Yulong Sand Lake: A Prehistoric "Dragon Hunt" Amidst a Landscape of White Sands and Red Sandstone

The Quest for the Dragon—The Dramatic Unearthing of "China's First Dragon"

The modern story of Yulong Sand Lake begins with a monumental archaeological discovery. In the autumn of 1971, while working on the hills behind Saiqintala Village—located not far from the scenic area—a local villager named Zhang Fengxiang accidentally unearthed a "dark-green iron object" that had lain dormant for over five thousand years. This C-shaped jade artifact—distinctive for its peculiar form and deep green hue—was later hailed by the archaeological community as "China's First Dragon," a relic of the Hongshan Culture. Consequently, Chifeng was christened the "Hometown of China's Jade Dragon," and the desert lake situated right next to this archaeological site was named "Yulong Sand Lake" (Jade Dragon Sand Lake) in its honor.

The Source of the Immortal Lake—The Enchanting Legend of the Celestial Maiden's Descent

Beyond the empirical evidence provided by archaeology, a more romantic legend circulates among the local people regarding the origins of Yulong Sand Lake. According to folklore, some four or five thousand years ago, this region was plagued by fierce sandstorms and a relentless drought demon. One day, the two daughters of the Jade Emperor passed over the area; witnessing the suffering of the people, they descended to Earth in the guise of two beautiful maidens. They rallied the people to fight against the drought demon, ultimately transforming the land into a lush oasis rich in water and vegetation. To commemorate them, later generations named this place "Dragon Maiden Lake," a designation that adds a touch of legendary mystique to Yulong Sand Lake.

> Dive Deeper: Explore More Hongshan Culture Sites <<[Ulan Butong Grassland]

Nature's Masterpiece—A Visual Clash of"White Desert"and"Red Sandstone"

The unique allure of Yulong Sand Lake lies in its ability to shatter the conventional monotony of desert landscapes,seamlessly blending a diverse array of extreme natural wonders into a single harmonious whole.

The White Desert:The Singing Sands of an 800-Li Wilderness

Home to China's most unique and aesthetically stunning"White Desert,"this site features sands composed primarily of quartz grains.Uniform in size and crystal-clear in clarity,these grains shimmer with a dazzling white brilliance under the sunlight.The towering dunes—averaging over 75 meters in vertical height—rise steeply in graceful crescent shapes and are renowned as"Singing Sands."On dry days,sliding down the sandy slopes triggers a remarkable acoustic phenomenon:the friction of the moving sand grains produces a resonant roar,akin to the distant rumble of an airplane engine.

Red Sandstone:Ancient Secrets Whispered by Quaternary Glaciers

Encircled by this sea of​​white sand,the scenic area is dotted with colossal,strangely shaped crimson rock formations.These rocks—forged millions of years ago during the Quaternary glacial epoch—have been sculpted and refined by the ceaseless battering of wind and sand,resulting in a rugged,fantastical landscape of infinite variety.The"Red Sandstone"formations create a visually striking contrast of warm and cool tones against the"White Desert"underfoot,forming the signature,one-of-a-kind landscape that defines Yulong Sand Lake—a compelling reason why the acclaimed film The Continent(Hou Hui Wu Qi)chose this very location as a filming site.

The Sand Lake Spectacle:A Lake Within the Sand,Islands Within the Lake

Nestled within the sandy terrain lies a pristine spring;its waters gush nearly a meter high,discharging hundreds of tons of water per hour.Amidst the vast,boundless desert,this flowing water has accumulated to form a magnificent lake spanning an area of​​14,000 mu(approximately 930 hectares).Within the lake itself,more than a dozen sandy islets emerge from the water,creating a unique and enchanting sand-lake tableau—a landscape where"a lake lies within the sand,islands rise within the lake,grass grows upon the islands,and birds nest amidst the grass."At the break of dawn or during the twilight hours when the crescent moon hangs low,flocks of birds take flight,circling and dancing in the air—transforming this place into a veritable avian paradise.

>Photography Tip:The interplay of light and shadow in the White Desert is at its most layered and dynamic during the early morning and late evening hours.Bathed in the glow of the setting sun,the red sandstone takes on a vibrant orange-red hue,making for exceptionally stunning photographs.Shooting from a high vantage point allows you to capture the White Desert,the oasis,and the blue lake all in a single frame,creating a striking contrast of colors.

Cultural Ingenuity:Tracing the Roots of the Hongshan Culture and a Container Art Landmark

The Hongshan Culture Site:Touching the Five-Thousand-Year-Old Origins of Chinese Civilization

This site lies within one of the core distribution zones of the Hongshan Culture.The scenic area preserves various relics of this ancient civilization—including sacrificial altars,stone cairns(burial mounds),and excavated artifacts made of jade,stone,bone,and pottery—collectively offering a comprehensive reflection of the characteristics and cultural significance of the Neolithic-era Hongshan Culture.Within the park,the Jingci(Shrine of the Realm)and the Hongshan Jade Sculpture Garden utilize scene reconstructions and sculptural displays to provide visitors with an intuitive glimpse into the production and daily life of our ancestors from five thousand years ago.The Hongshan Culture stands as the most representative ancient culture of the late Neolithic period in Northern China,serving as the very origin of the Chinese dragon totem and the nation's profound jade culture.

The Container Hot Spring Hotel:Modern Art in the Great Desert

Located within the scenic area,the Container Hot Spring Hotel is a masterpiece of unique architectural ingenuity,constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers.Every guest room offers breathtaking views that harmoniously blend the interplay of light and water.More than just a landmark structure,the hotel has earned acclaim as a classic exemplar of contemporary Chinese architecture.Each room is furnished with luxurious bedding from renowned international brands—such as King Koil—and features a seamless integration of private outdoor terraces and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.Step out or simply look through the window,and you are greeted by the boundless expanse of the sandy sea and a dazzling canopy of stars;you can literally lie in bed and gaze up at the night sky.This unique feature has made the Container Hot Spring Hotel the most iconic and"Instagrammable"attraction at Yulong Sand Lake.

Five Must-Do Activities:Unlocking the Full Experience of Yulong Sand Lake

1.Hop Aboard an Extreme Off-Road Vehicle:Challenge the 70-Degree Sand Dunes

Key Highlight:This is the absolute highlight of Yulong Sand Lake!Experience the ultimate thrill of a"desert roller coaster"—an adventure you simply cannot miss.Experience:Hop into a professional desert off-road vehicle—expertly piloted by a professional driver—and race toward the summit of towering sand dunes reaching up to 100 meters in height.As the vehicle drifts and executes sharp turns along the steep slopes of the dunes at angles approaching 70 degrees,your heartbeat will pound in rhythm with the roaring engine.The entire journey lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes,offering the ultimate way to get your adrenaline pumping.

Fee:140 RMB per person.

2.Visit the Filming Location of The Continent and Capture Stunning Desert Blockbusters

Experience:Yulong Sand Lake served as one of the iconic filming locations for the movie The Continent(directed by Han Han).The wooden boardwalks winding through the dunes and the solitary old elm tree standing at the desert's edge are quintessential photo spots featured in the film.We recommend wearing a red or long white dress;set against the striking contrast of the white desert sands and red sandstone formations,every casual snapshot you take will look like a cinematic masterpiece.

3.Ride a Camel Across the Sea of​​Sand and Retrace Ancient Caravan Routes

Experience:Select a gentle-natured camel at the"Camel&Horse Post"and,accompanied by the melodious chiming of camel bells,slowly venture deep into the heart of the desert.Perched atop your camel,the vast expanse of the desert unfolds before your eyes—offering the most authentic way to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the great wilderness.

Fee:100 RMB per person(one-way trip).

4.Explore the Jingci Shrine and Hongshan Cultural Site to Discover the"First Dragon of China"

Experience:Step into the Jingci Shrine,located along the"Jingxin Line"within the scenic area;this serves as the central exhibition hub for the region's Hongshan Culture.Here,you can offer prayers for good fortune,experience firsthand the cultural ambiance of the site where the"First Dragon of China"was unearthed,and learn the historical narratives behind the Hongshan jade artifacts and ancient sacrificial altars.The scenic area also features a Hongshan Jade Sculpture Garden and a Hongshan Cultural Museum,providing a comprehensive overview of the rich heritage and significance of the Hongshan Culture.

5.Stay at a Container Hotel and Gaze at the Desert Starry Sky from Your Bed

Experience:Spend the night at a trendy"container-style"hot spring hotel,where simply opening your window reveals the boundless desert stretching out before you,crowned by the dazzling Milky Way.Situated far away from the light pollution of the city,Yulong Sand Lake offers a spectacular celestial display at night;looking up at the sky filled with countless stars creates a breathtaking visual impact that far surpasses anything a photograph can capture.In the autumn,visitors can also partake in a bonfire party—basking in the warm glow of the firelight against the night sky,watching fireworks burst across the starry heavens,and savoring the tranquil serenity of the desert.

Suggested Itineraries

One-Day"Desert Express"Highlights Tour(Ideal for those with limited time):

Arrive at the scenic area at 9:00 AM→Explore the"Jingshan Route":ascend the sand dunes to enjoy panoramic views of the white desert and red sandstone formations(1 hour)→Hop aboard an off-road vehicle for an exhilarating"desert surfing"experience(30 minutes)→Ride a camel across the sea of​​sand and snap photos at the iconic"Desert Blade"viewpoint(1.5 hours)→Enjoy a special Mongolian-style lunch at the scenic area's restaurant(1 hour)→In the afternoon,explore the"Jingshui Route":take a mini-train ride around the lake for birdwatching and visit the"Sand Spring Sky Bath"attraction(2 hours)→Visit the Jing Temple and the Hongshan Jade Sculpture Garden to learn about the Hongshan Culture(1 hour)→Tour concludes around 5:00 PM.

IntoTravelChina Tip:UV radiation in desert regions is extremely intense;please ensure you take comprehensive sun protection measures(covering up fully).We recommend prioritizing outdoor activities in the morning,and switching to indoor cultural sightseeing in the afternoon when temperatures tend to be higher.

Two-Day"In-Depth Retreat"Tour(Highly Recommended):

Day 1:Arrive at Yulong Sand Lake in the morning and check into the Container Hot Spring Hotel→After lunch,enjoy desert off-roading,camel riding,and sandboarding(3 hours)→In the evening,head to the"Desert Blade"viewpoint to capture stunning sunset photos(1 hour)→At night,join the bonfire party and Desert BBQ—celebrating under the starry sky→Spend the night at the Container Hotel,gazing up at the brilliant Milky Way.

Day 2:Wake up early to photograph the desert sunrise(witness the morning light spilling over the dunes,creating a magical interplay of light and shadow)→After breakfast,explore the"Jingshui Route"and take a mini-train ride around the lake for birdwatching(1.5 hours)→Visit the Jing Temple and the Hongshan Cultural Site(1.5 hours)→Enjoy a"Sand Lake Fish Hotpot"lunch→In the afternoon,choose to go kayaking or continue exploring the"Jingshan Route"to discover its unique rock formations→Depart for home around 4:00 PM.IntoTravelChina Advantages:We can book the perfect accommodations to suit your needs,seamlessly coordinate all your activities,and provide detailed safety guidelines for your desert adventures.

>Professional Guides:IntoTravelChina offers fully customized itineraries,complete with a dedicated private guide,transportation,and activity arrangements,ensuring a worry-free and immersive travel experience..>> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There:A 1.5-Hour Drive from Chifeng

Yulong Sand Lake is located in Ongniud Banner,Chifeng City,approximately 120 kilometers from the city center.Driving yourself is the best option.

Self-Driving(Recommended):Depart from Chifeng city center and take the G16 Danxi Expressway.Exit at"Wudan,"then continue along the Yulong Sand Lake Tourist Road.The total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.

High-Speed​​Rail+Taxi:Take a high-speed train to"Chifeng Station."Upon exiting the station,take a taxi or a shared ride to the scenic area(approx.1.5 hours;fare:150–200 RMB).

Public Transportation:From the Chifeng Bus Station,take a shuttle bus bound for Ongniud Banner(Wudan Town)—a trip of about 1.5 hours.Once there,take a taxi or shared ride to the scenic area(approx.20 minutes).

Scenic Area Entrance:Simply search for"Yulong Sand Lake"directly in your navigation app.Free parking is available on-site.

Important Return Tip:Mobile phone reception can be weak in certain parts of the scenic area;we recommend downloading offline maps in advance.For your return journey,we suggest departing before sunset to avoid driving at night.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yulong Sand Lake is from June to October.During this period,the skies are clear and sunny,the sand is pristine white,the water is crystal blue,and the grasslands and forests are lush and vibrant—making for the most magnificent scenery.

Peak Season(June–October):The climate is pleasant,with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C,and the desert oasis is teeming with life.In July and August,the lotus flowers in the lake are in full bloom,creating a truly spectacular sight.August is also an excellent time for stargazing.Spring&Autumn(April–May;September–October):Spring brings stronger winds and sandstorms,though visitor numbers remain low;autumn features clear skies,crisp air,and a rich palette of colors—making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Winter(November–March):Temperatures are lower,and visitors are extremely scarce,allowing you to enjoy the profound silence and desolate beauty of the desert all to yourself.

Best Times of Day:8:00–10:00 AM offers soft lighting,ideal for capturing panoramic views of the White Desert;4:00–6:00 PM is the"golden hour"for photography,as the setting sun bathes the red sandstone in a warm orange-red glow;after 7:00 PM,the night sky is ablaze with stars—perfect for stargazing and astronomical observation.

Tickets&Opening Hours

Ticket Prices:Adult tickets are 80 RMB per person(75 RMB if purchased online in advance);students,children,and seniors pay 40 RMB per person.

Core Attractions/Activities:Desert off-road vehicle rides(140 RMB/person),camel riding(100 RMB/person),sandboarding(30 RMB/person),scenic mini-train rides around the lake(60 RMB/person),kayaking(80 RMB/boat),and archery(30 RMB/set).

Recommended Packages:The scenic area offers various bundled packages.We recommend the"Big Player Package"(370 RMB/set)or the"True Adventurer Package"(880 RMB/set);these bundles include both the entrance ticket and access to core activities,offering better value than purchasing items individually.

Concessions:Local residents,guests staying at the scenic area's on-site hotel,and those purchasing entertainment packages are eligible for free admission.

Opening Hours:Open year-round from 08:30 to 18:00(last entry at 17:30);winter hours may be shortened.

Accommodation Options

Container Hot Spring Hotel(Highly Recommended):The scenic area's official hotel,located right inside the park,features a unique and creative architectural design utilizing shipping containers.With the desert right outside your window—and the opportunity to lie in bed while gazing up at the stars—it offers the most distinctive accommodation experience at Yulong Shahu.Guests receive two complimentary entrance tickets upon check-in.

Wudan Town Hotels:Located approximately a 15-minute drive from the scenic area,accommodation options here consist primarily of budget-friendly guesthouses.These offer affordable rates and are ideal for travelers on a limited budget.Hotels in Chifeng City Center:Offering a wide range of options—from budget-friendly inns to five-star hotels—these accommodations are ideal for travelers planning to visit other attractions within Chifeng city the following day,or for those with higher standards regarding lodging amenities.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:

We strongly recommend planning your itinerary and booking your accommodation 1–2 months in advance,particularly during the summer holidays and the National Day Golden Week.The Container Hot Spring Hotel is the only unique accommodation option located directly within the scenic area;availability is extremely limited,making early booking absolutely essential.By booking through us,you gain access to real-time room availability updates and the ability to bundle your accommodation,attraction tickets,and transportation into a single,cohesive plan.This often results in package discounts and ensures a seamless,hassle-free travel experience.Simply share your budget and specific requirements with us,and we will match you with the perfect"Desert Oasis"for your stay.>>[Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Yulong Sand Lake is by no means the end of your journey;rather,it serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the unique charms of Chifeng—and indeed,the entirety of Eastern Inner Mongolia.

Classic 2-Day Desert&Grassland Loop:Day 1:Yulong Sand Lake(Desert Off-roading+Camel Riding+Stargazing)→Day 2:Ongniud Banner Museum/Saiqintala("Site of China's First Dragon")→Return to Chifeng.This classic route seamlessly blends the wonders of the desert landscape with an exploration of the origins of the Hongshan Culture.

3-Day Chifeng Panorama Loop:Chifeng→Yulong Sand Lake→Re'a Road(China's"Route 66")→Arshihaty Stone Forest→Dali Lake→Ulan Butong Grassland→Return.This route connects deserts,stone forests,lakes,and European-style grasslands,allowing you to experience the very best of Eastern Inner Mongolia in a single trip.

Hongshan Culture Exploration Route:Chifeng Museum→Hongshan Culture Museum→Yulong Sand Lake→Saiqintala("Site of China's First Dragon").An immersive journey offering a deep dive into the captivating allure of the Hongshan Culture.

The story of Yulong Sand Lake is woven from the legendary emergence of"China's First Dragon"five thousand years ago,the romantic folklore of a celestial maiden transforming into a lake,and the breathtaking spectacle of pristine white sands shimmering against vibrant red sandstone cliffs.Step into this hidden gem of the Horqin region—a landscape where"lakes nestle within the sands,and islands rise from the lakes."Here,you can not only experience the heart-pounding thrill of desert off-roading and visit the iconic filming locations from the movie The Continent(Hou Hui Wu Qi),but also,amidst every grain of sand,every stone,every lake,and every island,feel the ancient pulse of Chinese civilization and the dazzling romance of the desert's starry skies.

IntoTravelChina specializes in crafting in-depth,personalized,and hassle-free travel experiences across China.Our travel experts are here to provide you with:

Tailored Itineraries:We design the perfect route based on your specific interests and schedule,incorporating Yulong Sand Lake and other surrounding attractions in the Chifeng region.

One-Stop Service:We handle everything—tickets,unique accommodations,transportation transfers,local guides,and activity bookings.

Exclusive Experiences:We arrange VIP access for desert off-roading,in-depth guided tours of the Hongshan Culture sites,stargazing packages at unique container hotels,and more.

Let your journey to Yulong Sand Lake be more than just sightseeing;let it be an immersive desert adventure and a voyage of cultural discovery.>>[Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]