Alxa League Travel

Alxa, Inner Mongolia — a secret land where deserts dance with populus forests. Explore Badain Jaran Desert, admire Ejina Populus forest, climb Helan Mountain, discover Black City ruins.

270,000 km²
Total Area
3
4A Scenic Spots
World's Third Largest Desert
Badain Jaran
China's Most Beautiful Populus Forest
Ejina

Alxa League Counties & Districts Tourism

Alxa Left Banner

League administrative center

Helan MountainGuangzong TempleMoon Lake
Alxa Right Banner

Heart of the desert

Badain Jaran DesertMandela Mountain Rock PaintingsHaisen Chulu Strange Stone Forest
Ejina Banner

Homeland of populus

Ejina Populus ForestBlack City RuinsJuyan Lake

Alxa Four-Day Three-Night Desert Populus Culture Tour

Desert adventure + populus photography + cultural ruins + mountain scenery, experience diverse Alxa

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Main Destinations
Badain Jaran Desert, Ejina Populus Forest, Helan Mountain, Black City Ruins
Suitable For
Adventure enthusiasts, photographers, culture explorers, nature lovers
Budget Per Person
¥1500-¥3500
01
Desert Wonders
Alxa Right Banner Tour
Highlights

Badain Jaran Desert Expedition

Attractions
Badain Jaran Desert
The world's third-largest desert, renowned for its "five wonders": unique peaks, singing sands, lakes, sacred springs, and temples. Enjoy desert off-roading, sand sliding, camel riding and more.
Mandela Mountain Rock Paintings
Well-preserved ancient rock art group, mainly depicting hunting and dancing scenes. An important relic for studying ancient nomadic culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Suggestions
  • Desert camp tent
  • Right Banner business hotel
  • Left Banner star-rated hotel
Special Notes
  • Large temperature difference in desert; pack enough clothes
  • Enter desert only with professional guides
  • Bring plenty of drinking water
02
Populus Secret Realm
Ejina Banner Tour
Highlights

Ejina Populus Forest Photography

Attractions
Ejina Populus Forest
One of the world's three largest populus forests. In autumn the forest turns golden, earning it the title "living fossil". A paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Juyan Lake
A lake wetland in the desert, an important stopover for migratory birds. The lake and mountain scenery contrasts vividly with the surrounding desert.
Practical Info
Photography Tips
  • Best shots at sunrise and sunset
  • Prepare a telephoto lens
  • Wear bright-colored clothing
03
Cultural Ruins
Ejina Banner Tour
Highlights

Exploring the Black City Ruins

Attractions
Black City Ruins
Ruins of an ancient Western Xia city, once an important stronghold on the Silk Road. Remains include city walls and pagodas, full of mystery.
Dead Populus Forest
An area of withered populus trees, whose twisted forms create a unique "sculpture garden" in the desert, offering a powerful visual impact.
Practical Info
Visiting Advice
  • Listen to guides to understand history
  • No climbing on ruins
  • Bring sun protection
04
Mountain Scenery
Alxa Left Banner Tour
Highlights

Helan Mountain & Guangzong Temple

Attractions
Helan Mountain
The natural barrier of Alxa, with its main peak reaching 3556 meters. The mountain features primeval forests and rich flora and fauna, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Guangzong Temple (South Temple)
A Gelug sect Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded during the Qianlong period. It houses a large collection of Buddhist artifacts and murals, serving as an important religious and cultural center in Alxa.
Practical Info
Return Advice
  • Buy Alxa special stones as souvenirs
  • Allow ample time for return journey

Must-Try Foods in Alxa League

Alxa Camel Meat

A local delicacy. Camel meat is tender and can be prepared as hand-grabbed meat, camel meat pies, and other dishes. Rich in nutrition.

Sand Onion (Shacong)

A desert specialty vegetable growing in sandy soil. Crisp and tender texture, can be eaten cold or stir-fried, with a unique fragrance.

Alxa League Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Sep-Oct: Peak season for populus forest
  • May-Jun: Pleasant desert climate
  • Jul-Aug: Summer resort
Travel Reminders
  • Protect against sun and wind in desert areas
  • Do not break branches in populus forest reserve
  • No carving on cultural ruins
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Populus forest ¥240 + Black City ¥150 ≈ ¥390
  • Accommodation: ¥300-1000/night
  • Meals: ¥100-300/day
  • Transport: ¥800-2000 (private car recommended)
  • Experiences: Desert off-road ¥300/hour
  • Total: ¥1500-3500