Saiyin Wusu → Desert Heavenly Lake → Ikeli Aobao → Tamaying → Dagetu Red Sea (highlight! Take kids to see the pink lake, even pinker at dusk) → Peach Heart Lake (super cute shape, kids will say it looks like a heart) → Huduge Jilin → Fairy Peak → Desert Everest Bilutu Peak (challenge kids to a light climb, the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking) → Yinderitu Divine Spring (let kids see the magical spring in the desert) → Stay at Miaohai Lake Camp (stargazing at night)
Day 2: Wake up at Miaohai Lake Camp → Photograph ancient temple reflections (morning light and shadows are amazing) → Listen to the Sutra Spring → Barun Jilin → Qifeng Viewing Platform (kids can overlook the spectacular sand dunes) → Shuanghaizi → Camel Eye → Fox Eye (these two lakes have very special shapes, kids will be curious and ask a lot) → Mingsha Mountain (kids can step on the sand and hear the “rustling” sound, super fun) → Steak Lake → Geological Park → Return to Badain Jaran Town

🏨 Accommodation recommendation: Desert wild luxury choice!
Recommended stay: **Badain Jaran Desert Miaohai Lake Wild Luxury Camp**, right next to Miaohai Lake, with the desert sea and ancient temple right outside the window. The camp rooms are standalone cabins with full facilities, air conditioning, and private bathrooms, so no worries about discomfort in the desert. At night, you can stargaze with kids in the camp yard. The desert stars are bright and numerous, and you can tell kids constellation stories—super warm family time~

📅 Best season for kids: August to October
During this time, the desert is not stuffy or too windy, so kids are comfortable playing. Plus, the Red Sea turns a stunning pink, which excites kids a lot, and every snapshot becomes a perfect family photo!

⚠️ Family travel tips: Always check the desert weather in advance and adjust the itinerary accordingly to avoid tiring the kids~

✨ Must-experience family highlights
✔ Wait for the pink-orange sunset at the Red Sea with kids (they’ll point at the sky saying it looks like a painting)
✔ Challenge the “Desert Everest” Bilutu Peak with kids (easy climb to build courage)
✔ Take photos with kids at Miaohai Lake and the 300-year-old ancient temple (tell kids the temple story, very meaningful)
✔ Explore the deep well lake to discover desert springs with kids (let them feel the desert’s vitality)
✔ Dress kids in red dresses and take photos with the desert (family photos will be stunning)

📸 Family photo guide:
▫ Dress kids in white long dresses at sunrise on the sand ridge line (sunlight makes mother-child photos very gentle)
▫ At the Red Sea, dress kids in denim shorts and Martin boots (lively and photogenic, also convenient for playing in the sand)
▫ Use a wide-angle lens at Miaohai Lake to capture kids, the ancient temple, and the desert sea together (the composition is very layered)
▫ Use a drone to shoot the “Eye of the Earth” at Fairy Peak (show kids the aerial footage, they’ll be amazed)

🎒 Family travel tips:
1⃣ Prepare a thermos for kids to drink warm water anytime; the desert is dry, so avoid dehydration
2⃣ Dress kids in high-top hiking shoes and long sleeves and pants (to prevent sand from getting into shoes and protect from sunburn)
3⃣ Bring kids’ sunscreen (SPF50+ or higher) and lip balm; desert UV rays are very strong
4⃣ Bring lots of brightly colored clothes for kids; they look good in photos and kids enjoy wearing them
5⃣ Bring some favorite snacks for kids to replenish energy on the road

Taking kids to Badain Jaran is really worth it! When the off-road vehicle took us up a 45° sand dune, the kids’ cheers were louder than the dunes themselves~ The “Desert Disneyland” described by China National Geographic really lets kids play to their heart’s content!