The Ultimate Guide to the Badain Jaran Desert: A Landscape of Towering Dunes and Mysterious Lakes

anywherechina020
Sep 25
6 min read

Welcome to the Badain Jaran Desert, a realm of otherworldly beauty where the world’s tallest stationary sand dunes cradle a network of over 140 mystical lakes. This is not your typical barren wasteland; it is a vibrant and awe-inspiring landscape that promises an unforgettable adventure for every traveler. If you're seeking a journey that transcends the ordinary, a trip to this Inner Mongolian gem is an absolute must.

For those with a spirit of adventure and a love for the raw, untamed beauty of nature, the Badain Jaran Desert offers an experience like no other. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your expedition to one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Getting to the Heart of the Dunes: Your Gateway to Adventure

Nestled in the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia, the Badain Jaran Desert, covering an immense 49,000 square kilometers, is the third largest desert in China. Reaching this remote paradise is part of the adventure itself.

When to Go: Chasing the Perfect Desert Climate

The best time to visit the Badain Jaran Desert is during the late spring and autumn months, from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant with warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for exploration.

September and October are particularly recommended. The temperatures are comfortable, and the skies are often clear, offering breathtaking views and perfect conditions for photography.
Summer (July and August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring during the day. However, this is also the time when the desert's lakes are at their most vibrant.
Winter and early spring are best avoided due to the harsh, cold weather and strong winds.

What to Do in the Badain Jaran Desert: An Adventure of a Lifetime

A journey into the Badain Jaran is a thrilling mix of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene moments of natural wonder. Here’s a rundown of the must-do experiences and a suggested route:

Key Attractions:

Bilutu Peak (The "Desert Everest"): Standing at over 500 meters, this is the world's tallest stationary sand dune. The exhilarating jeep ride up its steep inclines is a highlight for many, and the panoramic view from the summit is simply unparalleled.

The Multicolored Lakes: The soul of the desert lies in its numerous lakes. These oases, varying in color from turquoise and emerald to reddish hues due to their mineral and algae content, create a stunning contrast against the golden sands. Don't miss the beautiful Badain Lake, the mysterious Yinderitu Spring with its freshwater spring in a saline lake, and the vibrant Red Lake (Honghaizi).

Badain Jaran Temple (Sumu Jaran): A surprising discovery deep within the desert is this well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple. Built in 1755, its tranquil presence amidst the vast emptiness is a truly spiritual experience.

Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha): Experience the wonder of the "singing sands." As the wind blows or as you slide down the dunes, the sand produces a low, humming sound, a natural phenomenon that adds to the desert's mystique.

Suggested 2-Day Desert Jeep Safari Route:

Day 1: Entrance - Badain Lake - Yinderitu Spring - Bilutu Peak - Badain Jaran Temple. Your adventure begins with an exhilarating jeep ride through the dunes. You'll visit several stunning lakes before tackling the ascent of Bilutu Peak for sunset. The day concludes at the serene Badain Jaran Temple.
Day 2: Badain Jaran Temple - Sunrise Viewing - More Lakes - Red Lake - Return to Entrance. Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. Explore more of the unique lakes, including the striking Red Lake, before your thrilling jeep journey back to the park entrance.

How to Get to the Badain Jaran Desert: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reaching the remote and stunning Badain Jaran Desert requires a multi-stage journey. Think of it as a funnel: you'll start from a major city, travel to a smaller regional hub, and then make your final approach to the desert itself.

Step 1: Arrive at a Major Gateway City

Your first goal is to reach one of the two primary gateway cities in Gansu Province, which offer the most convenient access to the desert.

Zhangye (张掖市)
- By Air: Fly into Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY). It has connections to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu.
- By Train: Zhangye is a major stop on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed railway line. You can take a bullet train from cities like Lanzhou, Xining, or even as far as Xi'an and Urumqi. This is often the most efficient and scenic option.
Jinchang (金昌市)
- By Air: Fly into Jinchang Jinchuan Airport (JIC). It has fewer connections than Zhangye but can sometimes be a good alternative.
- By Train: Jinchang also has a train station with connections to other cities in the region.

Recommendation: Zhangye is the most popular and recommended gateway. It offers better transport links and allows you to easily combine your desert trip with a visit to the famous Zhangye National Geopark ("Rainbow Mountains").

Step 2: Travel from the Gateway City to Badain Jaran Town

Once you've arrived in Zhangye or Jinchang, the next step is to travel to Badain Jaran Town (巴丹吉林镇), the administrative seat of Alxa Right Banner and the closest town to the desert park.

From Zhangye:
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 hours by road.
- By Bus: There are public buses that run from Zhangye to Badain Jaran Town. This is the most economical option.
- By Private Car/Chartered Vehicle: Hiring a private car is a more comfortable and flexible option. This can be arranged through your hotel in Zhangye or a local travel agency. This is highly recommended as it gives you freedom and saves time.
From Jinchang:
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 hours by road.
- By Bus or Private Car: Similar to Zhangye, you can take a bus or hire a private vehicle to reach Badain Jaran Town.

Step 3: Journey from Badain Jaran Town to the Desert Entrance

You're almost there! The entrance to the Badain Jaran Desert Scenic Area is a short distance from the town itself.

Distance: Approximately 1 hour by road.
How to Get There: You will need to take a taxi or have your pre-arranged private driver take you from your hotel in town to the park's main gate and ticket office.

Step 4: Exploring Inside the Desert

This is a crucial point to understand: you cannot drive your own vehicle inside the Badain Jaran Desert. The terrain consists of massive, soft sand dunes that require specialized vehicles and highly skilled local drivers.

Mandatory Jeep Rental: At the park entrance, you must hire one of the official 4x4 jeeps with a driver. These are the only vehicles permitted to navigate the desert.
Booking: It is highly advisable to book your desert tour and jeep in advance, especially during peak season (September-October). This is typically done as part of a package tour arranged through a travel agency.
Duration: A standard desert tour is 2 days and 1 night, which allows you to travel deep enough to see the key sights like Bilutu Peak and the Badain Jaran Temple.

The most common gateway to the desert is the city of Zhangye in the neighboring Gansu province, famous for its own geological marvel, the "Rainbow Mountains" of the Zhangye National Geopark. From Zhangye, it's approximately a 4-5 hour drive to the entrance of the Badain Jaran Desert Geopark. Another option is to fly into Jinchang, which is a slightly shorter drive of about 3-4 hours to the desert.

From the park entrance, the only way to truly explore the vast and challenging terrain is by renting a powerful 4x4 jeep with an experienced local driver. This is not a self-driving destination; the towering dunes require expert navigation.

Where to Stay: A Night Under the Desert Stars

Accommodation within the Badain Jaran Desert is an experience in itself. While you won't find luxury hotels, you'll have the unique opportunity to stay in traditional Mongolian yurts or basic guesthouses run by local families. These accommodations are typically located near the Badain Jaran Temple or some of the larger lakes.

Staying overnight in the heart of the desert allows you to witness the incredible spectacle of the star-filled night sky, far from the light pollution of the city. It's a humbling and unforgettable experience.

Suggested 4-Day Badain Jaran Desert Itinerary

To make the most of your trip, we recommend a 4-day itinerary that combines the desert adventure with the nearby wonders of Zhangye.

Day 1: Arrive in Zhangye. Fly into Zhangye and acclimatize. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city.
Day 2: Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains & Drive to Desert Entrance. In the morning, visit the incredible Zhangye National Geopark to witness the famous "Rainbow Mountains." In the afternoon, drive to the entrance of the Badain Jaran Desert and check into a local hotel for the night.
Day 3: Full-Day Desert Jeep Safari. Embark on your thrilling 4x4 adventure into the heart of the Badain Jaran Desert. Follow the suggested 2-day route, spending the night in a yurt or guesthouse within the desert.
Day 4: Desert Sunrise & Return to Zhangye. After enjoying a magnificent desert sunrise and some final exploration, your driver will take you back to the park entrance. From there, you will be transferred back to Zhangye for your onward journey.

A trip to the Badain Jaran Desert is more than just a vacation; it's an expedition to a place where nature's artistry is on full display. The towering dunes, the kaleidoscope of lakes, and the profound silence of the desert will leave an indelible mark on your soul. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to discover one of the world's last great wildernesses.