Plan at a glance
Desert, lake, and dune experiences
Yulong Sand Lake is in Buridun Gacha, Wudan Town, Ongniud Banner. It brings dunes, lake views, wetlands, and rocky landscapes together in one scenic area. For broad views of the lake and sand, take the Jingshui Line (境水线). If you want more desert activities, add the Jingshan or Jingmo routes according to your fitness level and budget. Paid activities inside the scenic area are separate from the admission ticket.
Admission and the lakeside sightseeing vehicle
Adult admission is listed at CNY 80, and packages including the Bailong sightseeing vehicle (拜龙号观光车) start at CNY 120. Prices and inclusions may change. Off-road rides, camel rides, and sandboarding are not automatically included; before buying, check the day's prices and whether a lakeside shuttle is needed.
Opening hours and visit length
The scenic area is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Last admission may be 5:00 pm or 5:15 pm, so plan around 5:00 pm. For a 3–4-hour visit, try to enter by 1:00 pm; after 3:00 pm, choose only a short route and follow the day's notice.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Jingshui Pavilion and the lake–dune boundary
Jingshui Pavilion offers views of dunes, reddish rock formations, and the lake meeting one another. Follow open trails and use viewpoints to see the layers of water and sand. Check on-site notices for access, and do not enter wetlands or closed beaches for a photograph.
Jingshan Line and dune landscapes
The Jingshan Line offers views of rolling dunes, the lake, and rock formations. Leave enough time for the uphill and downhill sections. In strong winds, soft sand, or high temperatures, shorten the route; do not leave open areas to look for activity spots that are not marked open.
Jingmo Line and motorized activities
The scenic area offers motorized desert experiences such as off-road rides. Before boarding, confirm the day's route, total price, age limits, equipment, and weather-related cancellation rules with the operator. Whether an activity is running depends on on-site arrangements.
Camels, sandboarding, and lakeside activities
Choose camel rides, sandboarding, and water activities according to the season and on-site arrangements. Before a camel ride, confirm the start and end points, whether it is a round trip, how you will get back down, and whether the board fee is extra. For water activities, use the equipment required by the operator and follow age, height, and weather restrictions.
Build your day
Short lake-and-dune route | follow open areas
After entering, decide whether to take the Bailong and ask about its stops and round-trip time. On foot, you can start at Jingshui Pavilion, follow open viewpoints along the lake–dune boundary, and leave time to return to the entrance. If a trail is closed, turn back as directed on site.
Core experience route | about 3–4 hours
Allow half a day: first take the Jingshui Line, then choose either a Jingshan or Jingmo activity. Before taking a vehicle or off-road ride, confirm the activity duration and last return service, and leave time to get back to the parking area.
Extended visit | about 4–6 hours
Start a 4–6-hour in-depth visit in the morning. See the lakeside first, choose one or two activities, then return to the visitor service area. It is not suitable to begin after 3:00 pm. If you plan to watch the sunset, first confirm dune access, descent arrangements, and the return trip, and follow the required departure time.
Shorten the route for your fitness and the weather
Reduce dune climbing and outdoor activities in high temperatures, strong winds, or blowing sand. Older visitors, children, and anyone unused to walking on sand can take the sightseeing vehicle and use short trails. You do not need to buy an off-road ride or camel ride to enjoy the lake-and-dune scenery.
Get there
Navigation and expressway route
Search for “玉龙沙湖游客中心” (Yulong Sand Lake Visitor Centre, Buridun Gacha, Wudan Town, Ongniud Banner). From the city, take the G16 Dandong–Xilinhot Expressway, exit at Wudan, and turn onto the Yulong Sand Lake tourist road. Check live traffic and entrance status before setting out.
Driving and roads within the scenic area
Follow navigation to the Visitor Centre. For activities on the sand, use only open scenic-area routes and designated vehicles. Do not drive yourself onto closed dunes or wetlands; off-road routes are arranged by the scenic area.
Public transport and parking
If travelling without a car, first confirm the last-mile connection to the Visitor Centre and return services to Wudan Town or your accommodation. If the connections do not work for your schedule, arrange a hired car or pickup in advance. Confirm parking fees and available spaces before arriving. If you join an evening activity, arrange return transport ahead of time.
Know before you go
Admission, packages, and discounts
The reference price for adult admission is CNY 80, and a package including admission and the Bailong sightseeing vehicle starts at about CNY 120. Check the ticket page and on-site rules for discounts, package inclusions, and prices for off-road rides, camel rides, sandboarding, and other activities.
Last admission and return arrangements
Last entry may be earlier than 5:15 pm, so plan to arrive by 5:00 pm. The scenic area closes at 5:30 pm. Confirm the day's arrangements before setting out. If entering later, take only a short route and leave time to return to the parking area.
Desert weather and equipment
The sun is strong on the sand and wind conditions can change quickly. Bring a hat, sun protection, and drinking water, and wear closed-toe shoes or sand socks. In strong winds, high temperatures, or temporary crowd restrictions, skip dune climbs and motorized activities and follow staff directions.
Paid activities and surrounding areas
Before joining an off-road ride, camel ride, sandboarding, or water activity, confirm the operator, equipment, age limits, and return arrangements. Some nearby sandy areas, grassland, and roads are not open to visitors. If you plan to go into the desert outside the scenic area, confirm legal access in advance; do not drive yourself into closed areas.
Food and rest
Fish hot pot at the lake has been mentioned as a local option, but restaurant opening and menus change with the season. Check the day's menu and prices before ordering, and bring drinking water and simple snacks. After your visit, use live navigation to find food or accommodation in Wudan Town.