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Alxa Citywalk: 3-Day Itinerary — Desert Wonders & Thousand-Year Poplar Forests
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Alxa Citywalk: 3-Day Itinerary — Desert Wonders & Thousand-Year Poplar Forests
Overview
Alxa, "Colorful Land" in Mongolian — far western Inner Mongolia. The Badain Jaran Desert has the world's tallest sand dunes, and Ejina poplar forests turn gold each autumn. Three days of desert adventures, ancient rock art, and Mongolian feasts.
Best Season: late Sep-Oct | Budget: ¥1,000-2,000
Day 1: Alxa Left Banner
Guangzong Temple (¥80), Moon Lake (¥80 with dune bashing).
Day 2: Badain Jaran Desert (¥220)
World's 3rd largest desert — tallest dune Bilutu Peak (1617m), 108 desert lakes. 5-6 hour off-road.
Day 3: Mandela Mountain Petroglyphs (¥40) + Dingyuanying Fort (free)
4000+ rock carvings spanning millennia.
Food
- Roast whole lamb
- Camel hoof
- Sand onion scrambled eggs