Kumtag Desert

Kumtag Desert is located at the east edge of Turpan Basin in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to the south of Shanshan County. It is the only desert connected with cities in the world and the third largest desert in China. It is famous for its unique landscape of "sand does not advance, green does not retreat, and people do not move", and is a desert tourist destination that integrates scientific research, exploration, photography, and sand sports.

Unique Landscape
Sand does not advance, green does not retreat
This is the most magical place in the Kumtag Desert. For thousands of years, the desert and oasis (Shanshan County) have coexisted harmoniously, separated only by a road and a river. The desert has never moved northward to bury cities, nor have cities expanded southward to encroach on the desert. This peculiar balance is due to the unique wind direction and terrain of the area, as well as people's protection of the environment.
Golden Dunes
The sand in the desert is golden yellow, pure and delicate. The sand dunes have clear contours and distinct layers, displaying wave like soft lines under the sunlight. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the light and shadow change, and the sand dunes are dyed golden red, which has a strong visual impact.
Symphony of Sand Mountain and Oasis
Standing on the sandy mountain, looking north, is the county town of Shanshan, where green trees provide shade and smoke lingers from cooking; Looking south, there is a continuous and endless sea of sand. This strong contrast creates a unique scenery.

Desert off-road
Surfer ride: Take a professional desert off-road vehicle and experience the excitement of a "desert roller coaster" by undulating and diving at high speeds between sand dunes.
Self driving motorcycle: Drive a four-wheel desert motorcycle and freely gallop in the sandy sea.
Sandboarding
Rent a skateboard and slide down from a high point on the sandy mountain, feeling the thrill of the wind whistling past your ears. Sliding sand requires some skills, but it's very fun.
Ride a camel
Riding on a tall camel, walking slowly along the sandy ridge in the tinkling sound of camel bells, as if crossing back to the ancient Silk Road.
Photography
Sunrise and sunset: The sand dune lines under golden light are the most beautiful, making it the golden time for photography.
Starry Sky: The desert is far away from light pollution, and the starry sky shines brightly at night, making it an excellent place to capture the Milky Way.
Portrait: With continuous sand dunes as the background, it is possible to take extremely large portrait photos.
Desert camping
Camping deep in the desert, sitting around a campfire at night, admiring the dazzling starry sky, and waking up in the morning with the magnificent sunrise over the sandy sea, is a very unforgettable experience.