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  3. The Desert Loop: Ningxia and Inner Mongolia
Yellow River bend and suspension bridge at Shapotou, Ningxia

The Desert Loop: Ningxia and Inner Mongolia

Ningxia–Inner Mongolia desert loop: Shapotou dunes, Western Xia imperial tombs and the world's tallest stationary dunes at Badain Jaran.

routes2026-10-18

At a glance

Best for
desert lovers, adventure seekers, photographers
Theme
natural

Overview

A desert-focused loop through Ningxia and western Inner Mongolia — sand dunes at Shapotou, the Western Xia imperial tombs, Alxa's Badain Jaran (world's tallest stationary dunes), and the grassland-to-Gobi transition.

Day by day

  1. 5 — Yinchuan + Shapotou + Alxa

    Fly to Yinchuan, Western Xia tombs, bus to Zhongwei for Shapotou, then 4WD into Badain Jaran for desert camping.

Key stops

  • Yinchuan
  • Zhongwei
  • Alxa Left Banner

Famous for

  • Shapotou (sand dunes + Yellow River zip line)
  • Western Xia imperial tombs ("pyramids of the East")
  • Badain Jaran (world's tallest stationary dunes, ~500 m)

Provinces

  • ningxia
  • nei-mongol

Sources