As summer temperatures soar, the golden dunes of Shapotou Scenic Area in northwest China's Ningxia are buzzing with energy. Thousands of visitors are converging on this desert oasis to experience sandboarding – a high-speed adventure sport gaining popularity across Asia. Located where the Tengger Desert meets the Yellow River, the site offers slopes exceeding 80 meters in height, where thrill-seekers carve trails through shimmering sands under endless blue skies.
The activity's growing appeal reflects Asia's evolving tourism landscape, combining ecological preservation with adventure tourism. Local operators report a 40% increase in visitors compared to last summer, with international travelers comprising nearly a third of participants. As riders from Seoul to San Francisco test their balance on wooden boards, the desert echoes with laughter and the whoosh of sand – transforming what was once called "the singing dunes" into a global playground.
