5 days Zhangye Danxia, Badain Jaran Desert & Jiayuguan Tour

Upon arriving in Zhangye by train or flight, your guide will meet you and take you straight to Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (also knowns as the Rainbow Mountain), home to one of China’s most breathtaking landscapes. Over millions of years, nature has shaped these colorful sandstone mountains, stretching across the horizon in stunning red, yellow, and white layers.

You'll explore the park’s five scenic viewing platforms, each offering a different perspective of this surreal terrain. Shuttle buses make it easy to move between the viewpoints, ensuring you don’t miss any of the spectacular sights.

For the best sunset views, head to Viewing Deck No. 4—arriving early will secure you a prime spot. As the sun sets, the golden light enhances the vibrant colors of the mountains, creating a picture-perfect moment.

After sunset, return to Zhangye for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin your 3.5-hour drive to Badain Jaran Town, the gateway to one of the world’s most breathtaking deserts -the Badain Jaran Desert. Stretching across Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia, the Badain Jaran Desert is famous for its towering sand dunes, some reaching over 500 meters high, and its 100+ hidden lakes scattered among the golden sands. Fed by underground springs, these shimmering blue and green lakes create a stunning contrast to the vast desert, making this one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.

Upon arrival, meet your jeep driver and set off on an exciting off-road adventure into the heart of the desert. Along the way, make stops to visit Badain Lake,  Genghis Khan Sand Carving, Dagetu Lake, Yinderitu Spring, and Temple Lake etc..

Finally, arrive at Badain Jaran Temple, where a Mongolian yurt camp sits by a tranquil lake, offering an authentic desert experience.

Enjoy dinner at your campsite, then relax under a sky full of stars, surrounded by the silence and vastness of the desert.

 Overnight stay in a Mongolian-style yurt or Badain Jaran Lake Hotel.

You'll head out to the highest sand dune in the Badain Jaran Desert and climb to the top of Bilutu Peak, standing at 1,611 meters, 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.

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Badain Jaran Desert, as the first golden rays cast a mesmerizing glow over the rolling sand dunes. After soaking in the tranquil beauty of the morning, set off on an exciting jeep safari, navigating through the vast desert and stopping at Bilutu Peak, the world’s tallest sand dune, standing 1,611 meters above sea level. Challenge yourself with a climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of endless dunes and shimmering desert lakes. After the exhilarating ascent, take a well-deserved break and enjoy lunch by a serene desert lake. If time allows, continue your jeep safari to explore more hidden lakes. In the afternoon, meet your driver from Zhangye and return to Zhangye. Stay overnight at Zhangye. 

Start your morning with a visit to the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, home to one of the most impressive ancient artworks along the Silk Road. Inside the temple, you'll find the Giant Reclining Buddha, stretching 34.5 meters (113 feet) long and 7.5 meters (25 feet) wide, making it one of the largest of its kind in China. After exploring the temple, set off on a 2.5-hour drive to Jiayuguan, a key stop along the Great Wall and the Silk Road.

In Jiayuguan, visit the Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost and most well-preserved gateway of the Great Wall of China. This ancient fortress, once a crucial military stronghold, still stands with its ramparts, turrets, and intricate eaves, offering a fascinating glimpse into China’s defensive history. Then, head to the Wei-Jin Tombs, known as the "Underground Art Gallery" for their well-preserved murals depicting everyday life during the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–420 AD). These ancient tombs offer a rare look into historical culture, art, and customs from nearly 1,800 years ago.

After a day of exploration, relax and 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!.