I rarely use the word "awe-inspiring" to describe a place!

I thought Inner Mongolia's grasslands were beautiful enough, until I visited the desert...
I truly seldom use "awe-inspiring" to describe a place!!! Following the sun over one sand dune after another—life is indeed a vast wilderness!

Xiangshawan (Resonant Sand Bay) in Ordos is truly a paradise for kids, where desert meets oasis, every frame like a painting.
Playing in the sand and water with the little ones, Inner Mongolia in summer is also a great escape from the heat.

Travel tips 📖:
1️⃣ The desert and grasslands are scorching during the day—sun protection is a must: sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, face masks or sandproof scarves, sun hats, and sandproof shoe covers.
2️⃣ Large temperature differences between day and night—bring a windbreaker or light jacket.
3️⃣ Always carry drinking water; the desert is extremely dry.
4️⃣ To keep kids entertained during the journey, pack snacks, milk, an iPad, coloring supplies, etc.
5️⃣ Xiangshawan is super photogenic—bring multiple outfits for great shots.

Accommodation 🏠: Highly recommend the all-inclusive island hotels at Xiangshawan. The Lotus Hotel or Fusha Island Hotel charge per person and include three meals plus many kids' activities. Dedicated hotel shuttles take you to Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Kids love the evening bonfire parties and stargazing activities.

Dining 🍽️: Inner Mongolian cuisine features lots of beef and lamb, with milk tea at every meal.
Must-try:
- Ice-boiled lamb (no gamey taste).
- Hand-grabbed mutton (sold by the pound), paired with local specialties like stir-fried potato shreds with sand leeks—not greasy at all.
- Frozen milk skin rolls taste like ice cream.
- Local yogurts—perfect for daily indulgence.
- Sand leek shaomai (steamed dumplings), pan-fried shaomai, and lamb offal soup, best enjoyed with a pot of tea to cut the richness.

Attractions:
1️⃣ **Xiangshawan**: With the hotel wristband, you're a VIP—no queues for activities like camel rides, roller coasters, bumper cars, sand sliding, desert trains, ladybug cars, and ATVs, all unlimited. Even after checkout at noon the next day, you can keep playing until closing time.
2️⃣ **Volcanic Geopark**: Recommend No. 3 and No. 6 volcanoes. No. 3 has a well-developed trail for easy hiking; No. 6 offers great photo ops and unique terrain. Nos. 7 and 8 are said to have agates—we found a few at No. 7.
3️⃣ **Ulanqab Museum**: Small and niche, featuring a 900-year-old Khitan noblewoman's remains.

For long holidays, Xinjiang is ideal; for shorter breaks, Inner Mongolia is a fantastic choice!