Historical Overview
This desert oasis has evolved over millennia:
- 8th Century BC: Part of the ancient Silk Road trade route
- 13th Century: Used as a military training ground by Genghis Khan's forces
- 1984: First developed as a tourist site with basic facilities
- 2006: Major upgrade introducing luxury eco-resorts
- 2018: Recognized as Asia's first "Desert Eco-Tourism Demonstration Zone"
Structural Layout
The resort comprises three integrated zones:
- Adventure Core (Central Area):
- 80m-tall main singing dune (volume reaches 80dB)
- Adventure Park with zip lines and sandboarding tracks
- Cultural Zone (Eastern Area):
- Traditional Mongolian yurts with cultural performances
- Desert Science Museum showing geological formations
- Eco-Resort Cluster (Western Area):
- 120+ luxury desert villas and莲花-shaped eco-hotels
- China's largest desert spa covering 3,500㎡
Key infrastructure includes:
- Aerial tramway connecting adventure zones (1.2km length)
- Underground desert tunnel system for guided tours
Major Attractions
- Singing Sand Dune: Experience the "desert chorus" phenomenon firsthand
- Sandboarding Park: 1.5km-long slope with professional coaching
- Camel Caravan: 2-hour sunset tours with 300+ trained Bactrian camels
- Desert Starry Camp: Overnight glamping with astronomical telescopes
- Mirage Island: Artificial oasis with pool and tropical vegetation
- Aerial Adventure: 200m-high bungee jumping platform
Suggested Itineraries
-
Family Fun Day (5–6 hours):
Adventure Core Entrance → Sandboarding → Camel Ride → Mirage Island Lunch → Desert Science Museum → Sunset Caravan
Highlights: Ideal for children under 12
-
Adventure Weekend (2 Days):
Day 1: Arrival → Zip Line Adventure → Starry Camp Night
Day 2: Early Morning Hot Air Balloon → Sand Skiing → Departure
-
Cultural Immersion (3 Days):
Day 1: Traditional Yurt Stay → Mongolian Archery
Day 2: Desert Spa Experience → Nomadic Cooking Class
Day 3: Guided Hiking → Local Market Visit → Farewell Banquet
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or Xiangsha Bay Official Website (up to 30 days in advance)
- On-Site: Main Ticket Office (opens 8:00 AM)
- Prices:
Comprehensive Pass: ¥380 (adults), ¥190 (students)
Basic Entry: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students)
Free: Children under 1.4m (with adult supervision)
- By Air: Ordos Ejin Horo Airport (1.5-hour drive)
- By Train: High-speed rail to Ordos Station + 40-minute taxi
- By Car: 2-hour drive from Baotou City via G65 Expressway
- Shuttle Bus: Daily tours from Dongsheng District (¥80/person round-trip)
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Visit: May–October (average 15–25°C)
- Avoid Midday: Sand temperatures exceed 60°C (140°F) at noon
- Essentials:
- Sun protection (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Dust masks for windy days
- Cash for remote yurt vendors
- Prohibited: Off-trail hiking, littering, drone flying without permit