Alxa–Zhangye 5-Day Tour: A Detailed Guide to Avoid Pitfalls

New Year’s trip: Alxa–Zhangye 5-day tour, full of excitement! Check out this guide to make your New Year’s trip even more exciting! / 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Xi’an to Lanzhou/Zhangye, the first stop of your Northwest China trip! Day 2: Explore Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area and experience the beauty and grandeur of nature. Day 3: Watch the sunrise at Juyanhai Lake, explore Ceke Port, and enjoy the autumn scenery at Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area. A day full of fun! Day 4: Experience local culture at Danxiakou Cultural Tourism Town and admire the natural wonders at Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Day 5: Return from Lanzhou/Zhangye to Xi’an, ending your wonderful Northwest China trip with a full heart! / Must-see attractions: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: Nantai Village, Nijiaying Town, Linze County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province ⏰Opening hours: All day 🕰️Duration: 3–5 hours Zhangye Danxia is a stunning combination of Danxia landform and colorful hills. You will be amazed by the natural wonders and breathtaking scenery. Definitely worth a visit! Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 100 meters east of Yidao Bridge, Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region ⏰Opening hours: All day 🕰️Duration: 1 day The Populus euphratica forest here has been standing for 3,000 years. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and dazzling, making you feel like you are in a fairy tale world. Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 18 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League (98 km on Jiuhang Road) ⏰Opening hours: All day 🕰️Duration: 1 day Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area attracts visitors with its diverse seasonal scenery. No matter when you visit, you can experience the unique charm of nature. Juyanhai Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍Address: 40 km north of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region ⏰Opening hours: All day 🕰️Duration: 1–2 days The beautiful scenery of Juyanhai Lake is mesmerizing. The lake and sky blend into one, and in autumn, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the sunset, creating a fairyland on earth. / **Notes**: 🚗 Airport transportation: There are no direct flights from Alxa to Zhangye. You can transfer via Yinchuan or Lanzhou, or take a long-distance bus. 🎉 Customs: Respect the local Mongolian culture and experience the unique ethnic customs to avoid conflicts. 🍖 Food: Must-try Alxa roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed mutton, and traditional snacks like cheese and milk tofu. 📸 Photo spots: Zhangye Danxia and Alxa Desert are beautiful photo spots. Don’t miss them! / The deserts of Alxa and the Danxia landform of Zhangye are masterpieces of nature. Don’t miss this magical land! 🌟