This enchanting site is said to be one of the five most beautiful deserts in China and is considered the Capital of Sand, sitting magnificently on the banks of the stunning Yellow River at the Tengger Desert. Our drive from Yinchuan to Shapatou was a fascinating ride along amazing rural landscape, picturesque mountainous countryside dotted with farming communities herding mainly sheep (lamb is a preferred delicacy in this province).
Shapatou, indeed, offers everything advertised, if not more. The Ecological Protection Zone/park is vast, with rich vegetation and the scenic spot is where most fun activities take place. The obvious is, of course, sightseeing, especially the view of the Yellow River. I imagined it must be particularly dazzling at sunset and sunrise but I was not there at the right time to experience such wonder)… riding camels and quad bikes on the sand, raft rides on sheepskins that are said to be over thousands of years old and taking the nerve-wreaking desert adventure in the sand dunes.
Fright and excitement
On arrival, we had no idea (at least I didn't) that we were going for such a frightening but memorable adventure. Even with the guide's constant encouragement, there were moments I made promises to God. We were asked to park our cameras in bags and hold them tight. Those with heart related diseases are advised to approach this ride with caution or avoid it. The rides are high-speed- certainly not for the faint-hearted given the turbulence in those uneven dunes.
We were hurled up and down, flung left and right, taken to sudden highs and unexpected lows on the cliff-like sand dune. Our translator, Li Xiao- Rebecca, was more frightened than everyone, asking me if she should scream in English or Chinese. When the driver finally stopped- in the middle of nowhere- to allow us take photographs, we found the sand too hot to bear (The guides told us that an egg can boil in it in 20 minutes) but we were excited to be in this wilderness- a landmark whose sheer uniqueness and striking scenery is almost mystical.
Our return journey to "earth" was another adventure, sliding down steep sand- nothing life threatening, really if you control your breaks as instructed. But after watching some enthusiastic tourists roll off their sand boards, including a member of our crew, it is not farfetched to be concerned about your own safety. But we all slid down safely, and happily. It was memorable, daring, awesome, thrilling and absolutely for brave hearts!
