Travel Tips for Shapotou

What to Watch Out for When Traveling to Shapotou

1. Make thorough preparations before arrival

   Learn about local background information including climate, vegetation, rivers, mountains, villages and roads. Plan your desert travel route based on actual conditions, and work out a feasible itinerary while prioritizing personal safety.
2. Prepare proper gear and sufficient supplies

   Most desert tours involve plenty of walking, so decent physical strength and perseverance are required. Those in poor health or with chronic illnesses are advised not to join, to avoid accidents.
3. Dress appropriately for desert conditions

   Sand and wind prevail in spring and summer, so wear windproof clothing and a headscarf. The temperature varies drastically between day and night all year round, so bring warm clothes for the evening.

   The sunshine is intense with strong ultraviolet rays during the day. Apply sunscreen on your face and wear sunglasses and a sun hat. It is better not to put sunscreen on your body, as drifting sand will stick to the skin and be hard to clean. Instead, wear light-colored long-sleeve sweat-absorbent clothes for sun protection.
4. Essentials for desert trips and overnight stays

   Pack enough clothes and drinking water if staying overnight in the desert. Also bring basic medicines such as eye drops, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and cold remedies, and eat plenty of fruits.

   Wear lightweight, breathable high-top sports shoes to prevent sand from getting inside. Avoid hiking at noon in summer, as the extremely high surface temperature of the desert may cause heatstroke and sunburn.
5. Stay calm in emergencies and identify directions correctly

   The vast desert offers few landmarks for orientation. Rolling dunes, tall sand hills and depressions also make it nearly impossible to walk in a straight line. If you lose your way and cannot tell directions clearly, stay put and wait for rescue.
6. Conserve water if you get lost

   Water shortage and extreme heat are the biggest threats in the desert, and most casualties are caused by dehydration and heatstroke. If you lose your way, always secure an adequate supply of clean drinking water before trying to get out. There is no surface water in most desert areas and digging for water is difficult. Nevertheless, deserts are mostly basins with many seasonal watercourses where water may be found.
7. Take shelter from sandstorms

   If caught in a sandstorm, observe the surroundings and move away from the oncoming wind, which will help you stay safe. Never take shelter on the leeward side of sand dunes, or you risk being buried by drifting sand.