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The Houtian Desert, located in the southern part of Houtian Township, Xinjian District, Nanchang, is a rolling sand dune landscape known as the " First Desert in Jiangnan ." It is the alluvial deposits of the former Ganjiang River. Downcutting by the Ganjiang River caused the banks to rise. Through the erosion, transportation, and accumulation of the endless seasonal winds, the present desert landscape was finally formed.
Nanchang Houtian Desert has the characteristics of " Jiangnan mountains and waters, western scenery " , with unique golden sand, clear water, blue sky, grassland natural landscape, and magnificent tourist atmosphere, which complement each other and blend seamlessly.
On the southeastern edge of the desert lies a crescent-shaped lake, formed by water flowing along crescent-shaped sand dunes. At the kiss mark between the desert and the lake, a well-preserved native plant community exists, and you can even spot birds frolicking, making it a worthwhile stop. Approaching the lake, climbing the dunes, and stepping barefoot on the fine sand, you can feel the vastness, vastness, and unrestrainedness of the desert. In this tender place, let your heart awaken along with millennia of wind and sand.
Wander in the Houtian Desert and admire the spectacular desert scenery. Take in the beauty of the Ganjiang River, Jiangxi's mother river , the Moon Island, the friendship island between the Ganjiang and Jingjiang rivers , the Quqiao Bridge, and the observation deck. Play beach volleyball and beach soccer; enjoy desert camel riding, horseback riding, desert off-road vehicles, sandboarding, river zip lines, Mongolian yurts, remote-controlled model boats, motorboats, and more.
Suitable for all seasons
The currently developed scenic spots include: Moon Bay in Longwangmiao Village, the mythical " Dragon King Temple " , the sand sliding field in Tan Village, the Xiangtan Village Desert Sports Area, the Desert Ecological Tourism Area, and the Moon Island Leisure Area.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
27 yuan/person
Package: 80 yuan (including entrance fee, camel, sandboarding, zipline, desert kart, desert motorcycle or jeep surfing)
8:30-17:00
The Houtian Desert Ecological Scenic Area is a significant site in Jiangxi's natural and ecological preservation efforts. It aims to promote environmental awareness while offering visitors a chance to experience desert landscapes in eastern China. The area plays a role in the research and conservation of desert ecosystems.
The Houtian Desert Ecological Scenic Area is located in Nanchang, Jiangxi. It can be reached by taxi from downtown Nanchang. There are no direct metro or bus services to the desert, so taxis or private vehicles are recommended.
The scenic area is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the cooler months from October to March or early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the midday heat.
The entrance fee is approximately 50-80 RMB per person, depending on the time of year. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (April to October). Tickets can be booked online a few days prior to your visit.
A visit typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, especially if you plan to engage in activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, and eco-tours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, but it is advisable to check in advance. Audio guides are not commonly provided.
The best photography spots are atop the sand dunes, where you can capture the expansive desert landscape, as well as from the designated viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the surroundings.
Start your visit by exploring the main sand dunes, then take an eco-tour to learn about the desert flora and fauna. End your visit by enjoying the panoramic views from one of the scenic viewpoints.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, there may be special events during peak tourist seasons, such as desert camping or star-gazing tours.
The area can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The area offers basic amenities such as toilets, water stations, and rest areas. There are a few local shops offering snacks and souvenirs, but no large restaurants are available inside the desert.
The desert terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to the sand dunes. Some areas may be more accessible, but mobility could be an issue in certain parts. Children should be accompanied at all times to ensure safety in the desert environment.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted. However, cash is still widely used for smaller purchases in local shops.
There are no large restaurants inside the Houtian Desert Ecological Scenic Area. Nearby towns and cities like Nanchang offer a wide variety of dining options.
While local restaurants in the area may offer vegetarian or vegan food, halal options are generally not widely available. It is recommended to check with restaurants ahead of time for specific dietary needs.
There are several hotels in Nanchang, which is about a 30-40 minute drive from the desert. Mid-range and budget options are available for overnight stays.
Small souvenir shops in the area offer desert-themed items like sand art, jewelry, and local crafts. Typical souvenirs include items inspired by the desert landscape, such as postcards and hand-carved trinkets.
Taxis or private cars are the best options for continuing your trip. For longer-distance travel, buses or trains can be taken from Nanchang city center.
