Comparison: Shapotou vs. Tengger Desert

Just returned from a family trip to Zhongwei! Here's a hands-on comparison of the core activities at Shapotou and Tengger Desert, along with a "pitfall avoidance + hidden gem" guide. Highly recommend the Silk Road Knight Tengger Explorer Camp ATV experience—my kid and husband loved it so much they didn’t want to leave! 🌍 Day 1: Shapotou - Go for the 399 RMB package without hesitation, plus the best itinerary 🎟️ Best ticket option: 399 RMB package ✅ Includes entrance ticket + "Flying High" zipline + speedboat/cable car/camel ride/surfing car/sand sliding/sheepskin raft. Saves 120 RMB compared to buying separately. ✅ Out-of-town visitors can get free entrance tickets via the mini-program. If you’re not into "Flying High," opt for the 299 RMB package (excludes entrance ticket + high-altitude activities). ⏱️ Efficient itinerary (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM): Yellow River Area: Speedboat → Cable car up the mountain → "Flying High" zipline (arrive early to avoid long queues). Kids over 1.4m can play independently. Desert Area: Camel ride → Desert surfing car (sit in the front row for an exhilarating dive). Wrap-up: Sand sliding (wear a hat to avoid sand) → Sheepskin raft drifting with folk songs, ending directly at the exit. 🏨 Accommodation tips: Avoid camping tents! Recommended options: "Desert Star Hotel" within the scenic area (family rooms include a sand art kit) or hotels in Zhongwei city (better value, 40-minute drive). 🐪 Day 2: Tengger Desert - Skip the ordinary scenic spots and head straight to the hidden gem camp! 🚗 Must-try: Silk Road Knight Camp ATV riding ✅ Family-friendly: → Kids’ ATV (6+ years): One coach for every five kids, letting them ride independently—super exciting for them. → Family UTV (4-seater): Coach drives the family across sand dunes, stopping at the "Desert Heart" photo spot. ✅ Thrill-seeker version: Fuel-powered ATV can reach speeds of 60 km/h, featuring 30° steep slopes and drift turns—three times more thrilling than Shapotou’s surfing car! ✅ Professional safety measures: Helmets and goggles are disinfected, and the 399 RMB travel photography package guarantees stunning photos. ⚠️ Pitfall avoidance tips: ❌ Don’t buy the 239 RMB ordinary scenic spot package! Surfing cars are bumpy, camels are frail, and activities are lackluster. ✅ Essentials for the camp: Magic headscarf (for sand protection), UV-protective sleeves, and dark clothing for epic sand dune photos. Zhongwei trip summary: Shapotou offers great value for activities, while Tengger Desert is all about the Silk Road Knight Camp ATV—everything else is just fluff.