Alxa Deserts

The Badain Jaran and Tengger Deserts, the Ejina poplar forests and Shapotou on the Yellow River, the best of northwest desert scenery.

Alxa lies at the far west of Inner Mongolia, bordering Ningxia and Gansu, and contains three great deserts: Badain Jaran, Tengger and Ulan Buh. Badain Jaran has the world's tallest sand dunes and more than a hundred desert lakes, and Bilutu Peak, Miaohaizi and the Indertu Spring are classic off-road destinations; in Ejina Banner, the golden autumn poplar forests, Strange Tree Forest, Khara-Khoto ruins and Juyan Lake are a photography hotspot in autumn; Alxa Left Banner has Dingyuanying Ancient Town, Moon Lake and Tengger Desert off-road camps; Shapotou in Zhongwei, Ningxia sits on the Yellow River at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, with sand sliding and sheepskin raft rides; and Wuhai has Wuhai Lake and a desert calligraphy park. Common routes are Yinchuan – Alxa Left Banner – Badain Jaran – Ejina (5–7 days), or Yinchuan – Zhongwei Shapotou (2 days). Desert off-roading requires a professional guide and vehicles, and during the poplar season lodging in Ejina is extremely tight, so book well in advance. The desert at night is a stargazing paradise where the Milky Way is clearly visible; many camps offer desert camping, bonfire parties and camel rides, suitable for families and groups, but be sure to choose a reputable camp and check the weather and road conditions beforehand.

Destinations

Itineraries