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Kubuqi, my country's seventh-largest desert, is the closest to Beijing and Tianjin, and a favorite destination for hikers. With dancing yellow sand and fluttering turbans, Kubuqi's untouched landscape presents a magnificent and vast canvas. You see endless dunes in the distance; you watch the fading sunset fade; you see black beetles rustling in the sunlight; you hear the crisp sound of camel bells blooming in your ears.
Inner Mongolia has a semi-humid temperate monsoon climate, with a semi-humid eastern zone and a semi-arid western zone. The Kubuqi Scenic Area has a desert climate, with 25-35 days of strong winds annually, scorching summers, and bitterly cold winters. Only autumn (mid-September to late October, approximately 40 days) has mild weather, making it the ideal season for desert exploration. If you visit during or after rain, the dunes will be silent.
The best time to cross the desert: May, June, September and October every year.
Heilaigou
It is a very famous ditch in the Kubuqi Desert. There is water all year round, and the water volume is not small. In winter, it becomes a beautiful glacier.
120 yuan/person
All day
The Kubuqi Desert is one of China’s largest deserts, and it plays a significant role in the region’s ecosystem and climate. It is part of the larger Ordos Desert region and has been a focal point for various environmental efforts aimed at combating desertification. Historically, the desert has been a place of settlement for various ethnic groups, including the Mongols.
The Kubuqi Desert is located in the Hangjin Banner of Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. The best way to get there is by taking a flight to Ordos, followed by a taxi or private car ride to the desert. Buses and local transportation may be available, but they are less convenient for tourists.
The Kubuqi Desert is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are milder. The summer months can be very hot, and winter can be quite cold, making those seasons less ideal for desert exploration.
Entrance to the Kubuqi Desert is free for general visitors, but certain activities like camel rides or jeep tours may have additional fees. Tickets for these activities can usually be purchased on-site. It is recommended to book tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking for specific activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and guided desert tours is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. It is ideal to book these at least a few days in advance to ensure availability.
To fully explore the Kubuqi Desert, a visit of 1-2 days is recommended. This allows time for camel rides, sandboarding, and a desert tour. If you are interested in stargazing or exploring specific areas, you may want to extend your visit.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer services in English during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are not typically available, so a guided tour is the best way to learn about the desert’s history and ecology.
Start by visiting the main entrance area for an introduction to the desert. Then, head for the dunes where camel rides and sandboarding are available. For a more in-depth experience, opt for a 4x4 tour to explore the more remote areas of the desert.
Night visits are available, and the desert’s remote location makes it ideal for stargazing. Light shows are not a feature of the desert experience, but the natural beauty and clear skies at night offer a spectacular view of the stars.
The Kubuqi Desert can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities are available at the desert’s entrance and major tourist areas, including toilets, water stations, and small shops selling souvenirs. There are also food stalls offering local snacks. For more extensive dining, it is best to go to Ordos City.
While the Kubuqi Desert is a natural site with rough terrain, elderly and disabled visitors can enjoy the desert via jeep tours. However, for activities like camel rides and sandboarding, visitors should be in good physical condition.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are commonly used in tourist areas. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it’s recommended to carry cash or use mobile payment options.
Basic food stalls are available at the desert’s entrance, offering local snacks like Mongolian barbecue. For more extensive dining options, head to Ordos City, where a range of Chinese restaurants are available.
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited in the desert, but you may find simple vegetable dishes. Halal food is available in Ordos City due to the presence of a Muslim community.
There are some basic accommodations near the desert, including guesthouses and eco-lodges. For more luxurious options, you’ll need to stay in Ordos City, which offers a variety of hotels ranging from budget to high-end.
Souvenir shops are available near the desert entrance, selling items like Mongolian wool products, traditional crafts, and desert-themed items such as sand jars and postcards.
