Plan at a glance
The desert attraction and suggested visit time
Baogutu Desert Scenic Area is in Baiyintala Sumu, Naiman Banner, and is a National 4A-level tourist attraction. The grounds include a visitor centre, parking and dining areas. Main activities include desert sightseeing, rides and vehicle experiences.
Allow about 2–3 hours to choose one or two activities and walk around, or 4–6 hours for several activities. The actual duration depends on what is open and how long queues take.
Prices, shuttle and opening hours
According to an approval by the Tongliao Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the benchmark gate-ticket price is CNY 25 per person, effective July 1, 2026. The approved shuttle fare is CNY 20 per person, effective from the date the approval was issued. Both prices may be lowered. The shuttle route is 7.249 kilometres long. An approved fare does not mean the shuttle runs every day; confirm that day’s service, departures and last run with the attraction.
Ctrip currently shows “temporarily closed; reopening date to be announced.” Confirm with the attraction before travelling. The 2025 opening notice lists regular hours of 08:00–18:00. Night hours apply only on specific dates or for particular events. Before camping or visiting at night, confirm whether it is open, whether a separate product is required and the last admission time.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Dunes and daytime activities
During the day, view the dunes in areas open to visitors, then choose from camel rides, sand sliding or desert vehicles operating that day. Check the price and area covered; do not infer how many times you can use an activity or what is included from the package name alone.
Before a vehicle activity, confirm who will drive, the route length, passenger restrictions and safety equipment. Drive yourself only if the activity is explicitly marked as visitor self-driving and you meet the on-site conditions. Do not take a private car into the desert interior or leave the designated area along temporary tire tracks.
Photography and desert landscape
Dune ridges, camel trains and photo props make good subjects for desert scenery. If objects such as a shipwreck or deadwood display are in an open area, treat them as scenery, not historical remains or climbing structures.
Sunrise, sunset and night-sky photography depend on regular opening hours or a confirmed night product. Without permission for a night visit, leave by closing time. Do not wait for sunset in a closed area or camp without permission.
Families, camping and fitness
Walking on sand takes effort, and sun and blowing sand add to the physical strain. Older adults, young children and visitors with limited mobility should ask about shuttle boarding, walking distances, activity restrictions and rest areas. Do not assume every activity suits visitors of all ages.
Confirm arrangements for camping and night activities in advance; do not assume they are available every day or that you can stay overnight without a booking. Check the campsite, accommodation, toilets, meals and night-time transport before setting out.
For a separate Tongliao desert attraction with different access, operator and ticket arrangements, see Kulun Yinshawan Scenic Area.
Build your day
2–3-hour core route
Start at the visitor centre. Ask whether the shuttle is operating, when it runs and which areas it serves. Once confirmed, use it to reach one vehicle or riding activity and a walking viewpoint. If shuttle service has not been confirmed, stay within areas clearly open to visitors.
Follow on-site directions back to the designated exit or parking area. If the shuttle is suspended or an activity runs late, do not walk deep into the desert or take a shortcut across the dunes.
4–6-hour multi-activity route
First check the activity-area map and shuttle arrangements. Choose from activities with longer queues, sand sliding, rides or walking viewpoints. Schedule water, a meal and a break according to what is open that day.
Plan a 4–6-hour visit within that day’s opening hours and finish before closing. If the shuttle is operating, confirm the return stop and last run in advance. Sunrise, night visits, bonfires and camping require separate confirmation and should not be added to a regular daytime route.
Get there
Driving and roadworks
Search for “宝古图沙漠旅游区” or the visitor centre in your navigation app. The attraction is about 45 kilometres from Daqintala Town and 23 kilometres from Baiyintala Sumu. Plan from your actual starting point and follow live navigation.
The road notice lists construction on the tourist road from Daqintala to the attraction from May 10 to October 31, 2026. Work is being carried out in sections on half the roadway, with two-way traffic taking turns on the remaining half; the road is not fully closed. The schedule may be extended in special circumstances. Check the latest notice before travelling, allow for delays and follow traffic officers and on-site construction directions.
Public transport and return arrangements
The attraction is far from Naiman Banner’s town centre. If arriving by train or long-distance coach, book a car to the visitor centre in advance and agree on a return pick-up time. Do not assume you will find a ride on arrival.
Driving or arranging a hired car in advance makes the round trip easier. Confirm pick-up and return arrangements before setting out. Allow extra transfer time if you plan to visit Naiman Prince’s Mansion as well.
Know before you go
Discount documents and activities charged separately
Under the official pricing policy, children aged 6 or younger or no taller than 1.2 metres, adults aged 60 or older and visitors with disabilities qualify for free admission after document verification. Visitors over 6 and up to 18 years old, and full-time university undergraduates and students at lower educational levels, qualify for half-price admission after verification of their eligibility documents. Confirm the requirements at the ticket office.
These discounts apply to the gate ticket and do not automatically cover the shuttle, rides, off-road vehicles or other entertainment. Online ticket activation times, refund rules and package contents may differ. Check each item before paying. Visitors using a foreign passport should also confirm that the platform supports passport registration and a payment method they can use.
Sun, sand and safety
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, a hat and goggles or a windproof face covering. Keep your phone and camera in a dustproof bag. Pause activities if sandstorms or severe weather develop, and follow staff instructions. Desert plants may have thorns, so watch where you step.
Use off-road vehicles, rides and sand slides only in areas designated by staff. Check age, height and health requirements first. Do not walk alone deep into the dunes, climb on display props or park on slopes or soft sand.
Dining, camping and nearby stops
The attraction has a dining area, but food options and hours depend on the day. For a longer visit, ask the service desk whether it is open and bring drinking water and simple snacks as permitted. Dispose of rubbish at designated collection points inside and around the attraction.
Join camping, bonfires and night activities only through a confirmed campsite product and that day’s notice. Naiman Banner’s town centre is an option for food after leaving. Before setting out, confirm your return vehicle and road conditions.