Singing Sand Ravine

Singing Sand RavineSinging Sand Ravine (Xiangsha Wan) is a mega comprehensive desert resort in the east Kubuqi Desert of Inner Mongolia, 31 miles (50 kilometers) away from Baotou City. The name Xiangsha in Chinese means that the sand can make different sounds, which is the most distinctive feature of this place. There are about 100 entertainment programs, such as sand-sliding, camel-riding, and desert motorcycle. Visitors can also have a taste of Mongolian life and enjoy the local marriage customs.
 

Why is the Sand Singing?

Dunes of Xiangshawan Port, which is on the west of Yilisha Holiday Village, are 361 feet (110 meters) in height with a slope of 45 degrees, forming a giant Echo Wall. When you slide down the dunes from the top, there will be a massive roar like the sound of an airplane. You can also hear a croaking sound when you hold up a handful of sand. However, the principle of this interesting phenomenon is still an unsolved mystery. But there is a story spread among local people, giving it a very bizarre explanation. Long ago, a grand lamasery was built here with thousands of lamas living in. One day when they performed their daily ritual of chanting sutras, while playing drums and horns, the howling wind whipped up the sand, burying the lamasery in the desert all of a sudden. Therefore, sounds in the desert are considered the drums and horns played by lamas' souls. 
 

Map of Singing Sand Ravine
Map of Singing Sand Ravine
(Click to enlarge)

There are five holiday villages in Singing Sand Ravine, named Yilisha, Fusha Island, Yuesha Island, Xiansha Island, and Lianshan Island.
 

Yilisha Holiday Village

Yilisha Holiday Village is separated from the following holiday villages by a river. There is a large open-air pool for you to get away from the hotness and desiccation, and to enjoy the view of the desert at the same time.
 

Fusha Island

Visitors can experience the real life of Mongolians in Fusha Island.

Starting the day with a cup of mellow milk tea made by a Mongolian grandma, you may take the characteristic carriage driven by a local grandpa to the wide grassland to enjoy the original herding life. At noon, a traditional Mongolian wedding will be performed to demonstrate local marriage custom. The night is the liveliest time of a day. Enthusiastic local people will invite you to their gers to have dinner, which is definitely a feast for your stomach, with kumiss and delicious roast of a whole lamb. You can also hear local drinking songs and enjoy Mongolian dance during the banquet.

Xiangshawan Desert

Yuesha Island

Passing by the old Mongolian tribe, you will get to Yuesha Island. It is a place to feel the joy brought by art and sports. You can take part in many activities there, such as rhythmic gymnastics, aerobics, street dance, and beach volleyball. Or you can stay in Desert Water World to have a different swimming experience. Making a sand sculpture or painting is also a good choice to feel the charm of the desert.

Xiansha Island

Differs from the comfort of Yuesha Island, Xiansha Island is full of thrilling activities, such as walking on a tightrope, and bike-riding in a ball. A large performance, Desert Acrobatics World, will be put on stage in Guolao Theater, which is really worth seeing.
 

Liansha Island

Liansha Island is a Buddhism-themed holiday village for you to relax, both physically and mentally. There is a large-scale hotel named Lotus. As its name indicates, it looks exactly like a big lotus blooming in the desert.
 

Transportation in the Scenic Area

Yilisha Holiday Village – Xiangshawan Port No.1 and No.2 Cableways
Tourist Center – Fusha Island No.3 Cableway
Xiangshawan Port – Xiansha Island Desert Surfing Car
Xiangshawan Port – Yuesha Island Desert Sightseeing Train or Desert Surfing Car
Xiangshawan Port – Fusha Island Desert Surfing Car
Xiansha Island – Yuesha Island Riding Camels
Fusha Island – Yuesha Island Desert Surfing Car
Fusha Island – Xiansha Island Desert Surfing Car
Sightseeing Area – Leisure Area (In Fusha Island) Desert Sightseeing Car

How to Get There?

Singing Sand Ravine is located between Baotou and Dongsheng District of Ordos, and not very far from Hohhot. There are coaches from Baotou, Hohhot, and Dongsheng to the scenic area.

You can take coaches bounded for Dongsheng in Baotou Long-Distance Bus Terminal, Hohhot West Passenger Station, or Hohhot Tongda South Long-Distance Bus Station. Otherwise, take coaches going to Baotou from Ordos Dongsheng District Passenger Center Station. Get off at the intermediate stop: Singing Sand Ravine (Xiangsha Wan) Flyover. Then walk 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) or take a taxi to the destination.
 

Admission Fee

CNY 130 (Including cableway fee. Other activities should be paid separately.)
Children Ticket: CNY 80
(for children between 3.9 and 4.9 feet (1.2 and 1.5 meters) in height)
Free of charge for children less than 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in height.
Opening Hours 8:00 – 19:00
Recommended Time to Visit May to October
- Last updated on Sep. 08, 2019 -
Questions & Answers on Singing Sand Ravine
Asked by Gaudi from INDONESIA | Aug. 24, 2019 00:34Reply
Are there any luggage storage in Xiangshawan?
Answers (3)
Answered by Elmo from NEW ZEALAND | Aug. 27, 2019 20:07
00Reply


Sorry, there isn't. Maybe you can leave your luggage in your hotel.
Answered by Gaudi from INDONESIA | Sep. 07, 2019 06:10
00Reply


Is the place open on October 4, 2019? I booked online from a website and they said that the booking is available for that day
Answered by Elmo from NEW | Sep. 08, 2019 20:31
00Reply


Yes, of course. It is in the golden week of National holiday.
Asked by Lily from USA | Aug. 19, 2019 18:09Reply
Camel riding in Ordos Singing Sand Ravine.
I want to go to the desert and go camel riding In November. Do you have a company contact for camel riding there? Also, will the camel riding be available in November? I’m fine with it being cold.
Answers (1)
Answered by Judie from USA | Aug. 21, 2019 19:54
00Reply


There must be camel riding in the scenic area so you don't need to contact them earlier. You can ride camel in November.
Asked by Soren from DENMARK | Aug. 14, 2019 00:41Reply
In the end of September I will be in Bayan Nur and would like to visit Xiangshawan.
What’s the best way to get to Xiangshawan?

Also, is it possible to stay a night or two before I continue my traveling or it it only a “day resort “?

Thank you,
Soren
Answers (1)
Answered by Richard from USA | Aug. 15, 2019 18:02
00Reply


You can take train from Linhe Railway Station to Dalat West Railway Station, then take taxi to it. Xiangshawan is very big so you can stay one or two nights.
Asked by Muhammad Kamran Khan from PAKISTAN | Aug. 06, 2019 04:16Reply
How to go to Ordos airport from Singing Sand Ravine?
On the 10th of Aug, i will stay in hohot city and early morning i want to visit the "Singing Sand Ravine" and i also have to catch my flight from Ordos airport in the evening at 21:40. Can someone guide me how can i go to Singing Sand Ravine from hohot early morning (spend about 2-3 hours there) and then go to airport from the Singing sand ravine. Possible? Would highly appreciate if share the tentative time plan for me. thanks a million in advance.
Answers (1)
Answered by Susan from USA | Aug. 11, 2019 18:12
00Reply


You can take bus from Hohot Coach Station to Dalad Banner Station, then take taxi to it. It takes around 4 hours. If you go back to the airport, you can follow the same route, then take taxi to the airport after you arrive Coach Station.
Asked by Elly saw from MALAYSIA | May. 22, 2019 10:44Reply
What is the weather like now in Ordos?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jim from AUSTRALIA | May. 22, 2019 18:55
00Reply


The temperature may range from 15C to 25C. People wear thin sweaters and coats.
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