Night view of Shunsha Island. [Photo/Nuan News]

In Inner Mongolia's Ordos city, the desert is being transformed from a barren land into a thriving cultural and tourism destination, unlocking the full potential of its ecological assets.

Whistling Dune Bay, part of the vast Kubuqi Desert, was once a humble State-run outpost and is now a national 5A-rated scenic area.

Embracing its sandy environment as a resource rather than a limitation, the site has introduced water parks and stargazing events, challenging the stereotype of deserts as dry and lifeless. In 2023, the site welcomed 1.15 million visitors, generating 300 million yuan ($41.78 million) in revenue.

A water park opens in Kubuqi Desert. [Photo/Nuan News]

Not far away, the newly opened Shunsha Island immerses visitors in interactive, starry desert adventures, earning rave reviews for its diversity of experiences.

Adjacent to Whistling Dune Bay, the Yinkentala Desert Ecological Culture and Tourism Area offers views of lush green belts that last year alone pushed 300 meters deeper into the desert, enhancing tourism capacity.

Further west, Hanggin Banner has become a hub for desert off-roading, hosting over 30 rally events and developing a desert tourism ecosystem that combines nature, adventure, and auto culture.

A vehicle drives in Kubuqi Desert. [Photo/Nuan News]