Tengger Desert

Historical Overview
Tengger Desert has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, with ancient Silk Road caravans traversing its sands. Historical records note its role in the 13th-century Mongol Empire’s expansion and the 1958 anti-desertification campaign that safeguarded the Packan Railway—a landmark in ecological engineering. In 2025, researchers reconstructed 231 years of precipitation data using tree-ring samples from the Helan Mountains, shedding light on climate patterns in China’s arid regions. The desert’s modern history includes the establishment of the "Desert Library" in 2024, a cultural landmark blending architecture with desert heritage.

Structural Layout
The desert is divided into three zones:

1. Core Sand Dune Zone: A 30,000 km² expanse of shifting dunes, reaching 10–20 meters in height, with the iconic "Earth’s Heart" Ulan Lake.
2. Wetland Oasis Zone: Home to 251 lakes, including the saline Moon Lake and freshwater Chala Lake, supporting芦苇 reeds and migratory birds.
3. Cultural Experience Zone: Features the Desert Post Office (the world’s only mobile postal station on dunes) and eco-campsites.
   Key landmarks include the 12.5-meter-high sand sculptures at Shapotou and the 1,200-meter-long "Sand Sea" viewing platform.

Major Attractions

1. Ulan Lake: A pink saline lake dubbed "Earth’s Heart" due to algae blooms, accessible via 4x4 tours.
2. Moon Lake: A crescent-shaped freshwater lake with surrounding reed beds, ideal for birdwatching.
3. Desert Post Office: Operates from a retrofitted truck, offering special desert-themed postcards.
4. Route 66: A scenic desert highway linking Zhongwei and Alxa Left Banner, popular for photography.
5. Night Sky Camp: Stargazing under Class 1 dark skies, with telescopes and Mongolian folk performances.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Half-Day (3–4 hours):
   Shapotou Scenic Area → Camel Ride → Sandboarding → Ulan Lake Viewpoint → Desert Library
   Highlights: Iconic dunes and cultural landmarks.
2. Adventure Full-Day (6–7 hours):
   Add dune buggy rides, visits to the Desert Post Office, and a guided eco-hike to Moon Lake.
   Highlights: Thrilling activities and wetland ecosystems.
3. Overnight Desert Expedition (2 Days):
   Day 1: Sunset camel trek → Night Sky Camp → Astronomy session.
   Day 2: Hike to ancient oasis villages → Learn traditional sand fence construction.

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: Free entry to public areas. Specific attractions charge ¥60–¥150 (e.g., Shapotou ¥80, Desert Library ¥30).
• Booking: Tickets available via Trip.com or official WeChat accounts (ID: Tengger2025).
• Exemptions: Children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, and disabled visitors.

Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Zhongwei Shapotou Airport, then 40-minute taxi to the desert.
• By Train: High-speed rail to Zhongwei Station, followed by bus #2 to Shapotou.
• By Car: Self-drive from Yinchuan (2.5 hours) or Zhongwei (30 minutes).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–June & September–October (mild temperatures, 15–25°C).
• Avoid: July–August (scorching heat) and November–March (freezing nights).
• Essentials: Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle (3L/day recommended).
• Prohibited: Littering, off-road driving outside marked trails, and disturbing wildlife.
• Local Dish: Try "Tengger Roast Lamb" with cumin and wild herbs, served at eco-camp restaurants.