Kubuqi Desert

The Kubuqi Desert is one of China's largest deserts and sits on the Ordos Plateau in Inner Mongolia. It consists mainly of sand dunes interspersed with lakes, grassland, and oasis patches that create a mosaic of arid landscape.

The desert was once called the 'Sea of Death' because its loose sands frequently shifted and threatened surrounding areas. Decades of intensive reforestation efforts have reduced sand flowing into the river by over 80 percent and significantly increased plant and animal populations.

The name Kubuqi comes from the Mongolian language and means 'bowstring', named after the shape of the Yellow River that curves around the region. Visitors can experience traditional Mongolian ways of life here, including performances with singing and dancing, as well as local foods like roasted lamb and salty milk tea served in the facilities near the desert areas.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn when the weather is mild and wind is gentle. Visitors should wear light clothing for daytime, warmer layers for night, long sleeves and pants, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

The area is known for its 'singing sands' that produce a deep, drum-like sound when moved, especially at night when people slide down the dunes. This phenomenon occurs at spots like Yemingsha and Xiangshawan, where wind moves through the grains and creates what locals call the 'sand roar'.