5 days Zhangye Danxia and Badain Jaran Desert

You'll arrive in Zhangye, either by train or by flight. In the afternoon, you'll visit the stunningly beautiful Zhangye Danxia Landform, for some hiking. The day ends with an awe-inspiring sunset over the multi-colored rocks of the landform often cited as the most beautiful in all of China.

Today you'll drive into the gorgeous Badain Jaran desert, where you'll be able to hike and drive through the dunes. The Badain Jaran Desert, which covers parts of Gansu and Inner Mongolia, is the third-largest desert in China, with an area of 49,000 square kilometers. The name Badain Jaran is of Mongolian origin, and it means “mysterious lakes”. There are more than 100 lakes in this part of the desert – all spring-fed, some salt water, some freshwater. After exploring the desert, you'll have dinner at your campsite and stay overnight in your tent.

You'll head out to the highest sand dune in the Badain Jaran Desert and climb to the top of Bilutu Peak, the third-tallest dune in the world. From there you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding desert and the mysterious lakes. After your hike, you'll have lunch by the serenity of a pristine desert lake. Afterward, you'll head back to stay overnight in a Zhangye hotel.

In the morning you'll visit the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, where you'll witness some of the most intriguing ancient artwork on the China Silk Road, including the Giant Buddha itself, lying inside the temple at 34.5 meters (about 113 feet) long and 7.5 meters (about 25 feet) wide., and then drive to Jiayuguan, which takes about 2.5 hours. From there you'll visit Jiayuguan Pass- the first pass at the west end of the Great Wall of China and a key point on the China Silk Road, this defense station is still complete with ramparts, turrets and eaves. You'll also see the Overhanging Great Wall if time permits. Called the Xuanbi Great Wall in Chinese, this is a place with one of the most spectacular views along the Great Wall, and a lesson in the tactical ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders. You'll stay overnight in Jiayuguan.

This is where we say goodbye. You'll be transported and on your way back home with memories to last a lifetime!.