CHINA EXPERIENCE
Have you ever heard the sand singing? You can experience this fascinating natural phenomenon at the Xiangshawan (Singing Sand Bay) scenic area in the Kubuqi Desert, Ordos, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Under the right conditions, shifting sand can produce a deep, mysterious humming or rumbling sound. In addition, camel rides, desert go-karting, zip-lining, water park revelries, live performances, and stargazing … this "Disneyland of the desert" has it all in one unforgettable destination.
Stretching into the distance, vast golden dunes create a striking landscape of rolling sand, while a dazzling white lotus-shaped hotel rises from the desert like a mirage. The unusual contrast between pristine dunes and futuristic architecture has helped turn this once-remote landscape into one of China’s most distinctive desert getaways. Beyond its eye-catching design, the hotel offers a comfortable base for enjoying the desert without giving up modern amenities.
With camel rides, striking desert architecture, starlit camping and the mysterious singing sand, Kubuqi offers far more than a traditional desert adventure. It’s a place where wild landscapes meet imaginative experiences, making it an ideal getaway for travelers looking to discover a different side of China.
Who it’s for
Ideal for: Eco-tourists, adventure lovers, and those seeking starry skies with creature comforts.
Not for: Those who dread the heat or prefer lush terrains.
Best time to visit
May to June and September showcase temperate weather, ideal for trekking and cool evenings under the stars.
Don’t miss
1. Ride a camel across the golden dunes
Hop on a camel and set off across the pristine desert, weaving through rolling golden dunes. It’s a timeless way to take in the vast, otherworldly landscape at a leisurely pace.
2. Stay at the lotus-shaped desert hotel
Book a room in the Lotus Hotel (莲花酒店) at the Liansha Resort Island (莲沙度假岛) and spend a night at the white lotus-shaped desert hotel, where distinctive architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding dunes. Enjoy the hotel’s considerate service and wake up to sweeping desert views.
3. Camp beneath a canopy of stars
Trade city lights for a night under the open sky. Settle into a desert campsite, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and gaze up at a spectacular canopy of stars once darkness falls.
4. Listen to the mysterious “singing sand”
Experience one of the desert’s most intriguing natural phenomena. As winds blow and sand slides down the dunes, it can produce a deep, humming sound — earning the dunes their fascinating nickname, the “singing sand”.
Before you go
Pack plenty of water, and be prepared for sudden shifts in temperature — from scorching days to cool nights.
Practical essentials
Xiangshawan scenic area in the Kubuqi Desert
Address: Dalad Banner, Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region
General admission: 80 yuan ($12.05)/person
Getting there:
By car: Set your GPS to “Xiangshawan Tourist Area”(响沙湾旅游景区). From Hohhot, take the Beijing-Xizang Expressway (G6) and then the Baotou-Maoming Expressway (G65). Exit at Guannianfang (关碾房) Interchange and drive about 4 kilometers west to reach the scenic area. The journey is approximately 180-200 km and takes around 2-2.5 hours.