Plan at a glance
Tonghu Grassland is a separate scenic area
Tonghu Grassland is an independently operated desert scenic area in Alxa Left Banner (阿拉善左旗), Inner Mongolia, near Zhongwei in Ningxia. It is in 腾格里额里斯镇. The pick-up base depends on the product you book; it may be a transport hub in Zhongwei or Alxa Left Banner. The Five Lakes hinterland route and other desert parks near Zhongwei have separate entrances and operating arrangements.
An afternoon of desert activities can fit with an evening event if both are running that day. Arrange your return ride before buying tickets.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Desert, lake, and grassland
The scenery combines a lake and grassland within the desert. The experience is closer to a desert camp than to broad, lush grassland. Walk through open areas to see the dunes and sunset; views vary with the weather, season, and water conditions on site.
Desert activities
Optional activities may include off-road rides on the dunes, camel rides, and desert motorcycles. Before buying, find out which are operating, which cost extra, and what age, height, equipment, and insurance rules apply. Choose activities that suit your group.
Evening show
A report by Inner Mongolia Daily dated 2 June 2026 said the show “Ma Dao Cheng Gong” (马到成功) was scheduled to run nightly at 20:00 through 25 October 2026, with horsemanship, dance, fireworks, and a bonfire. That notice does not cover shows after that date. The day's programme, weather, entry arrangements, and transport after the show may vary, so look up the latest details for your visit.
On a clear evening, you can look at the desert sky, but clouds, artificial light, and blowing sand affect stargazing. Promotional photos are not a promise that the Milky Way will be visible every night.
Build your day
Arrive in the afternoon and choose activities first
Start by looking at the day's activity-area map, ticket cut-off times, and return route before choosing a ride or lakeside walk.
If you plan to join an activity, allow time for queues, changing, and returning to the show area. Buy tickets early enough to queue and return before the cut-off, and choose activities that fit the available time.
Dinner and the show
If a show is running that evening, check its start time, entry arrangements, and any rules for seating or interactive areas before planning dinner. After the show, leave from the pick-up point and at the time agreed with your driver.
Combine with Shapotou only after checking
Some itineraries visit Shapotou during the day and Tonghu Grassland for an evening show. Combine them only if the day's transport, time at each place, and show schedule allow it. If the timing is tight, split the visits across two days instead of rushing activities and the return trip.
Get there
From the Zhongwei area
Use the pick-up base listed for your booked product, then travel from the relevant transport hub in Zhongwei or Alxa Left Banner to Tonghu Grassland Scenic Area. Navigate using the full scenic-area name “通湖草原旅游景区” and follow signs to the ticket office and car park. Shapotou and the Five Lakes tour meeting point are not substitutes for your Tonghu transfer address.
Arrange a ride after the show
It may be difficult to find a car near the scenic area after an evening show. When booking, confirm the actual pick-up base, waiting point, show end time, and return destination. If driving, check the car-park exit and road conditions at night.
Know before you go
Tickets and opening hours
Ticket types, activity charges, child policies, and cancellation terms vary by product. Before buying, check the basic admission ticket, which activities cost extra, whether a show is running, the final entry time, and what each service includes.
Activity safety
Off-road vehicles, camel rides, and motorcycles each have safety restrictions. Before taking part, ask about age and height limits, protective equipment, insurance, activity duration, and weather-related cancellations. If anyone in your group is not suited to bumpy or high-speed activities, you can walk and enjoy the views in open areas instead.
Food and accommodation
Restaurant and accommodation availability varies by season, so arrange meals and lodging ahead of time. If you are not staying at the scenic area, book a ride back to Zhongwei or your actual pick-up base. Bring drinking water and a simple snack as a backup.
Desert conditions
Strong sun and blowing sand can affect your visit, so bring sun and wind protection. Grassland coverage and lake scenery vary by season. Walk according to the conditions on site and stay out of closed areas.