Hunshandake Sandy Land

Historical Overview

• Formation: Shaped over 30 million years by wind and water erosion, with sand dunes evolving under Quaternary glacial cycles.
• Desertification Crisis: Between the 1990s–2000s, severe droughts and overgrazing caused mobile sand areas to expand 17-fold, threatening Beijing with frequent sandstorms.
• Restoration: Since 2000, China’s “Return Farmland to Forest” project replanted 14.1 million mu of forests and 9.2 million mu of grasslands, reducing mobile sand by 4.47 million mu. Forest coverage rose from 7.2% (2000) to 23.35% (2023).

Structural Layout
The park is divided into three zones:

1. Core Conservation: Protected dunes, wetlands, and Ulmus pumila woodlands (95% of the area’s trees).
2. Eco-Tourism: Hiking trails, volcanic remnants (e.g., Pingdingshan Volcanoes), and lakes like No. 20 Maar.
3. Cultural Experience: Nomadic ger camps, ancient grazing trails, and non-heritage workshops (e.g., milk tofu making).

Major Attractions

1. Sparse Forest Grassland: A UNESO-recognized ecosystem where Ulmus pumila trees (10–25cm diameter) dot golden dunes, ideal for autumn photography.
2. Pingdingshan Volcanoes: A 20-km² volcanic cluster with hexagonal basalt columns and crater lakes.
3. No. 20 Maar: A turquoise crater lake formed by ancient eruptions, perfect for sunrise views.
4. Ecological Restoration Demo Zone: “Chicken grazing” projects (2011–present) showing sustainable land use.
5. Nomadic Ger Camps: Stay overnight in traditional yurts and ride Mongolian horses.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Half-Day Tour
   Eco-Demo Zone → Sparse Forest Trail → No. 20 Maar.
   Highlight: Sunset over basalt columns.
2. Full-Day Adventure
   Pingdingshan Volcano Hike → Nomadic Ger Lunch → Wild Paeonia lactiflora Search.
   Add-on: Visit ancient Turkic rock carvings.
3. Comprehensive 2-Day Expedition
   Day 1: Core Zone dunes and restoration history.
   Day 2: Volcano photography + overnight ger stay with stargazing.

Ticket Purchase

• Standard Entry: ¥120 (peak season: May–Oct), ¥80 (off-season: Nov–Apr).
• Special Passes:
  • ¥220 (2-day eco-pass + ger stay).
  • ¥380 (3-day photography pass with guide).
• Discounts: Free for children under 1.2m; 50% off for students/seniors.

Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Xilinhot (XIL), then 1-hour taxi to the park.
• By Train: High-speed rail from Beijing (3 hrs) to Xilinhot Station.
• Local Transport: Private 4x4 tours (¥500–800/day) or shuttle buses between zones.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: May–Oct (wildflowers bloom June–July).
• Avoid Crowds: Early mornings (7–9 AM) for photography; weekdays quieter.
• Essentials:
  • Sturdy hiking boots for sandy trails.
  • Warm layers (temperatures drop 15°C after sunset).
  • Respect nomadic traditions: ask before entering ger camps.