Ordos August Student Summer Travel Guide

$120 Budget Desert Stargazing + Grassland Nadam Festival, Exclusive Student Benefits

📍 Must-Visit Attractions (Student Discounts + Unique Experiences)

1. Resonant Sand Bay – Desert Adventure Paradise

Student Perks: Until July 15, 2025, high school graduates enjoy free entry (originally ¥80) with exam admission ticket; middle school students get discounted combo tickets.
Top Activities: ✅ Fairy Sand Island: Camel riding through dunes (¥60/person) + desert off-roading (¥120/person), capture silhouette photos at sunset. ✅ Joy Sand Island: Desert pool parties (enter after 4pm to avoid peak sun).
Stay: Lotus Resort (stargazing sessions + desert-view rooms, advance booking required).

2. Genghis Khan Mausoleum – Grassland Cultural Pilgrimage

Student Ticket: 50% off with student ID (original ¥90).
Exclusive: ✅ Daily guardian rituals at 9:30am/3pm – wear Mongolian robes to participate in hada offering. ✅ Hidden "Secret History of Mongolia" murals in the dome – group guides recommended (¥50/group).

3. Suboohan Grassland – Nadam Festival Extravaganza

August Special: Nadam Festival (wrestling/archery/horse racing), ¥50/activity.
Stay: Starlight Dome Yurts (includes bonfire party + whole roasted lamb, ¥200/person).
Pro Tip: Avoid silverware purchases in scenic areas – visit "Mongolian Silver Workshop" in Dongsheng for authenticity.

4. Kangbashi New District – Futuristic Architecture + Music Fountain

Free Attractions: ✅ Ordos Museum (spaceship design, closed Mondays). ✅ Wulanmulun Lake Fountain Show (starts 8:30pm, Asia's tallest).
Instagram Route: Museum → Library spiral staircase → Baikang Bridge night views.

5. Qixing Lake Desert Park – Oasis Trekking

Eco-Adventures: ✅ Free guided walks to see endangered Ammopiptanthus mongolicus (booking required). ✅ Swan Lake kayaking (¥80/hour, best Apr-May for migratory birds).

⚠️ Student Travel Hacks

1. Budget Transport

Carpool: 4-person off-road rental (¥600/day split).
Free Option: Kangbashi tourist shuttle buses.

2. Essential Gear

Item Purpose
UV sleeves Extreme desert sunlight
Windproof mask For camel rides/sandboarding
Student ID + Exam Ticket Discounts/free entry

3. Must-Eat Local Food

🍖 Hand-grabbed mutton: "Mengxin Restaurant" in Dongsheng (¥60/person).
🍵 Mongolian milk tea: "Geler Amma" in Kangbashi (served with fried rice & cream).
🍜 Sour porridge: "Liu Jinyu Sour Porridge" in Dalad Banner (appetizing).

💰 3-Day Budget Breakdown

Item Cost Notes
Tickets ¥150 After student discounts
Lodging ¥300 Hostels/yurt mixes
Food ¥200 Street food/shared meals
Total ¥650 Excluding major transport!

"Under Resonant Sand Bay's starry sky, our phones captured the Milky Way – blurry but unforgettable, because youth shines brighter than any constellation."