Complete Guide to Tengger Desert Travel, with Photo Tips

Pre-Trip Notes

The Tengger Desert is mainly located in Alxa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia, with some areas adjoining Zhongwei, Ningxia. It takes about 2.5 hours by car from Yinchuan and only about 1 hour from downtown Zhongwei. It is recommended to find a reliable camping team or tour group in Zhongwei for a one-stop solution covering transportation and accommodation, making it worry-free and effortless. You can enjoy the trip for about 500 - 800 RMB per person. During the peak season (May to October), be sure to book 1 - 2 weeks in advance, as last-minute bookings may not have availability!

Complete Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Entertainment

• Camel Riding: Around 100 RMB per hour, stroll through the sea of sand following the camel caravan, listen to the jingling camel bells, experience the Silk Road vibe, and get great photos. Remember to wear long pants to prevent camel hair from scratching your legs.

• Sandboarding: Some campsites offer it for free. Slide down from tall sand dunes on a board at high speed, thrilling and stress-relieving. However, be careful climbing the dunes—walk slowly and don’t rush.

• Desert Soccer/Volleyball: Campsites usually provide equipment for free. Play freely with friends to quickly bond, even those with social anxiety can easily fit in.

• Bonfire Party: When night falls, sit around the bonfire, enjoy the Mongolian guy’s morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) performance, sing and dance together, creating a great atmosphere. If there are many people, you can also light fireworks, which are extremely romantic blooming over the desert sky.

• Food Experience: After playing, try grilled skewers and desert hotpot. Although conditions are not as good as city restaurants, having hot meals in the desert brings immense happiness. You can eat your fill for about 50 RMB per person.

Photo Tips for Great Shots

• Outfit Matching: Wear bright-colored long dresses like red or yellow to create a strong contrast with the golden desert, making a striking visual impact; white long dresses look fresh and elegant, showing a gentle temperament.

• Poses: Stand on a high sand dune and shoot your back with the dress fluttering in the wind for a poetic feel; when taking photos with camels, gently stroke the camel or sit on its back smiling; sit on the dune, support yourself with both hands behind, look up at the sky for a relaxed vibe; try jumping shots to capture energetic moments.

• Lighting Use: The light is soft around 3 - 4 PM, making it easier to avoid overexposure and adding depth with shadows; at sunset, the sky turns orange-red, using dunes and the setting sun as the background, every shot looks like wallpaper.

• Composition Techniques: Use the rule of thirds by placing the subject at one-third of the frame; use leading lines like dune ridges or camel paths to guide the viewer’s focus to the subject; try low-angle shots looking up to emphasize the subject with the vast desert and sky as the background for a grand effect.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Shoe Choice: Never wear white shoes—they get dirty from sand and can’t be cleaned; dark-colored high-top shoes or Martin boots are wise choices, protecting against sand and dirt. Avoid sneakers as they become uncomfortable with sand inside.

• Group Movement: Most of the desert has no cell signal, so never leave the group alone. Always inform the guide wherever you go. Safety first.

• Pack Light: You need to carry your own luggage in the desert, so travel light and don’t bring unnecessary items to avoid extra burden.

• Sun Protection is Key: The desert UV rays are very strong. Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and face scarves are all essential. Proper sun protection lets you enjoy your trip fully.

• Save Water: Water is precious in the desert. Be sure to conserve water when washing and using it to avoid waste.