Things to do in Otog Front Banner

The 99 package ticket covers all the sand activities. There was no one but our family, and we had a great time. If you are with your kids, I suggest you come here. If you want to see a better desert, you can consider Shapotou and Xiangshawan, but those two places are crowded and commercialized, so you have to fill your wallet to go there.

It must be a good place to go in summer. I must go there when I get the chance.

The Shapotou Scenic Area boasts a unique landscape where the Yellow River flows alongside the desert, creating stunning photo opportunities and vividly recreating the poetic imagery of Wang Wei. Enjoy a leisurely ride on sheepskin rafts on the Yellow River, accompanied by boatmen singing folk songs; a variety of activities are available, including sandboarding, zip-lining, camel riding, and desert buggy rides, offering both thrills and relaxation. The desert sunsets are breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photos and family outings.

I booked free admission for Mondays, but I still needed to buy a shuttle bus ticket, which didn't apply to the number of tombs I visited. Normally, you first visit the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Museum to learn about that period of history, then walk along a rather long path to take the shuttle bus. Generally, you visit Tomb No. 3 first, then take the shuttle bus and horse-drawn carriage to Tomb No. 4, and then take the shuttle bus back to the starting point. The overall route was smooth, and the shuttle bus service was quite timely. However, the distance from the entrance to the shuttle bus station is a bit far, which might be inconvenient for disabled or elderly tourists. Overall, it was a good experience.

Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio, nestled at the foot of Helan Mountain, exudes the unique desolation and ruggedness of Northwest China. The ancient rammed earth castle, weathered and imposing, served as a filming location for movies like "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Red Sorghum." Strolling through the Ming Dynasty city, Qing Dynasty city, and Old Yinchuan Street, every wall and tile holds stories from classic films. No need for elaborate filters; every snapshot is a masterpiece of atmosphere. Perfect for those who love nostalgia and photography, offering an immersive experience of the unique charm of the martial arts world.

Recommended. The entire trail is about 10 kilometers long. The Danxia landform is incredibly stunning and unique, especially under the bright sunshine; the dazzling effect is like stepping onto another planet. However, it gets crowded, the entrance is a bit cramped, and parking took quite a while.

The scenic area is quite large, but its main attraction is rather singular: the various rock paintings carved into the cliff faces. However, since they are remnants of the daily lives of ancient people, they are still worth seeing.

Because we had children with us, we opted to take the sightseeing bus up and down, which was very relaxing. We got a close look at the pagoda, took photos, and learned about its history, especially the plaques at the north and south gates: "Soaring high above the heavens, overlooking the mortal world"—for over 1000 years, the pagoda has achieved this.

The building is grand and the facilities are good, but the introduction of the value of key cultural relics needs improvement. The museum should strive to leave a deeper impression on visitors.

I visited Ganquan Grand Canyon during the National Day holiday, avoiding the crowds at major cities and tourist attractions. It was a less crowded but still excellent experience! Recommended by China National Geographic magazine, definitely worth a visit! It's chilly and damp inside the canyon, so be sure to wear a thick coat. I wouldn't recommend coming in winter; it would probably be too cold.