China’s deserts are wild, cinematic, and surprisingly diverse. From golden sand seas to otherworldly yardang landforms, these landscapes offer camel treks, dune surfing, stargazing, and ancient Silk Road history. If you’re searching for the best desert destinations in China, this list blends adventure, culture, and unforgettable scenery. Let’s dive into the top 10 deserts in China that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang
The Taklamakan Desert is China’s largest desert and one of the world’s most mysterious. Located in Xinjiang, this vast “Sea of Death” is famous for its towering dunes, shifting sands, and ancient Silk Road ruins buried beneath the surface. Adventurous travelers can drive the desert highway that cuts dramatically through the dunes or visit nearby oasis towns like Hotan and Kashgar. The scenery feels endless and cinematic, especially at sunrise and sunset. If you want a raw, epic desert experience in China, the Taklamakan Desert delivers in every possible way.
2. Badain Jaran Desert, Inner Mongolia
The Badain Jaran Desert is famous for having some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth, with peaks rising over 500 meters. What makes this desert truly special are the hidden freshwater lakes nestled between massive dunes, creating a surreal contrast of blue and gold. Located in Inner Mongolia, it’s a paradise for photographers and off-road enthusiasts. You can explore by 4×4 vehicle, camel, or guided trekking tours. For travelers seeking dramatic landscapes and unique desert beauty, Badain Jaran is one of the most stunning desert destinations in China.
3. Kumtag Desert, Gansu
Located near Dunhuang in Gansu Province, the Kumtag Desert is easily accessible and perfect for first-time desert explorers. The dunes sit right beside the city, allowing visitors to walk from urban streets directly into rolling sands. Popular activities include sandboarding, camel rides, and watching the sun sink below golden waves of dunes. Its compact size makes it ideal for short trips without sacrificing that authentic desert vibe. If you’re combining history at Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves with natural adventure, Kumtag Desert is a must-visit stop.
4. Gobi Desert, Northern China
The Gobi Desert stretches across northern China and Mongolia and is unlike typical sandy deserts. Instead of endless dunes, you’ll find rocky plains, gravel fields, and dramatic cliffs. It’s one of the world’s most historically significant deserts, known for dinosaur fossil discoveries and ancient trade routes. Travelers can explore remote regions in Inner Mongolia for authentic nomadic culture and vast open skies. The Gobi feels rugged and untouched, offering a different kind of desert adventure in China, less about sandboarding and more about raw, untamed wilderness.
5. Tengger Desert, Inner Mongolia & Ningxia
The Tengger Desert is one of the most accessible desert destinations near major cities like Yinchuan. Known for its golden dunes and star-filled skies, it’s a popular spot for camping and desert festivals. Many travelers come here for overnight glamping experiences, complete with bonfires and sunrise views over the sand. Adventure lovers can enjoy off-road driving and camel trekking across the rolling landscape. If you want a comfortable yet exciting desert getaway in China, Tengger Desert strikes the perfect balance between adventure and convenience.
6. Kubuqi Desert, Inner Mongolia
The Kubuqi Desert is often called China’s “eco-success story” thanks to large-scale desert restoration projects. Located in Inner Mongolia, it has transformed into a sustainable tourism destination while maintaining its beautiful dune scenery. Visitors can ride camels, try ziplining over the sand, or relax in desert resorts designed for comfort. Its accessibility from Baotou makes it ideal for weekend trips. For travelers interested in both desert landscapes and environmental innovation, Kubuqi offers a unique and inspiring desert experience in China.
7. Mu Us Desert, Shaanxi & Inner Mongolia
The Mu Us Desert blends sandy dunes with grasslands, creating a fascinating transition zone between desert and steppe. Located between Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia, it’s less touristy than other famous deserts, offering a quieter and more authentic atmosphere. The landscape feels softer, with vegetation patches breaking up the sand. It’s a great destination for photography, peaceful walks, and cultural encounters with local communities. If you prefer off-the-beaten-path desert destinations in China, Mu Us Desert provides solitude and subtle natural beauty.
8. Ulan Buh Desert, Inner Mongolia
Situated near the Yellow River, the Ulan Buh Desert offers dramatic contrasts between flowing water and rolling dunes. It’s smaller than some other deserts on this list, but perfect for short adventures and desert sports. Visitors can enjoy ATV rides, desert hiking, and scenic photography sessions. The proximity to agricultural zones also makes the transformation story of this desert fascinating. For travelers wanting a quick yet exciting desert escape in northern China, Ulan Buh Desert is an excellent choice.
9. Qaidam Basin, Qinghai
The Qaidam Basin feels almost extraterrestrial, with vast salt flats, yardang landforms, and wide-open desert plains. Located in Qinghai Province, it’s less about sand dunes and more about unique geological formations. The region’s isolation makes it incredibly peaceful and ideal for road trips and landscape photography. Some areas resemble Mars-like terrain, attracting adventurers seeking something beyond typical desert scenery. If you’re looking for one of China’s most unusual desert destinations, Qaidam Basin will leave you speechless.
10. Gurbantünggüt Desert, Xinjiang
Also known as the Junggar Desert, the Gurbantünggüt Desert is China’s second-largest desert. Located in northern Xinjiang, it’s unique for its seasonal snow cover, which creates stunning winter desert landscapes. Unlike the harsher Taklamakan, this desert supports more vegetation and wildlife. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, less commercialized desert experience. Whether you visit in summer for golden dunes or winter for snow-dusted sands, Gurbantünggüt offers a distinctive and memorable desert adventure in China.
Conclusion
From the towering dunes of Badain Jaran to the surreal salt flats of Qaidam Basin, these top desert destinations in China showcase the country’s incredible geographic diversity. Whether you’re chasing adventure, photography, cultural history, or peaceful solitude, China’s deserts offer unforgettable journeys. Add a few of these stunning landscapes to your travel list and experience a side of China most tourists never see.