THE BEST PLACE TO CAMP!! Tengger Desert
by Romalee Rowe
May 2, 2023
Come check in at Shapotou, where poetry and painting share the same origin! The stunning combination of the Yellow River and the desert is a must-see at least once in a lifetime🌈
The China Travel Shapotou Scenic Area perfectly interprets the artistic conception of Wang Wei's poem "The solitary smoke rises straight in the vast desert, the long river sets the round sun." Standing atop the sand dunes overlooking the Yellow River's nine winding bends, you will be speechlessly amazed by the grandeur of nature😍
🚩Highlights of the visit
📍Camel riding across the desert
Ride a camel slowly under the blue sky and white clouds, and feel the atmosphere of the Silk Road caravans with the sound of camel bells. It is recommended to experience this at dusk when the golden sunlight on the dunes creates a particularly dreamy scene (remember to wear sunglasses and a headscarf~)
📍Yellow River Great Bend Viewing Platform
This is the best spot to photograph the "long river setting the round sun"! It is recommended to secure your spot an hour in advance; the sunset glow reflecting on the Yellow River is definitely worth the wait
📍Sand sliding experience
Sit on a special sled and rush down the nearly hundred-meter-high sand dunes, thrilling your heart! It is recommended to wear long pants to avoid sand friction
✨Practical tips:
1. Scenic area opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (peak season from April to October)
2. Be sure to apply sunscreen when visiting in summer! The UV rays are especially strong at noon in the desert area
3. When riding camels, it is advisable to bring a mask or scarf to protect against wind and sand
4. There is a dining area in the scenic spot, but prices are slightly high, so you can bring some snacks and water yourself
🏨Accommodation recommendations:
You can choose to stay at a characteristic guesthouse near the Shapotou Scenic Area to watch the sunrise without rushing in the morning; or stay in Zhongwei city center, where you can visit Xiangyang Street Night Market for food at night
🌮Food must-tries:
Zhongwei’s specialty wormwood noodles and hand-pulled lamb are a must! Recommended old establishments are "Lao Mao Hand-Pulled" and "San Zhuzhai Liangpi"
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