Plan at a glance
Choose the right area for your visit
Xiangshawan has a desert sightseeing area, the Xiansha and Yuesha leisure islands, and three resort islands: Liansha, Fusha and Shunsha. For a short stop, stay in the sightseeing area. If you want rides or island activities, choose Xiansha or Yuesha based on what you want to do.
Leave enough time for the islands
Allow about 3–4 hours for a quick visit without the leisure islands. If you go to an island, plan for a full day and account for queues, transfers and the return trip. First-time visitors may find it easier to focus on one main island; check that the day’s routes and ticket benefits connect before planning both.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Xiansha Leisure Island: desert rides
Xiansha is mainly for rides. The scenic area’s notice lists the Camel Hump Coaster, Xiangsha Summit (a flying-tower ride), Immortal Coaster, a Polaris all-terrain vehicle (ATV/UTV) experience, rail bike, zipline and swing area. Check each ride’s height, weight and health restrictions at the entrance; the rides operating that day may differ.
Yuesha Leisure Island: sand sculptures and a place to rest
Yuesha is a slower-paced stop for the sand sculpture castle and the water area. The swimming pool opens only when weather permits. A desert sightseeing train also serves the island; check the day’s route and ticket to see whether a ride is available and included.
Camel transfers connect the two islands
The scenic area’s transport map shows a camel route between Xiansha and Yuesha. A seasonal notice says visitors with a camel-included product can ride from the Xiansha camel station to the Yuesha camel station. Confirm the route, ticket coverage and weather conditions when you arrive.
For a separate desert area with different visitor access and seasonal operations, see Yemingsha Desert Scenic Area.
Build your day
Half-day route | 3–4 hours without the leisure islands
Enter through the Visitor Center, check the day’s map and ticket, then follow the approved route to the sightseeing area. Spend your time on dune views, sand sliding or one activity that is open. Return by the same transfer route and leave time for the ride back and exit; this route does not include Xiansha or Yuesha.
One-island route | Spend the day on Xiansha
Through October 31, 2026, the announced Xiansha package includes admission and Cableway No. 1 or No. 2, followed by a ride on the Sand-Sea Yacht (沙海游艇), a specially designed desert shuttle vehicle that travels across the sand—not a boat on water—to Xiansha Leisure Island. Choose your rides after checking queues and participation requirements. When you are ready to leave, take the desert shuttle back to Xiangshawan Harbor, the scenic area’s desert transport hub, and follow the designated exit route.
Island-hopping route | Only with a camel-included product
Through October 31, 2026, visitors with a package that includes camel riding can ride from the Xiansha camel station to the Yuesha camel station. Follow the boardwalk to Yuesha’s leisure area and sand sculpture castle. The swimming pool opens only when weather permits. For the return journey, ride a camel back to the Xiansha camel station, then take the desert shuttle to Xiangshawan Harbor. Allow extra time for walking, queues and transfers.
Get there
Navigate to the Visitor Center
If you are driving or hiring a car, set “Xiangshawan Visitor Center” as your destination. Check the day’s entry, ticketing and transfer instructions there. Xiangshawan is west of National Highway 210 in Dalad Banner; confirm the map pin before setting off so you do not end up in Dalad Banner town or at another Kubuqi Desert site.
Match the transport to your destination
Cableways No. 1 and No. 2 connect Yilisha Resort with Xiangshawan Harbor. Cableway No. 3 serves the Liansha and Fusha resort islands from the resort reception center. From Xiangshawan Harbor, take the Sand-Sea Yacht desert shuttle to Xiansha, or the desert sightseeing train or shuttle to Yuesha. The resort-island cableway is not the route to the leisure islands.
Know before you go
Compare the ticket with the route for your travel date
Through October 31, the announced Xiansha product includes admission, Cableway No. 1 or No. 2, the Sand-Sea Yacht desert shuttle and Xiansha activities. The camel route between islands requires a package that includes camel riding. From November 1, 2026, the scenic area lists two products: admission with Cableway No. 1 or No. 2; or admission, one of those cableways and Xiangshawan Harbor experiences, including camel riding, all-terrain vehicles and “Bigfoot.” Prices and inclusions may change, so compare the specific product with your route before buying.
Plan for weather, ride rules and the return trip
Each Xiansha ride has its own restrictions, and the Yuesha pool depends on the weather. Check the ride signs and operating notice when you arrive. The sun is strong and fine sand can damage devices, so bring sun protection and protect your phone and camera. Before leaving an island, check the last transfer and follow the day’s instructions back to Xiangshawan Harbor and the Visitor Center.