Off-Road Adventure in the Tengger Desert! The Heart of the Earth: Ulan Lake

If you've never witnessed the vast wonders of the desert or experienced the rich folk culture of Northwest China, then Alxa League is your perfect destination. Here’s a carefully planned in-depth tour of Alxa League to help you fully appreciate its unique charm. **Accommodation** **Luxury** - **Taixi International Hotel, Alxa League**: Located on Elute West Road, Alxa Left Banner, this hotel boasts luxurious decor, spacious and comfortable rooms, and comprehensive facilities including a gym and Chinese restaurant, offering a high-quality stay with attentive service, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and elegance. - **Yihe Grand Hotel, Alxa League**: Situated on Tuerhute South Road, Bayanhot Town, Alxa Left Banner, this hotel enjoys an excellent location. With elegant surroundings, well-appointed rooms, and top-notch facilities, it’s perfect for both business trips and leisure vacations. **Comfort** - **Jindu Hotel, Alxa Left Banner**: Located on Elute East Road, Alxa Left Banner, this hotel offers convenient transportation, clean and tidy rooms, great value for money, and complete surrounding amenities to meet basic travel needs. - **Xianglong Hotel, Alxa Right Banner**: On Yabrai Road, Badain Jaran Town, Alxa Right Banner, near the local commercial area, this budget-friendly hotel provides cozy rooms and a homely atmosphere. **Culinary Delights** **Meat Dishes** - **Roasted Whole Lamb**: Made from premium local Alxa sheep, marinated with unique techniques and roasted in a special oven. The skin is golden and crispy, the meat tender and juicy, with an irresistible aroma—a centerpiece dish for feasts in Alxa. - **Braised Lamb with Potatoes**: Tender lamb cooked with potatoes, carrots, and rich broth. The meat melts in your mouth, and the savory broth pairs perfectly with rice. **Local Staples** - **Sand Leek and Lamb Buns**: Sand leek, a local wild vegetable, is paired with fresh lamb as filling. The buns have thin wrappers and generous fillings, offering a delightful mix of fragrant leek and savory lamb. - **Camel Paw**: A traditional Alxa delicacy, camel paw is tender and nutritious, often braised for a rich, soft texture. **Snacks** - **Liangpi (Cold Noodles)**: Chewy noodles tossed with chili oil, vinegar, garlic, and cucumber strips—a tangy and spicy street snack. - **Milk Skin**: Made from the fatty layer of cow or sheep milk, it’s sweet, nutritious, and can be eaten alone or added to milk tea for extra richness. **Attractions** - **Badain Jaran Desert**: The world’s fourth-largest desert, featuring stunning dunes and lakes. Its towering dunes and scattered lakes make it a paradise for hikers and off-road enthusiasts. - **Tengger Desert**: China’s fourth-largest desert, where you can try sandboarding, camel rides, and witness breathtaking desert sunrises and sunsets. - **Populus Euphratica Forest**: In autumn, the golden leaves contrast beautifully with the blue sky and desert, creating a picturesque scene for photographers. - **Heicheng Ruins, Ejina Banner**: The most intact and grand ancient city ruins on the Silk Road, exuding historical grandeur and the passage of time. **5-Day Itinerary** **Day 1** - Morning: Arrive in Alxa Left Banner, check in at Taixi International Hotel, and rest. - Noon: Try sand leek and lamb buns with milk tea for lunch. - Afternoon: Visit Alxa Museum to learn about local history, culture, and geology. - Evening: Enjoy braised lamb for dinner, then explore the night market. **Day 2** - Morning: Head to Tengger Desert for an off-road adventure. - Noon: Lunch at a desert camp, featuring grilled lamb skewers. - Afternoon: Try sandboarding and camel rides. - Evening: Join a bonfire party, feast on roasted lamb, and sleep in a desert tent under the stars. **Day 3** - Morning: Watch the desert sunrise, then travel to Badain Jaran Desert. - Noon: Lunch near the desert, sampling camel paw. - Afternoon: Explore the desert’s lakes and dunes. - Evening: Stay in Badain Jaran Town and enjoy local dishes. **Day 4** - Morning: Travel to Ejina Banner and visit the Populus Euphratica Forest. - Noon: Lunch near the forest. - Afternoon: Continue exploring the forest’s golden scenery. - Evening: Try liangpi for dinner and admire the night views. **Day 5** - Morning: Tour Heicheng Ruins and the "Strange Forest" of withered poplars. - Noon: Pack up and depart after lunch. Alxa League—a land of mystery and beauty, with vast deserts, golden poplars, and ancient ruins—awaits your visit for an unforgettable journey.