In the height of summer, tourists are flocking to Shapotou Scenic Area in Zhongwei, northwest China's Ningxia, to experience one of China's most exhilarating desert sports: sandboarding. Located on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, sunlight bathes the golden dunes as long trails of sand trace the thrilling descent of riders sliding down slopes over 80 meters high, turning the tranquil desert into a playground of speed and excitement.

Not only is Shapotou famed for having the longest natural sandboarding slope in China – stretching for nearly 200 meters – it also boasts a steep incline that delivers an unforgettable rush. Thanks to its unique geological features, sliding down the dunes even produces a deep, resonant sound.

Beyond its sandboarding experiences, Shapotou showcases a rare confluence of natural landscapes, where a desert, river, mountains, and an oasis all meet in one place. Known as the "National Desert Tourism Base," Shapotou offers activities such as camel rides, desert off-roading, desert camping, stargazing, and drifting down the Yellow River on traditional sheepskin rafts. The area has grown especially popular with families and adventure seekers.

To make the ascent easier, the scenic area is equipped with desert escalators and cable cars. Designated as China's first national-level desert resort, Shapotou continues to attract tourists from across the country and beyond. By combining Yellow River culture with desert tourism, the region has become a model for leisure travel, offering visitors the chance to experience some of China's most dramatic landscapes.