China Desert Travel Tips & Packing List 2023

The earliest understanding of desert in ancient China was from ancient poetry of the famous poet Wang Wei, which was described as the picturesque scene, "From wastes of sand one smoke plume rises sheer. Past the long river, the round sun sinks low." The impression of the desert is the ruggedness and desolation of it for most people. The mysterious and unique desert also attracts many people to capture its splendor. Besides the magnificent scenery, the desert environment is very harsh and cruel, so getting prepared well in advance and having a professional guide with you are necessary for most visitors.

What to Pack in the Desert

• Clothing: Bring outdoor windproof, sandproof, and quick-drying clothes; bring sunblock items like sunglasses (goggles), sunhat, sunscreen, headscarves, masks, to reduce skin exposure, and remember to cover your neck. In the morning and evening, wear a light warm coat, or down jacket and take off at noon.
• Shoes: Wear high-top climbing shoes or desert boots when crossing the desert on foot and bring a sandproof shoe cover.
• Water: You can carry as much water as you can, and you can take two water bottles to fill them with water.
• Supplement: Electrolyte tablets, energy drinks, energy bars, raisins, snacks.
• Other Items: Walking stick, sleeping bags; medicine, toiletries, mosquito repellents, mobile power, camera, and sandproof covers, etc .

Other Desert Travel Tips

• Hiking: choose the windward side to walk near the upper part of the sand dune. Carry a walking stick, which can reduce the burden on the knee, and improve the efficiency of the road. Avoid activities during the hottest period of the day (10 am to 4 pm).
• Walking stick: when using the strap on the hand, your wrist will be held on the strap and pull it backward as you walk. This walking stick can save a lot of strength when used well, and the walking speed will be improved greatly.
• Best Time to Visit: The best season to visit the Badain Jaran desert is from mid-April to late October, and the best season for desert hiking is from September to October.
• UV: Badain Jaran Desert is generally between 1200 and 1500 meters above sea level. The sunlight and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Please wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunshade hat, and other sunblock items..
• Temperature: The temperature varies a lot between day and night in the desert and the weather is changeable. Please bring extra layers (to keep warm, windproof, sandproof).
• Moisture: The climate in the desert area is dry. Please drink more water and bring a lip balm and skin moisturizer.
• Drugs: Please bring your own necessary medicine to prevent fever, diarrhea, carsickness, and skin allergy for emergency use.
• Photography: The sunrise and sunset in the desert are very beautiful. Tourists with photography equipment should pay attention to protect cameras, lenses, and other items to prevent sand from damaging the equipment.
• Bugs: To prevent mosquitoes, bring some mosquito repellents.
• Tradition: In the ethnic minority areas, beef and mutton are the main food. Tourist should respect their tradition and local customs and avoid talking about sensitive topics.
• Camping: When camping in the desert, it's better to have professionals help you build tents and ask for their suggestions in advance. Please prepare sufficient drinking water, food, medicine, tents, and communication equipment.
• Camels: Although the camel looks cute, don't get too close to the camel's hind feet and head, in case it kicks people. Although the camel is docile, it is very dangerous after being frightened. When riding a camel, it is necessary to have its owner around. 
• Ecosystem: Tourists should take the garbage out of the desert. Please do not damage all kinds of plants in the desert and save water and protect the environment of the scenic spot, especially the water area.