You have to visit the Tengger Desert at least once | Desert Camping and Stargazing Guide

You have to visit the Tengger Desert at least once | Desert Camping and Stargazing Guide

Who understands the joy of camping and stargazing in the desert, family! This time I finally arrived at the long-awaited Tengger Desert, and I was truly shocked by the beautiful scenery here. No more words, here’s the guide 👇

Location: Tengger Desert (camping sites near Zhongwei, Ningxia are more convenient for transportation)
🚌 Transportation: It is recommended to depart from Yinchuan or Zhongwei. The drive from Yinchuan takes about 2.5 hours, while from downtown Zhongwei it only takes about 1 hour. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can find reliable tour groups online that include transportation and accommodation, which is very convenient.

🏕 Camping Preparation

- Choosing a campsite: Campsites are divided into regular and high-end. Regular campsites are budget-friendly, costing about 500 - 800 RMB per person, with relatively basic facilities, suitable for those seeking cost-effectiveness; high-end campsites are more expensive but offer more comfortable tents, some even with private bathrooms, providing a better experience. During peak season (May to October), be sure to book 1-2 weeks in advance!
- Gear:
- Clothing: short sleeves, long pants (to prevent insect bites), windproof and warm jacket (huge temperature difference between day and night, very cold at night), high-top shoes or Martin boots (to prevent sand, sneakers let sand in and are uncomfortable), sunglasses, sun hat, face scarf (for sun and sand protection)
- Supplies: high SPF sunscreen (SPF50+ or above), lip balm (desert is very dry), wet wipes, power bank (photos drain battery fast), toiletry bag (campsite has simple washing area but limited conditions)
- Others: ID card, small amount of cash (some desert areas have no signal), trash bags (to protect the environment), stomach medicine (in case of upset stomach)

🕙 Itinerary

- Afternoon: Usually gather and depart from the city around 2 PM. After reaching the edge of the desert, put on sand-proof shoe covers (you can bring your own or rent on site for 15 RMB/pair), then transfer to desert off-road vehicles to enter the campsite. The off-road ride over sand dunes is super thrilling! Like riding a roller coaster 🎢. After arriving at the campsite, set up the tent first. The double tents come with moisture-proof mats and sleeping bags, and are fairly clean.
- Evening: Once settled, you can start having fun! Camel riding is highly recommended, about 100 RMB/hour. Walking with the camel caravan through the desert, listening to the camel bells, feels like traveling back to the ancient Silk Road. It’s very atmospheric for photos. Remember to wear long pants, or camel hair will scratch your legs. There’s also sand sliding, a free activity, sliding down tall sand dunes with the wind roaring in your ears, very relieving, though climbing the dunes is a bit tiring. Additionally, desert soccer and volleyball are fun, with free equipment at the campsite. Playing together with a group is very joyful. The light around 3-4 PM is soft and perfect for photos. Find a tall dune for silhouette shots or take pictures with camels. Wearing bright colors like a red dress makes the photos stunning.
- Night: At sunset, go to the dunes to watch the sunset. The sun gradually sets, and the sky changes from golden to pink-purple, breathtakingly beautiful. After dark, the main event begins! With no light pollution, the stars are dense, and the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye 🌌. It feels like you can reach out and touch the universe. Long exposure on your phone can capture amazing star photos, remember to bring a tripod. The campsite organizes bonfire parties where everyone sings and dances around the fire. There’s even a Mongolian guy playing the horsehead fiddle, creating a fantastic atmosphere. If there are many people, you can set off fireworks, which is incredibly romantic in the desert. When tired, enjoy barbecue skewers and desert hotpot. Although not as delicious as city food, having hot food in the desert is very satisfying. It costs about 50 RMB per person to eat enough.
- Next morning: If you get up early to watch the sunrise, you will see the desert dyed golden by the sunlight, another stunning scene. After watching the sunrise, pack up and prepare to return.

❗ Notes

- Mobile phones often have no signal in the desert, never go alone, safety first.
- You have to carry your own luggage into the desert, don’t bring too much, travel light.
- Water is precious in the desert, conserve water when washing.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs.

This Tengger Desert camping and stargazing trip was truly an unforgettable experience in my life. Not only did I see the stunning starry sky, but I also felt the vastness and freedom of the desert. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and have a special trip, don’t miss the Tengger Desert!