7 Days Qinghai Gansu Adventure Tour with Badain Jaran Desert & Beautiful Lakes

Xining (西宁), the capital of Qinghai Province, is nestled in eastern Qinghai Province. It is also located in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It stands as the eastern gateway to the plateau. A vital link on the ancient Silk Road and Tang-Fan Road, Xining's historical significance is profound. Its name, meaning "peaceful in the western frontier", was bestowed during the Northern Song Dynasty. Renowned for its pleasant summers, averaging 17-19°C, Xining is aptly called the "Summer Capital of China". The city is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, including the iconic Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Monastery) and the breathtaking Qinghai Lake.

Ni Hao! Welcome to Xining! Upon arrival at the airport/train station in Xining, your guide and driver will meet you at the exit and then escort you to Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta’er Monastery (塔尔寺), located about 55 km from the airport (roughly a 1-hour drive). As one of the six grand monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it holds immense significance as the most important Buddhist center in Qinghai. Established in 1577, Ta'er Monastery is built around the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the revered founder of the Gelugpa sect. The monastery is renowned for its three artistic wonders: exquisite butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and intricate appliqué Thangka, all showcasing the unique artistry of Tibetan Buddhism.

During your visit, you'll be impressed by the blend of Tibetan and traditional Chinese architectural styles. You'll admire magnificent Buddha stupas, wall paintings, and prayer wheels, while exploring its stunning halls one by one. These include the Eight-Treasure Auspicious Pagoda, Small Golden-Roofed Hall, Longevity Hall, Kalachakra Pagoda, Great Scripture Hall, Great Golden-Roofed Hall, Maitreya Buddha Hall, Nine-Room Hall, Kalachakra Scripture College, Butter Sculpture Hall, and the Scripture Library - each offering a glimpse into the monastery's spiritual depth and artistic heritage.

After the tour, transfer back to Xining downtown area for accomodation.

Xining Arrival Ideas (for your reference):

The main airport in Xining is Xining Caojiabao International Airport (XNN), located about 30 km from downtown Xining. It is well-connected by domestic flights to major cities across China, such as Beijing (2.5 to 3 hours), Xi'an (1.5 hours), Shanghai (3.5 hours), Urumqi (2.5 hours), Chengdu (1.5 to 2 hours), Chongqing (2 hours), Guangzhou (3.5 to 4 hours), Shenzhen (3.5 to 4 hours), Lhasa (2 hours), Kunming (2.5 hours). Xining also has Xining Railway Station, with high-speed trains linking the city to destinations like Xi’an (4-5 hours), Lanzhou (1-1.5 hours), Zhangye (1.5-2 hours), Dunhuang (6 hours), Beijing/Shanghai (10 hours), Chengdu (7-8 hours), Chongqing (8-9 hours), and more.

This morning, you'll be escorted from downtown Xining to Qinghai Lake (about 145 km, 2.5-3 hours).

Qinghai Lake (青海湖), sitting at an elevation of 3,194 meters above sea level, is China’s largest inland saltwater lake, covering over 4,400 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, including the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains to the south and the Qilian Mountains to the north. The landscape transitions from vast, flat grasslands at the foot of the mountains to the lakeshore. In summer, golden fields of canola flowers contrast beautifully with the lake’s boundless blue waters. Wildflowers dot the grasslands, and countless cattle and sheep graze like pearls scattered across a majestic yet serene painting. National Geographic China has named Qinghai Lake "China's most beautiful lake", and it's listed as one of the "55 must-see places in a lifetime". With a comfortable summer average temperature of 15°C, it is a popular retreat and photography destination.

As you drive, you'll pass through vibrant rapeseed fields around the lake, a sea of yellow flowers stretching across the horizon - an unforgettable display of earthly beauty. (Best Time to Visit: July to August, when the weather is pleasant, and the rapeseed flowers and grasslands are in full bloom.)

Upon arrival, you will explore the Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区), Qinghai Lake's crown jewel. Be captivated by the panoramic views of the vast, turquoise lake. On clear days, enjoy views of distant snow-capped mountains. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the area, including the awe-inspiring sacrificial altar, vibrant prayer flags, the enigmatic statue of the Queen Mother of the West, the auspicious symbols, and a serene Buddha statue.

Optional Activities - self-pay on your own: To fully immerse in the beauty of the expansive lake, consider taking a cruise to experience Qinghai Lake in comfort. Choose from the High-Speed Cruise (25-minute single trip for CNY140) or the Catamaran Cruise (50-minute round trip for CNY180). Also, you can go horseback riding or enjoy biking around the lake.

After exploring Erlangjian Scenic Area, continue your trip westward along the picturesque shores of Qinghai Lake. The drive to Chaka Town (3,100 meters) is about 153km, taking about 2.5 hours. This charming town is renowned for the stunning Chaka Salt Lake it boasts. Spend the night in Chaka Town.

In this morning, you will be transferred from Chaka Town to Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖, 4km, 10 minutes’drive).

“Chaka" is a Tibetan word meaning "salt lake". As a salt lake, it is one of the birthplaces of China's salt culture. Embedded amidst snow-kissed peaks and verdant meadows, Chaka is a brine lake, a harmonious blend of liquid and solid. Its waters, a shimmering expanse of blue, are interspersed with crystalline salt flats. The lake's beauty is enhanced by the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the gentle caress of surrounding grasslands. It is a natural masterpiece, adorned with salt formations of exquisite shapes.

You will visit the "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area, a stunning destination known for its breathtaking reflections. Start your journey by ascending the Observation Tower, where you can take in a full panoramic view of Chaka Salt Lake. Next, explore the Salt Sculpture Group, the largest outdoor sculpture display in the world, showcasing the rich history and culture of Chaka. For an even more immersive experience, hop on the sightseeing train that takes you deep into the lake’s heart, away from the crowds. From there, you can leisurely walk back toward the entrance, a stroll that takes about 40 minutes. If you prefer not to walk, you can return by train (additional cost).

As you walk, visit the Qianying Muxue Area, where the lake and the distant snow-capped mountains blend into a breathtaking natural scene. Along the way, stop for photos at the Tianlu Yingchen Station and Tianji Xinyue Station, where you can capture iconic images with signs like “I Love Chaka” and “Love Crystals”.

Useful Travel Tips:

• To experience the salt lake up close, you can wear shoe covers(10 CNY extra fee) and walk on the lake surface, capturing reflections that resemble a "mirror of the sky," as if you're walking among the clouds.
• Riding the sightseeing trainoffers stunning views of endless white sea salt sands under the blue sky, with the lake reflecting the sky above.
• Every corner of Chaka Salt Lake is perfect for photography. Some of the top spots include Romantic Tianjing, Qianying Muxue, the Water Train, and areas near the salt sculptures. The Romantic Tianjing area is especially picturesque with photo props like crystal bubble chairs, a crystal boat, the famous swing, heart-shaped decorations, a moon-shaped frame, and the red piano sculpture "Chaka’s Melody".
• For spectacular shots of thesunrise or sunset over Chaka Salt Lake, head to the salt sculpture area or Chaka Xia Station for beautiful views.

After exploring Chaka Lake, you will be transferred to Xining Railway Station (about 3-3.5 hours) for your high speed train to Zhangye. The train journey takes about 2.5 hours. Taking a bullet train to Zhangye, you will pass through the oasis plains between the Qilian Mountains (祁连山) and the Longshou Mountains (龙首山), experiencing its unique geographical position as the vital gateway of the "Hexi Corridor." Zhangye is situated in the narrowest section of this ancient trading route, spanning just 50 km, yet it boasts fertile soil and pleasant scenery. This is why there is a poetic praise saying, "Not seeing snow on the Qilian Mountains, mistaking Zhangye for Jiangnan 不望祁连山顶雪，错把张掖当江南," and it is also renowned as the "Jiangnan Watertown of Abundance in the Frontier Region 塞上江南" and the "Golden Zhangye金张掖." Formerly known as Ganzhou (甘州, Ganzhou is the place of origin of the "Gan" character in Gansu Province甘肃的“甘”), Zhangye was renamed due to Emperor Wu (汉武帝) of the Han Dynasty's decision to "extend the reach of Zhangye to facilitate connections with the Western Regions 张国臂掖，以通西域," making it a crucial node along the Silk Road and a mandatory stop for the propagation of Buddhist teachings from the East. And you see the airport in Zhangye is called Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场).

Zhangye not only served as a pivotal point for the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang's journey (玄奘西行) to the West in search of Buddhist scriptures but is also considered the legendary birthplace of "Journey to the West " (西游记 Wukong). In the evening, Zhangye's night market awaits you, offering a chance to savor authentic donkey meat (驴肉) and apricot skin tea (杏皮茶), allowing you to indulge in a culinary adventure. Overnight in Zhangye.

Today, you will explore Zhangye city through Dafo Temple & Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park.

Dafo Temple (大佛寺; Big Buddha Temple) is a must-visit place in Zhangye if you are particularly interested in Buddhist culture and ancient architecture. The Big Buddha Temple is the iconic building of Zhangye, known for housing a 34.5-meter-long statue of the reclining Buddha, commonly called the "Reclining Buddha Temple 卧佛寺" by locals. Built in the year 1098, the Giant Buddha Temple was a royal temple built by the Western Xia Dynasty (西夏；1038-1227), making it one of the Four Remaining Royal Temples in China (the other three being the Lama Temple in Beijing, the Famen Temple in Baoji Of Shaanxi, and the Chongsheng Temple in Dali Of Yunnan). Legend has it that Kublai Khan (忽必烈), the founder of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), was born in the Big Buddha Temple in Zhangye. The Italian traveler Marco Polo was captivated by the magnificent architecture of the Giant Buddha Temple and the prosperity of Zhangye, leading him to stay there for a year. Covering an area of over 60,000 m², the temple could accommodate 5,000 worshipers simultaneously in the 16th century.

Visit Big Buddha Temple in Zhangye to explore the only surviving Western Xia temple in China, the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Asia, and the complete Yongle Canon and Prajna Paramita Sutra (永乐北藏). It is a Buddhist art museum that integrates architecture, sculpture, murals, carvings, scriptures, calligraphy, and cultural relics. When you step into the temple, you'll see the Grand Buddha Hall which has maintained its original appearance from over 900 years ago. Besides the reclining Buddha, the walls on the east and west sides of the hall feature murals inspired by "Journey to the West西游记," "Investiture of the Gods封神演义", and the "Classic of Mountains and Seas山海经." Among these, the "Journey to the West" mural is said to predate the novel by approximately 200 years, depicting the story of Tang Dynasty Monk Xuanzang (唐僧) and his disciples embarking on their journey to the West in a comic strip format, showcasing episodes like "Fetching Water from the Motherhood River‌," "A Battle with Red Boy," "Obstacle at Flaming Mountain," "The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven," and "Expulsion of the Monkey King/Wukong" (取水子母河、大战红孩儿、路阻火焰山、大圣闹天宫、恨逐美猴王). Interestingly, the character Zhu Bajie (猪八戒) in the mural is portrayed as simple, honest, and hardworking, in stark contrast to the Zhu Bajie character in the novel Journey to the West. Even today, within the Zhangye region, one can find many place names from the novel Journey to the West, such as Gaolaozhuang (高老庄Bajie's hometown), Liusha River (流沙河), Liangjintai (晾金台), Bull Demon King's Cave (牛魔王洞), and the Eight Thousand Ruoshui River(八千里弱水).

A pair of Chinese characters written on a couplet outside the Grand Buddha Hall reads, "The Sleeping Buddha slumbers a thousand years without awakening, those who inquire will forever question, the answer remains elusive睡佛长睡睡千年长眠不醒，问者永问问百世永问难明," provoking deep contemplation and worth a look. Remember to ask the guide to show you another pair of couplets written in the Western Xia script with the same content. Additionally, the scripture hall of the reclining Buddha temple houses a Buddhist art exhibition hall and a Buddhist scripture exhibition hall, showcasing Buddhist artifacts extracted from the Buddha's abdomen. Among them, the "Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra大般若波罗蜜多经" written in gold and silver ink is a treasured artifact. Rare and exquisite Persian silver coins have been discovered in this temple, serving as compelling evidence of the bustling foreign trade along the Silk Road.

Optional Visiting Place: (If Time Permits)

1. Shanxi Guild Hall (山西会馆) : Located next to the Big Buddha Temple, the Shanxi Guild Hall was constructed by Shanxi merchants (晋商) in 1724 with a history of over 300 years for their commercial activities in Zhangye. It is said that "where there is prosperous trade, there are Shanxi merchants; where there are Shanxi merchants, there are guild halls凡商贸繁华处必有晋商，有晋商居处，必有会馆." During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanxi merchants built around 400 Shanxi Guild Halls across the country, all characterized by the presence of a Guan Gong Temple (关帝庙; dedicated to Guan Yu拜关羽) and an Opera Stage (西楼).

2. Zhangye City Museum (张掖博物馆Closed on Mondays): Located opposite the Zhangye Big Buddha Temple, the Zhangye City Museum houses over 10,000 cultural relics spanning various historical periods from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These relics are diverse and include bronze ware, pottery, jade artifacts, as well as cultural remnants from the Silk Road. You can admire a 1:1 replica of the Golden Tower Temple grottoes (金塔寺1:1复制石窟) in this museum.

Note:

Currently, the reclining Buddha statue in Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is undergoing digital restoration, covered by scaffolding. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.

After lunch, head to visit Zhangye National Geopark (Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot七彩丹霞景区) which is renowned for its strikingly colorful rock formations, often referred to as Rainbow Mountains. Zhangye is famous worldwide for its colorful Danxia landforms, a must-visit attraction for people traveling to Zhangye. This is a paradise for geologist & photography enthusiasts, and a great place to experience the marvelous work of nature. The Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot (七彩丹霞景区), part of the Zhangye National Geopark, is China's only highly composite area that combines Danxia landforms with colorful hilly landscapes. Zhangye Danxia has been honored as one of the world's top ten geographical wonders, one of the 22 most unforgettable landscapes worldwide, and the most beautiful exterior filming location at the 74th Venice Film Festival. This location served as a filming site for the movie The Great Wall长城 directed by Zhang Yimou and Disney's Mulan花木兰. The Rainbow Mountains featured on the cover of high school English textbooks are not only geological relics of special scientific significance, rarity, and aesthetic value but also hold archaeological, ecological, historical, and cultural significance.

During the Cretaceous period, approximately 135 to 65 million years ago, the Zhangye region underwent the Himalayan orogeny, multiple erosions by water and wind, and long-term weathering processes, leading to the formation of the current Danxia landforms. The strata are mainly composed of sandstone and mudstone, formed in a dry and hot environment, where divalent iron in minerals oxidized to trivalent iron, giving the strata a red hue. As the environment gradually became wetter, the high-priced iron was reduced, causing a change in strata color to shades of brown, yellow-green, and bluish-gray, creating a palette resembling that of an overturned divine paintbox. The term "Danxia (丹霞)" originates from Cao Pi's poem (曹丕) "Danxia surrounded by the bright moon, with splendid stars emerging amidst the clouds (丹霞夹明月，华星出云间)." "Danxia," literally means the sacred or auspicious celestial sight - the rosy clouds illuminated by light. When geologists first discovered the cinnabar-colored landform, the romantic scientists named it the "Danxia landscape," leading to the coinage of the geographical term "Danxia landform (丹霞地貌)."

The scenic area comprises five Observation Decks (No. 3 and No. 2 have been merged). Shuttle buses connect each Observation Deck (entering and exiting at the north gate, with shuttle stops at four points in the order of Observation Deck #2-1-5-4). Observation Deck #1 and Observation Deck #4 are the most recommended. Yunhai Platform (云海台 No. 1) is where the image was taken on the ticket and the largest viewing platform, offering a panoramic view of the entire Danxia landscape, including the winding S-shaped road. Hongxia Platform (虹霞台 No. 4), highly popular and considered the most beautiful spot with the most vibrant colors, is the best place to watch the sunset. In the eyes of the Chinese people, the Rainbow Mountains here resemble delicious Pork Belly or Strawberry Cake layers.

At the Zhangye Rainbow Mountains, you can admire unique features like the Rainbow Screen, Sleeping Beauty, Giant Scallop, Monks Worshiping Buddha, Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Turtle Asking the Heavens, and the Red Cliff Great Wall (七彩屏、睡美人，大扇贝、众僧拜佛、灵猴观海、神龟问天、赤壁长城). Standing at the mountaintop, one can witness the colorful watercolor-like mountain ranges, feeling as if stepping into a painting.

Optional Visiting Place:

Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark Museum (张掖地质公园博物馆 Closed on Mondays): You can enter from the North Gate (北门) as it is where the Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark Museum (Closed on Monday) located. With a visit to the museum that serving as a popular science base for understanding the professional knowledge of Zhangye Danxia Landform, you may gain deeper understanding of this Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (Zhangye Danxia Geopark张掖国家地质公园).

Notes:

1. The best time for photography is at sunrise when the light is soft, colors are vivid, and there is a strong contrast, ideal for capturing both the panoramic view and detailed textures of the Rainbow Mountains. Sunset, with the setting sun casting its warm glow on the hills, creating golden silhouettes, is also an excellent time to capture the beauty of the Rainbow Mountains. If you want to capture the sunrise, do double check with your travel consultant to overnight at the hotel near the

2. Another optimal time to appreciate the Danxia landforms is after rainfall when the colors become even more vibrant and captivating due to the moisture.

3. Comfortable shoes are essential as climbing uphill sections may occur.

4. The scenic area also offers entertainment options such as camel rides, hot air balloons, gliders, helicopters, and other activities (at an additional cost).

After the tour, be escorted to Zhangye for accomodation.

After breakfast, you'll be escorted to Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon (about 57 km, 1 hour). Located northeast of Zhangye, this canyon is a prime example of the red bed landform. Praised by China National Geography magazine, it is often compared to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Grand Canyon in Colorado, and is regarded as a hidden gem along the Silk Road! Its unique geological landscape and immersive canyon exploration make it one of the most captivating attractions in the Qinghai-Gansu travel circuit. As you hike deeper into the canyon, you'll feel the awe of nature shaped over billions of years, with wind and water erosion forming breathtaking natural art that is both vast and inspiring!

After the tour, you will head for Badain Jaran Desert (90km, 1-1.5 hours). Stay overnight at Badain Jaran Town, which is adjacent to the Badain Jaran Desert National Park.

After breakfast, you'll head to the Badain Jaran Desert, just a 1-hour drive from town. Spanning 4.7 million square kilometers, the Badain Jaran Desert is the third largest in China and the fourth largest in the world. Recognized by National Geographic as China’s most beautiful desert, it’s famous for its "five wonders": towering dunes, singing sands, vibrant lakes, divine springs, and ancient temples. In 2024, the "Badain Jaran Desert - Sand Mountain Lake Group" was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Your travel route will be adapted to current conditions, with options for hiking or a thrilling Jeep safari, weaving between dunes at elevations of 1,200 to 1,700 meters. Highlights include:

• Colorful Lakes: Among the 113 lakes, 12 freshwater ones, like the stunning 'Red Lake' Dagetu, surrounded by reeds and wildlife, offer serene beauty.
• Giant Peaks: Dunes reaching 200 to 500 meters dominate the landscape, creating a dramatic, wave-like expanse.
• Singing Sands: The desert's 'Singing Sands' create haunting echoes as they shift.
• Oasis Springs: Yinde Ritu's miraculous 108 springs are a vibrant contrast in the arid desert.
• Desert Palace: The 200-year-old Badain Jaran Temple, nestled between sand and lake, is a spiritual gem with captivating murals.

The reference route on this day can be the eastern route: visiting the Sand Geopark Museum and various stunning desert lakes, such as Dagetu (Red Lake), Yinde Ritu (Divine Spring), and Bilutu (Pearl Peak). The day concludes with an overnight stay near Suming Jilin (Temple Lake).

After your desert adventure, rest overnight in a tent at the desert.

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise in the Badain Jaran Desert - a magical display of light and shadow that is truly unforgettable. After breakfast, continue your desert adventure. Explore the ancient Suming Jilin Temple, visit more lakes, marvel at fascinating geological formations, and experience the enchanting phenomenon of the singing sands. The tour concludes at the Geological Park around noon.

(Note: Today’s focus will be on the western route of the desert, but the actual itinerary may be adjusted based on real-time conditions.)

Afterward, it is time to conclude your Badain Jaran Desert tour. There are two departure options: (1) Choice 1: If flight schedules match, you will be escorted to Badain Jaran Airport to catch a flight to your next destination. (2) Choice 2: Return to Zhangye from the desert by private car.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in China and other destinations in Asia. Have a safe journey home!