Shapotou
沙坡头 · Zhongwei, Ningxia, China
Where the Tengger Desert meets the Yellow River — the scene of Wang Wei's lines "大漠孤烟直，长河落日圆" ("Over the vast desert a lone column of smoke rises straight; over the long river the setting sun is round").
Know before you go
- Do not leave the designated activity areas on your own
- do not trample the straw-checkerboard sand barriers
- do not damage sand-control facilities
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Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Shapotou lies on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert on the south bank of the Yellow River, where desert and great river meet to form a distinctive landscape; it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Wang Wei's famous couplet from "On a Mission to the Frontier" (《使至塞上》), "大漠孤烟直，长河落日圆", is often used to describe the scenery here. The area is known for its straw-checkerboard sand barriers, and the Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station is based here, so look out for this sand-control system during your visit.
Local customs
Drift down the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft, ride the Yellow River cableway, go sand sliding, ride a camel, take a desert off-road vehicle, or spend a night in the desert stargazing.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not leave the designated activity areas on your own
- do not trample the straw-checkerboard sand barriers
- do not damage sand-control facilities
Locals appreciate DO
- Follow staff instructions during desert activities
- observe the relevant rules when entering mosques and other religious sites (Zhongwei is home to many ethnic groups)
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The desert has a large day–night temperature difference, so bring a windproof jacket and protect yourself against sun and sand
- in summer stay well hydrated. From downtown Zhongwei you are advised to drive or use scenic-area transport. For visitor information, refer to the official WeChat account "沙坡头景区"
- ticket and package prices are as officially published.
- Spring and autumn have suitable weather
- summers are hot, so take care against the heat
- winters are cold and windy, with blowing sand.
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