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The Maowusu Desert, one of China's four major sandy areas, lies north of the Great Wall in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province. This is why Yulin is also known as Tuocheng, meaning "Desert City." The Great Wall runs east to west through the desert's southern edge. Because the sandstorm belt along the Great Wall in northern Shaanxi runs contiguously with the sandy areas south of Ordos (Ikh Ju League) in Inner Mongolia, the sandy areas along the southeastern Ordos Plateau and the Great Wall in northern Shaanxi are collectively referred to as the "Maowusu Desert."
Once lush grasslands, this place was transformed into a desert. Decades of sand sealing and reforestation efforts have now transformed the desert into an oasis. The best time to visit is in autumn, when the air is cool and refreshing. Evening is also a great time to experience the feeling of "smoke rising from the desert, the setting sun over the long river."
Heavy rains and hailstorms are common in summer, with the maximum daily rainfall reaching 100-200 mm.
Best time to travel in autumn
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours
free
All day
The Maowusu Desert is one of China's major deserts, known for its stunning sand dunes and unique desert ecosystem. It has been an important area for ancient trade routes and remains a symbol of the vast natural beauty of Inner Mongolia.
Located in Hangjin Banner, Ikh Ju League (Ordos), the Maowusu Desert is accessible by bus or taxi from Ordos or Hohhot. There are no direct metro connections, so travel by road is the most practical option.
The desert is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is more moderate. Avoid the extreme heat of summer (June-August) and the cold winters (November-February).
Most attractions in the Maowusu Desert, including camel rides and sandboarding, charge around 100-200 RMB for entrance. Tickets can typically be purchased onsite at the desert’s visitor center or through tour operators.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). Book 1-2 days ahead to secure your spot for guided tours and activities like camel rides.
A day is typically enough to explore the desert's main attractions, including sand dunes, camel rides, and a visit to the Maowusu Desert Museum. However, if you plan to camp, you may want to stay for 2-3 days to fully experience the desert.
Guided tours are available and are often conducted in Mandarin, but some guides may offer tours in English. It’s best to book tours in advance to secure a guide who speaks your language.
Start by exploring the Maowusu Desert Museum to understand the desert’s ecosystem. Then, head out for a camel ride or sandboarding in the dunes. Spend the afternoon in Orotol Gobi for more scenic views, and end your day with a sunset photo session before returning to the camp.
Night visits are available, and camping under the stars is a popular option for visitors who want to experience the desert at night. Special night tours may be available through local tour operators.
The Maowusu Desert is less crowded than other desert destinations in China, especially during weekdays in the off-season (winter and early spring). The desert sees more tourists during holidays and weekends, so visiting mid-week and off-peak times helps avoid crowds.
Basic facilities, including toilets, food stalls, water, and rest areas, are available at the visitor center and around the main attractions. There are also shops selling souvenirs and snacks in the area.
