Xiangshawan
Xiangsha Bay, located in the Kubuqi Desert of Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, spans 24 square kilometers and is renowned for its "singing sands" - dunes that emit melodious sounds when winds blow or tourists slide down. Designated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction in 2011, it combines natural wonders with luxury desert accommodation, offering over 30 recreational activities from sandboarding to camel safaris.
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