Plan at a glance
Dunes and desert activities
The Jinshawan Ecotourism Area (金沙湾生态旅游区) is in Haibowan District, Wuhai, and suits a half-day visit for dune scenery and desert activities. A cable car goes up to a dune viewpoint, where you can see the rolling dunes and the city in the distance. Common activities include sandboarding, camel rides, go-karts and off-road vehicles. Check the day’s ticket information for operating status and whether each activity is sold separately.
The main draw here is the dunes and desert activities. Boat rides on the lake and the camp on the opposite bank are part of a Wuhai Lake visit, with separate transport and tickets.
Tickets and opening hours
An admission ticket is listed at a reference price of RMB 30 per person. Example adult activity bundles are listed at around RMB 214–242, depending on the activities included. Some bundles may not include the cable car, sightseeing vehicle or every desert activity. Before buying, check the chosen product’s inclusions, valid dates and entry arrangements.
Recently listed hours are 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., with last entry at 6:00 p.m. Hours may change by season, weather or operating arrangements, so check the latest schedule on your travel date.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
A quick photo stop or several activities
If you have limited time, choose one or two activities and take photos among the dunes. For a wider range of activities, set aside half a day for the cable car, sandboarding, dune bashing or a camel ride. Before buying a bundle, decide which activities you actually want, then compare the price with buying them individually. A bundle is not automatically better value just because it includes more activities.
If you are travelling with children, older adults or anyone who has difficulty walking for long, ask about each activity’s height, age and health requirements, as well as boarding and drop-off arrangements. Requirements can differ by activity, and a discounted admission ticket does not mean someone is eligible for every ride.
Dunes or lake views
Choose Jinshawan for dune walks, camel rides or off-road activities. For a boat ride on the lake or a visit to the desert camp on the opposite bank, see the Wuhai Lake page. The two attractions have different entrances and transport; check which attraction and area each ticket covers.
Build your day
About 2 hours | Choose a few activities
Enter through the scenic-area entrance. You can take a sightseeing vehicle, then try activities such as camel rides and go-karts before allowing time for photos and returning to the entrance. The two-hour estimate excludes holiday queues. If you mainly want to see the dunes, choose fewer activities and spend more time walking and looking around.
About 3–4 hours | Cable car and sand activities
From the entrance, follow the open route to the dune viewpoints. If the sightseeing vehicle or cable car is operating, use it to reduce some of the walking, then add sandboarding, dune-bashing rides or a camel ride. Confirm activity locations and routes from the on-site signs, then return to the entrance. Three to four hours is only a guide; you may not be able to try every activity in one visit.
There is still walking and climbing on slopes between activities. On arrival, follow staff directions for vehicles and activity areas.
Get there
Bus from Wuhai Station
A 2026 Wuhai Daily report says a bus runs directly from Wuhai Station to Jinshawan and takes about 20 minutes. The report does not give the route number, stops or frequency. Check live bus information for both the outbound and return trips on your travel date, especially how to get back after the scenic area closes.
Driving directions
In your map app, search for Jinshawan Ticket Office (金沙湾售票处) on the north side of Jinshawan Road in Haibowan District, Wuhai, or Jinshawan Ecotourism Area (金沙湾生态旅游区). Check that the city is Wuhai and the district is Haibowan. Using the full attraction name helps avoid similarly named places; follow signs to the entrance after arrival.
Know before you go
Admission, bundles and activity restrictions
Adult bundles vary widely in the transport and activities they include, which may include a sightseeing vehicle, dune-bashing vehicle, cable car, sandboarding or camel rides. Check the selected product and date for on-site purchase options, discounts, age or height restrictions and refund rules.
A bundle does not guarantee that every activity will be open that day or that visitors of every age and height can take part. Check availability and restrictions before setting out. For transport products such as sightseeing vehicles, check the price, boarding and drop-off points, and whether riding is optional.
Walking on sand, weather and supplies
There are sandy walking sections beyond the vehicle and cable-car rides. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, bring drinking water and use sun protection. Wind-blown sand, rain or equipment maintenance may temporarily stop outdoor activities. Check operating status on arrival and account for queues and walking time.
Food choices near the scenic area may be limited. Bring some water and snacks, or return to the city for a meal. For camel rides and off-road activities, follow staff instructions; do not drive into the dunes yourself or enter closed areas.