Location
Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
(At the edge of the Tengger Desert and the Yellow River)
TLDR
Shapotou (沙坡头) is one of Ningxia’s most iconic scenic areas — where the vast Tengger Desert meets the winding Yellow River. Famous for its golden sand dunes, desert adventures, and breathtaking river views, Shapotou is the perfect blend of nature, excitement, and tranquility.
It’s a destination where you can ride camels, shout across echoing dunes, drift on the river atop sheepskin rafts, or simply watch the sunset dye the desert gold.
A place where desert, river, and sky come together in unforgettable harmony.
Located in Zhongwei City, Shapotou is one of China’s premier desert tourism destinations, admired for its dramatic landscapes and unique mix of desert and river ecosystems. Standing atop the towering dunes, visitors can see the Tengger Desert stretching endlessly to the north, while the Yellow River (Huang He) flows gently along the southern edge — a stunning contrast of sand and water.
Shapotou is especially known for its outdoor activities and adventure experiences, including:
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Camel riding across vast sand dunes
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Sliding down steep desert slopes
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Off-road desert buggy rides
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Walking the desert plank bridge
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Experiencing the famous “沙漠回音” (desert echo)
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Drifting on a traditional sheepskin raft along the Yellow River
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Stargazing in the quiet, open desert night
The area is also home to one of China’s earliest and most successful desertification control projects. Grass grids and ecological barriers help stabilize shifting dunes, turning Shapotou into a model for environmental restoration.
Beyond adventure, Shapotou offers peaceful and scenic moments: watching dunes cast long shadows at sunset, feeling the cool river breeze, or standing under a sky full of stars with no city lights in sight.
For travelers seeking both excitement and beauty, Shapotou represents the very essence of Ningxia’s natural charm — wild, majestic, and unforgettable.
