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The Ningxia Desert Customs Garden is a beautiful cultural site located in the desert. Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the desert, enjoy scenic walks, and observe how the garden integrates traditional customs and desert landscapes. A great activity is taking a guided tour to learn about the desert's ecological balance, as well as the cultural significance of the plants and structures in the garden.
The Desert Style Tourist Resort fully showcases the breathtaking beauty of the fully ecological Tengger Desert. Key attractions include the Desert Sea Viewing Tower, the Silk Road Street, the Wild Zone, the Military Camp, and the Silk Road Camel Caravan. The Wild Zone is a comprehensive recreational area and scenic vehicle-based attractions. Inspired by a sand-buried royal city, it recreates the feel of the ancient Silk Road, creating a dialogue between the present and the ancient. The crisp sound of camel bells accompanies the rustling of the desert wind. Grab a camel's hump with both hands, sway to the rhythm of the camel's trek, and let the fatigue of the journey fade away.
Suitable for all seasons;
It has a semi-arid climate with the characteristics of typical continental monsoon climate and desert climate, with late spring, early autumn, short hot summer, long cold winter, strong winds, abundant sand, drought and little rain.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Famous attractions: Silk Road Camel Caravan, Desert Viewing Tower
65/person
8:00-18:00
The Ningxia Desert Customs Garden is an ecological and cultural preservation site that aims to showcase desert plant life while also preserving the traditional customs related to desert living. The garden combines natural beauty with a focus on sustainable agriculture, desert horticulture, and the local culture of Ningxia. It offers a unique glimpse into desert life and showcases how ancient customs still influence modern desert farming practices.
The Ningxia Desert Customs Garden is located in Ningxia, a region in north-central China. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from central Ningxia. Public transportation options like buses may be limited, so a taxi or car rental is recommended to reach the garden.
The Ningxia Desert Customs Garden is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn, as the weather is milder and ideal for walking around the desert garden. Summer can be very hot, so it's best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
The entrance fee to the Ningxia Desert Customs Garden is typically affordable. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. Currently, there are no online ticketing options available, so it is advised to buy tickets on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visitors. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead if you're planning to visit during busy times or if you're part of a large group.
Visitors typically need around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the garden. If you prefer a more relaxed visit with plenty of time for photography or guided tours, you might want to allocate 3 hours for the visit.
The main highlights of the garden include the desert plant collection, which showcases various types of desert flora, and the cultural exhibits detailing desert life and traditions. The central garden area, with its serene walking paths, provides great views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and a few tours may offer English-speaking guides depending on availability. Audio guides may not be available, so it’s best to check ahead if you prefer a tour in English.
The best viewpoints are near the central garden area and the elevated walking paths, where you can capture panoramic views of the desert landscape and the unique plant life. The sunset hours provide beautiful lighting for photography, especially over the desert horizon.
Start your visit by walking through the entrance to the main garden area, where you can explore different desert plants. Afterward, take a stroll through the ecological zones to learn about the garden’s desert farming practices. Finally, make your way to the elevated viewpoints for a broader view of the surrounding desert.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Ningxia Desert Customs Garden. The site is primarily a daytime attraction focused on desert ecology and cultural heritage.
The garden is typically not overcrowded, but it can become busier on weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays, particularly in the morning, tends to be the least crowded time.
Basic facilities, including restrooms and shaded seating areas, are available. There are no food or water stations within the garden, so it's a good idea to bring your own snacks and water. No souvenir shops are located inside the garden.
The garden has paved walking paths, but some areas may be challenging for visitors with limited mobility due to the desert terrain. It’s advisable to check with the garden staff in advance for any special accommodations needed for disabled visitors.
Cash is typically required for ticket purchases. Mobile payments or credit card options may not be widely accepted at the garden, so it is best to carry cash for entrance fees and any small purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the garden. However, nearby towns offer a range of dining options, including local Ningxia cuisine and desert-based dishes.
In nearby restaurants, you can find vegetarian and halal food options, especially in areas where the Hui Muslim community resides.
There are several hotels in Ningxia city and nearby areas that offer convenient accommodation. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
Nearby attractions include the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum and the Helan Mountains. Both sites can easily be combined for a day trip to explore more about the region's culture and natural beauty.
There are no souvenir shops inside the garden. However, local markets and shops in Ningxia offer a range of souvenirs, including traditional crafts, Ningxia wine, and desert-themed items.
After visiting, you can use taxis or private cars to continue your trip. Public buses may also be available for traveling to nearby attractions or returning to the city center.
