Reporters visited the Shapotou scenic spot in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo by Wang Zhiyong/China.org.cn]

Adrenaline rush. A desert conjures images of abandoned strethches of sand dunes, but China's desert region, Ningxia Hui opened the writer to an exceptional exciting yet frightening adventure.

When we set off for Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China, I was not really enthusiastic, sad, even about leaving Beijing! The flight to Ningxia is just over one hour. On the plane, I met a lovely young lady-Zhang Xiai Vu- Jenny, a university student who had come to Beijing to study English. She was surprised that we were heading to Ningxia. "It is a very small place; foreigners don't always go there," she said. This dampened my mood further.

Soon after arrival in Yinchuan, the provincial capital, it dawned on me that this place is extraordinary: simple yet classy, depicting ancient charm. Located in the north western part of China, Ningxia is an impressive destination that boasts a rich resource including, among others, mountains, water bodies, the famous Great Wall of China, Sand Lake and the Shapatou scenic spot.

As a loess plateau, the area is typically characterised by wind storms, with the Yellow River as arguably the region's most prominent feature. Ningxia's uniqueness however goes beyond physical features. The province has a rich tradition and is known for its dominant Muslim Hui ethnic population (the reason it is called Ningxia 'Hui' region).

Culture is unmistakably one of the most valued of the unique things that define Ningxia. Even with globalisation, the Chinese- commendably-have preserved their culture. That is why before we embarked on a tour of this region that is commonly referred to as China's Wild West, we were first taken to Ningxia regional museum where a detailed display of the region's artefacts from ancient times through different dynasties, completes with models of Ningxia's mountains which are artistically assembled.

Desert adventure

Of the various places we visited in Ningxia, four stood out: Shapatou scenic spot situated in Zhongwei, Helan Ecological Park, Golden Sand Island and the Yellow River that seems so mysterious, like an invisible being watching over you. Apart from the boat ride in the ecological park, Shapatou scenic spot was one memorable destination.