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The Tengger Desert is located in the southwest of Alxa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on the border with central Gansu Province. The starting point of the Tengger Desert hike is more than 100 kilometers away from the nearby city of Yinchuan. It has convenient transportation and complete logistical support, and has attracted a large number of outdoor enthusiasts to come and experience the hike in recent years.
The Tengger Desert is far away from the city, has no light pollution, and the air is dry, making it very suitable for camping and stargazing. When night falls, the stars are like broken diamonds scattered on the blue-black velvet cloth. Then you can light a bonfire, boil a pot of water and make a pot of tea, and chat and talk to your heart's content under the sky.
China-TravelNote: The entire journey through the Tengger Five Lakes is 50+ kilometers, with nearly 100,000 footsteps. For busy city dwellers, you may only visit it once in your lifetime, but that one trip is enough to savor for a lifetime.
The Tengger Desert has a distinct temperate continental climate with an average annual temperature of around 10°C. It has little precipitation but is dotted with hundreds of beautiful lakes and has clean sand, making it an excellent destination for desert hiking.
Because the Tengger Desert is located in the arid northwest region, the best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and autumn. The temperatures in spring and autumn are moderate, making them ideal for desert hiking. In summer, the weather is cool in the mornings and evenings, but hot at noon, making it suitable for camping, stargazing, and desert surfing. In winter, the weather is cold, with strong northwest winds, making it unsuitable for travel.
Shapotou, Zhongwei
It has China's largest natural sand-slide field and the "No. 1 Yellow River Cableway in the World" across the Yellow River. Here you can ride a camel, go sand-slide on an off-road vehicle, camp, zipline, and even experience sheepskin rafting.
Tonghu Grassland
Located southeast of the Tengger Desert, Shapotou, known as the "back garden" of the region, boasts a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions, including deserts, salt lakes, wetland grasslands, sand springs, oases, pastoral villages, and rock paintings. From the moment guests enter the tourist area, they are greeted by unique hospitality rituals such as the enthusiastic Hada ceremony and the "dismounting wine" ceremony, which elicits a surge of excitement and delight. This is also the filming location for the film "刺凌 (The Tomb of the Assassin)."
Moon Lake
Located in the core of Yin'epengdi in the Tengger Desert, it is a natural lake in the desert. It is called "Moon Lake" and "China Lake" by local herdsmen. You can take a cruise here. It is a place suitable for desert exploration.
Recommended number of days: 4-5 days
Each attraction charges corresponding entrance fees
Shapotou, Zhongwei
Peak season ticket price: 100 yuan, off-season ticket price: 65 yuan
Tonghu Grassland
Combined ticket (including entrance ticket and bonfire party ticket): 100 yuan; entrance ticket: 60 yuan; bonfire party ticket: 50 yuan
Moon Lake
Ticket price: 100 yuan
8:30-17:30 (Opening hours)
The Tengger Desert is one of China's largest deserts and plays an important role in the local ecosystem. It has a rich cultural history, with ancient caravan routes passing through it, linking China to Central Asia. The desert is also home to diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and camels.
The Tengger Desert is located in the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia. The nearest major city is Yinchuan. Visitors typically travel by private car or guided tours, as public transportation options to the desert are limited.
The Tengger Desert is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is more temperate. The summer months are particularly popular for desert activities, while spring and autumn are ideal for fewer crowds and mild weather.
Entrance fees vary depending on the activities you choose, but generally range from 50 to 200 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through tour agencies, especially if you’re booking a guided tour or special activities like camel rides or dune surfing.
It’s not necessary to book tickets far in advance for general entrance, but it is advisable to book tours or special activities like camel rides in advance, especially during the peak season (April to October).
A half-day is generally sufficient for a quick tour of the desert. However, to fully experience activities like dune surfing, camel rides, and jeep tours, a full day is recommended.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides can be arranged for international visitors. Audio guides are less common but can be found in some tour packages.
Start with a visit to the desert’s highest dunes for panoramic views, then take a camel ride through the dunes to experience the desert's vastness. Conclude the day with a jeep tour through the oases and surrounding historical sites.
Night visits are available for stargazing, as the desert offers clear skies and excellent views of the stars. Special nighttime tours are also available, including dinner in the desert under the stars.
The desert can be crowded during the summer months, especially on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), as well as weekdays outside the peak tourist season.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available. There are small shops offering snacks and souvenirs. However, it’s advisable to bring your own food and water for longer visits, as options can be limited in the desert.
Due to the natural terrain, the desert can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, many tours offer more accessible routes for those with limited mobility. Children will enjoy the camel rides and dune activities.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards are rarely accepted in remote desert areas, so it’s best to carry cash.
There are no major restaurants or cafes inside the desert itself, but small local eateries near the entrance serve basic meals. For more dining options, Yinchuan offers a wider selection of restaurants.
Traditional Mongolian food is meat-heavy, but vegetarian and halal options are available in nearby towns. Some desert tour packages may also offer vegetarian meals upon request.
There are no major hotels directly in the desert. Visitors typically stay in guesthouses or budget hotels in nearby towns like Yinchuan or Alxa Left Banner, with transport arranged to the desert for day trips.
There are small souvenir shops selling Mongolian-themed goods, such as camel wool products, traditional garments, and desert-themed crafts. You can also find items made from local wood and leather.
After visiting the Tengger Desert, private car, taxi, or a guided tour bus are the best options to continue your trip. Yinchuan is a major transportation hub, offering buses, trains, and flights to other parts of Inner Mongolia and China.
