Details
Zhangye — Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains — Alien Valley — Kangle Grassland — Sunan
Zhangye, historically known as Ganzhou, derives its name from the ancient saying “stretching the nation’s arms to the Western Regions.” Located in northwest Gansu Province and the central section of the Hexi Corridor, it has long been known as the “Land of Mulberry and Hemp” and “Jiangnan on the Frontier.” As the old poem goes: “Unless you see snow atop the Qilian Mountains, you may mistake Zhangye for Jiangnan.”
In the morning, visit the stunning Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains, surrounded by poplar forests in the Gobi desert. Situated on the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, this area is one of China’s largest and most colorful Danxia landforms, ranked among the country’s top seven by China National Geography. Multiple viewing platforms offer excellent sightseeing and photography opportunities.
Then continue to the Alien Valley Interstellar Geological Park, known for its bizarre rock formations, colorful ridges, and dramatic landscape. Afterward, drive toward the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, passing through Kangle Grassland—a vast area of 2.68 million mu featuring grasslands, forests, monasteries, alpine scenery, and ethnic culture.
Arrive in Sunan in the evening for dinner and hotel check-in.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (local specialties)
Accommodation: Zhangye Shangjing Hotel
Sunan — 81 Glacier — Qilian
After breakfast, drive to the 81 Glacier, also known as Xiao Shalong Glacier. Located on the south slope of the Nanshan mountains of the Qilian Range, it is one source of the Heihe River, China’s second-largest inland river. This ice-cap glacier is remarkably pristine, shining like a white waterfall under sunlight. Visitors can get close to the glacier with only a short trek required.
Continue toward Qilian and stop by Binggou Forest, an ancient woodland with clear streams and herds grazing on the slopes—resembling the mystical forests seen in fantasy films.
Arrive in Qilian County in the evening for dinner and rest.
Note: The road to the glacier is relatively rough (washboard gravel road). A short high-altitude hike (~4800m) is required; guests with low fitness levels are not recommended.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included(local specialties)
Accommodation: Sunan Xizhihazi Hotel
Qilian — Zhurong Mountain — Biandukou — Shandan Military Horse Farm
After breakfast, visit Zhuo’er Mountain (Zhuo’er Shan). A Danxia landscape known for its panoramic views—opposite lies the majestic Niuxin Mountain, behind stretches the Qilian Mountain range, and below winds the Ba River like a white ribbon around the town.
Next, drive toward Shandan, passing the beautiful Biandukou Ecological Scenic Area.
In the afternoon, arrive at the world-renowned Shandan Military Horse Farm, the largest and oldest horse farm on earth. Founded in 121 BC by General Huo Qubing of the Western Han Dynasty, it spans over 2,195 km².
Enjoy a 1.5-hour horseback riding experience into the core area of Qilian Mountain National Park—following ancient military trails and imagining the heroic battles of General Huo Qubing.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner included(local specialties)
Accommodation: Qilian Bolton Hotel
Shandan Military Horse Farm — Badain Jaran Desert
Rise early to witness the rare and breathtaking “Hundreds of Horses Drinking Water” scene—herds galloping across the grassland to the lake.
Continue to Badain Jaran Desert Scenic Area and transfer to off-road desert jeeps for a thrilling ride deep into the desert. Explore towering sand dunes, colorful salt and freshwater lakes, including Tama Ying Lake, Zhalate Lake, Xiaohai Lake, and the mysterious Red Lake (Honghaizi)—which appears pink due to mineral content or the presence of halophilic red brine shrimp.
Climb to the “Peak of the Desert” for panoramic shots of the desert, its lakes, monastery reflections, and the sunset.
Optional: astrophotography at night—this area has extremely low light pollution and stunning views of the Milky Way.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner included(local specialties)
Accommodation: Desert Guesthouse (Business Standard)
Badain Jaran Desert — Alxa Right Banner — Pingshanhu Grand Canyon — Zhangye
After sunrise viewing, exit the desert by jeep and continue to Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, China’s closest canyon scenic area to a major city—combining natural wonders, geology, adventure, and ethnic culture.
With landscapes compared to “Dunhuang’s Devil City,” ancient Roman fortresses, Zhangjiajie, and Colorado Canyon, it is praised by experts worldwide.
Arrive in Zhangye in the evening for dinner and hotel check-in.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner included(local specialties)
Accommodation: Badain Jaran Desert Mongolian Yurt
Zhangye Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Zhangye airport or train station according to your schedule. Return home at your own convenience.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: None (departure day)
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | 2026-02 | $ 1547 | Book now |
| Mar | 2026-03 | $ 1547 | Book now |
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 1547 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 1647 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 Six Days in Gobi Waterland and Seven-Colored Danxia, Badain Jaran Desert
Fee Description
Inclusions
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Accommodation: 5 nights in quality hotels
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Meals: 5 breakfasts + 10 local specialty meals
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Transportation: Toyota Prado or similar 5-seat vehicle (including tolls, fuel, parking, driver expenses)
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Entrance Tickets:
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Rainbow Mountains
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Alien Valley
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Shandan Horse Farm
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Zhuo’er Mountain
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Badain Jaran Desert
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Pingshanhu Grand Canyon
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Desert Jeep Transfer Fees
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Travel Insurance
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Guarantee: Minimum 2 people / Daily departure / Private Tour
Travel Notes
(I will keep this section concise but professional for use in your travel brochure.)
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Weather in Qinghai–Gansu regions is dry; drink plenty of water and eat fruits. Prepare basic medicine.
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Strong UV radiation—bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, mask.
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Day–night temperature difference is significant; bring warm clothing.
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Local cuisine is heavy with lamb/beef and spices; restaurants may be simpler due to remote locations.
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Photography inside Tibetan monasteries is prohibited unless permitted.
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Altitude varies from 2300–3500m; avoid strenuous activity. Prepare altitude-related medicine such as Rhodiola.
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Respect Muslim customs—avoid pork in Hui areas; do not drink or smoke in mosques.
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For desert activities: stay with the group, protect equipment from sand, wear light UV-protective clothing, and carry water.
