The highly requested Xiangshawan family travel guide! Take the kids to explore the desert + grassland, perfect for water play in September

After taking the kids to the Tengger Desert last year, they kept asking to go to the desert again! This year we finally arranged a trip to Xiangshawan, and it did not disappoint — the "Desert Disneyland" lives up to its name, both adults and kids had so much fun they didn’t want to leave! Going in July is perfect for water activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide, moms, be sure to save it~

【Travel Guide】
🌵 Xiansha Island [Sand play + thrilling rides]
Must-try for adults: The Fairy Roller Coaster has just the right thrill, the big wheel offers a refreshing view of the desert, the aerial cableway overlooking the sea of sand is super healing, the Camel Hump Roller Coaster is full of wind, plus the Polaris all-terrain vehicle (riding it is a blast! Driving yourself requires an extra fee)
Fun for kids: The Fruit Worm Slide is slow and very safe, the Desert Whirl spins nonstop with laughter, the mini roller coaster is super exciting, and the swings let you enjoy the scenery while swinging~
⚠️ Camel riding tip: If there are few people, just line up directly; if it’s crowded, it’s better to go to Yuesha Island! It’s less crowded and more scenic there, perfect for photos without squeezing in~
🏖️ Yuesha Island [Water play + relaxing vibes]
Recommended route: Start the morning at Xiansha Island (to avoid the afternoon sun), after lunch head to Yuesha Island for camel riding 🐫, then rush to the water park! There’s a special photo-ready pool and photographers to help take pictures 📷, kids can play in the water all afternoon~ The host-led water splash interaction is lively, adults can join the fun too! At 3 PM, go to the indoor performance hall to watch a show, enjoy the air conditioning and relax, then at 4 PM take the sightseeing train (direct from the train station) to see the pristine desert scenery 🏜️, so soothing~

🎪 6-day family itinerary (easy pace, no rush)
D1: From various places → Baotou, Inner Mongolia (stay one night to acclimate)
D2: Baotou → Ordos Grassland (start the grassland adventure)
D3: Ordos Grassland → Kubuqi Desert Camp (experience desert charm)
D4: Kubuqi Desert Camp → Lotus Hotel (stay in the desert’s prime spot)
D5: Lotus Hotel → Xiangshawan Resort → return to Baotou (play hard all day)
D6: Baotou → return home (with full memories)

🏜️ One-stop fun checklist (no need to search for activities)
✔ Top accommodation: Lotus Hotel (prime location in Xiangshawan, excellent experience)
✔ Room choice: Exterior view room with a direct view of “Lonely Smoke Rising in the Desert”
✔ Romantic experience: Starry sky pool + bonfire and fireworks party (beautiful at night)
✔ Food freedom: All-inclusive, unlimited delicious food
✔ Special dinners: Red wine feast, Imperial horse trick banquet (a must-try)
✔ Challenge activities: 5km desert hiking, wilderness survival class
✔ Unique experience: Tent stargazing camping (super clear stars)
✔ Grassland must-dos: Horse riding, photography, grass sledding (enjoy the grassland scenery)
✔ Must-see show: Live equestrian drama (spectacular scenes)
✔ Family interaction: Kubuqi Desert hiking survival class (learn a lot)

【Travel Tips】
1️⃣ Sun protection is a must! Bring sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, sand-proof masks, and shoe covers. The desert UV is strong; without protection, you’ll get tanned or sunburned easily~
2️⃣ Order KFC on Xiansha Island in advance! It’s very crowded during meal times, ordering on the spot means long waits. Pre-order and pick up directly to save hassle~
3️⃣ Recommended shoes: Crocs + socks! Breathable and convenient, just shake off the sand inside, much more practical than other shoes 👍