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The Qixing Lake Desert Ecotourism Area is an ecological national AAAA-level tourist scenic spot with desert ecological construction as its theme, desert resources as its support, and desert ecotourism as its highlight.
Located in the heart of the Kubuqi Desert in Hangjin Banner, Ordos City, the tourist area is a clear expanse of water amidst the vast desert. Seven Star Lakes comprises seven lakes, including Zahan Daotu, Dongdadaotu, and Dadaotu, collectively known as Daotu Lake. Like three pearls set side by side in the vast Kubuqi Desert, these lakes boast clear water, lush aquatic plants, and are surrounded by sand dunes, creating a truly magical scene.
Qixing Lake is also home to a variety of birds, including thousands of relict gulls, a nationally protected species. Visitors also have the opportunity to spot white swans. Located south of Dadaotu Lake, this is the scenic area's upscale shopping district, offering accommodations and dining options in a Mongolian-style garden comprised of villas and high-end yurts.
June-September
The tourist area is located in the heart of the desert, with inconvenient transportation. The area is very large, and you can only visit a very small part of the scenic area by walking alone. Therefore, it is recommended to drive or charter a car to the scenic area and enter the scenic area for sightseeing.
The tourist area offers visitors the most natural scenery, lacking numerous entertainment facilities. The natural landscapes of the sand sea, sand hills, and lakes are perfectly preserved. Visitors can fully enjoy the comforts of nature here, climbing the sand hills with their children, strolling by the lake, or watching the sunrise and sunset over the desert from the lakeside at dawn and dusk.
Adult ticket: 100 yuan. Children under 1.2 meters tall are free; seniors 70 and older with a senior citizen card or ID card are free; children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters tall can purchase discounted tickets; students with student cards can purchase discounted tickets; seniors between 60 and 70 years old can purchase tickets with their senior citizen card or ID card.
8:30-18:00
Qixing Lake Desert Ecological Zone is a unique desert landscape in Inner Mongolia. The area is significant for its efforts in desertification control, and it represents the intersection of human intervention and natural desert ecology. The lake and desert offer a rare combination of water and arid terrain, making it an important location for eco-tourism and research on desert environments.
The Qixing Lake Desert Ecological Zone is located in Hangjin Banner, Ikh Ju League, Ordos, Inner Mongolia. It is accessible by car or taxi from the nearest city, Ordos, which is approximately 60 km away. Public transportation may be limited, so renting a car or booking a private tour is recommended.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder and the landscape is most vibrant. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter can be quite cold, so visiting in the shoulder seasons is ideal for comfortable exploration.
The entrance fee to the Qixing Lake Desert Ecological Zone typically ranges between 60 to 100 RMB, depending on the season and any special tours or activities you wish to participate in. Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through official websites or travel agencies.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or national holidays. Booking a few days in advance is typically sufficient, but during high-demand periods, booking 1-2 weeks in advance may be necessary.
To fully explore the Qixing Lake Desert Ecological Zone, 4 to 6 hours is recommended. This will allow time for activities like camel rides, sandboarding, and exploring the desert dunes, as well as visiting the lake and the surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to book a guided tour in advance if you want a deeper understanding of the desert ecology and local history.
Start by exploring the sand dunes and the nearby desert, participating in activities like camel riding or sandboarding. Then, visit Qixing Lake for a relaxing break and enjoy the scenic beauty. Finally, take a stroll to explore the desert flora and fauna, and learn about conservation efforts in the area.
Night visits are not typically available, as the park is primarily a daytime attraction. However, special tours or events may be available during peak seasons or festivals. It’s best to check with the park authorities for any special offerings during your visit.
The park can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Basic facilities are available within the park, including toilets, small rest areas, and food vendors offering local snacks and drinks. There are also a few souvenir shops where you can buy items related to the desert and local culture.
The park is largely accessible for elderly and children, though some of the desert terrain may be challenging. It's advisable to consult with the park regarding any special needs or accessibility options if you are visiting with disabled individuals.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at most locations within the park. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions, although digital payments are widely available.
There are a few small restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the park offering traditional Mongolian dishes and snacks. These include mutton dishes, dairy products, and tea. For more variety, you may need to travel to nearby Ordos.
Vegetarian and halal food options are limited within the park but can be found in the nearby Ordos area. It’s advisable to check with local restaurants for halal food, especially in more tourist-friendly locations.
There are a few accommodations in the nearby city of Ordos, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range options. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt nearby for a unique desert experience.
Souvenir shops inside the park sell items like traditional Mongolian crafts, sand art, local textiles, and desert-themed souvenirs like sand bottles and postcards.
After visiting, the best transportation options include returning to Ordos by taxi or private car. From Ordos, you can take a bus, taxi, or train to nearby destinations. Renting a car is ideal for further exploration in the region.
