Beyond its sandboarding experiences, Shapotou showcases a rare confluence of natural landscapes, where a desert, river, mountains, and an oasis all meet in one place. Known as the “National Desert Tourism Base,” Shapotou offers activities such as camel rides, desert off-roading, desert camping, stargazing, and drifting down the Yellow River on traditional sheepskin rafts. The area has grown especially popular with families and adventure seekers.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-07-24/Sandboarding-adventures-draw-crowds-to-Shapotou-s-golden-dunes-1FgJ3tdKmzK/img/a1aaf902dc76412a8fc2171856edb68c/a1aaf902dc76412a8fc2171856edb68c.jpeg' alt='The golden dunes and blue sky form a contrast at Shapotou Scenic Area in Zhongwei, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on July 16, 2025. /VCG'

To make the ascent easier, the scenic area is equipped with desert escalators and cable cars. Designated as China’s first national-level desert resort, Shapotou continues to attract tourists from across the country and beyond. By combining Yellow River culture with desert tourism, the region has become a model for leisure travel, offering visitors the chance to experience some of China’s most dramatic landscapes.