Badain Jaran Travel Guide

Badain Jaran Travel Guide

The Badain Jaran Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠) is China’s third-largest desert, covering over 49,000 square kilometers. It’s a surreal landscape of towering dunes (some over 500 meters high), more than 100 spring-fed lakes, and remote oases. The combination of sand, water, and spiritual isolation makes this place feel like another planet.

This desert is not well-developed for tourism, which adds to its raw beauty. You’ll need a guide and off-road vehicle to explore its remote interior, but the rewards are stunning.

Highlights

Badain Jaran Dunes

• The dunes here are the tallest in the world, reaching up to 500+ meters.

• Dunes like Bilutu Peak (必鲁图峰) offer panoramic views over desert and lakes.

• Sand makes an eerie "booming" sound when you slide down—it's called “singing sand”.

Lakes in the Desert

• Over 140 lakes, many saltwater and some freshwater, are scattered among the dunes.

• Badain Lake (巴丹湖) is a key one—it gives the desert its name.

• These lakes are often surrounded by vegetation and sometimes wild camels.

Badain Jaran Temple

• A small Tibetan Buddhist temple nestled among the dunes.

• Still active with monks—it's incredibly remote and peaceful.

• Dates back over 150 years, remarkably well-preserved given its location.

Camel Treks & Jeep Tours

• Camel rides are possible near tourist bases, but jeep tours are the real adventure.

• 4WD jeeps navigate steep sand dunes and oases.

Best Time to Visit

Best months: September and October.

How to Get There

Nearest Airports:

• Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (甘州机场) – in Gansu Province (~4 hrs drive)

• Jinchang Jinchuan Airport (金昌机场) – closer but with fewer flights

By Train:

• Zhangye West Station – from Lanzhou, Xining, Xi’an

• From Zhangye, transfer to Alxa Right Banner (阿拉善右旗), also called Badain Jaran Town

Local Access:

• From Badain Jaran Town, hire a 4WD tour with an experienced driver/guide into the desert. This is essential—self-driving is not recommended due to the extreme terrain.

Where to Stay

In/near Badain Jaran Town:

• Basic Guesthouses – Simple, functional accommodation

• Nomad-style tents – Some tour operators offer overnight desert camps

Inside the Desert:

• Camping by a lake or sand dune (with guide)

• Temple guesthouse (very limited, needs pre-arrangement)

Activities

• Dune Hiking: Climb Bilutu and other massive dunes for epic views.

• Photography: Mirror-like lakes, colorful sunrises/sunsets, stars at night.

• Stargazing: With almost no light pollution, the Milky Way is crystal clear.

• Cultural Visits: Visit the temple, speak with monks, learn about local Mongolian and Tibetan traditions.

• Off-road Driving: High-adrenaline 4WD dune riding (with a guide).

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (and warm layers for night)

• Scarf or mask (for sandstorms)

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

• Hiking boots or durable shoes

• Headlamp for night

• Power bank (no electricity in desert camps)

• Cash (no ATMs in remote areas)

• Passport & permits

Travel Tips

• Permits: No special permits required, but carry ID/passport at all times.

• Language: Few people speak English; Mandarin and Mongolian dominate. A local guide is crucial.

• Health: No hospitals in the desert—bring basic medication and stay hydrated.

• Eco-conscious travel: Leave no trace, take trash out with you.

• Connectivity: Limited to none. Prepare to be offline.

Recommended Tours

Most desert tours last 2–3 days, often arranged from Zhangye or Alxa Right Banner. A good tour includes:

• Jeep and driver/guide

• Food and water

• Tent or desert lodging

• Visits to major lakes, dunes, and the temple

The Badain Jaran Desert is one of China’s greatest hidden gems. Remote, raw, and visually arresting, it’s a dream for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers. The lack of crowds and the surreal scenery make it a once-in-a-lifetime destination—a place where sand, silence, and spirituality converge.