It's simply breathtaking, are you sure you don't want to make a trip?
Here is a guide to the Hami Dakaido Scenic Area:
Basic Information
- Coordinates: 42.50°N, 93.80°E (core area)
- Navigation: Use Gaode/Baidu Maps to search for "Dakaido Yardang Landform" or "Hami Dakaido"
- Tickets: 45 RMB per person, vehicle passage fee 100 RMB per vehicle. Some platforms offer off-road vehicle permits for about 200 RMB per vehicle.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round, only off-road vehicles allowed, self-driving without guarantees is prohibited
Preparation
- Documents: Bring ID card, vehicle registration, and other necessary documents.
- Clothing: Visit between September and October, prepare windproof jackets, warm fleece, desert boots, sunglasses, and headscarves to protect against wind and sand.
- Supplies: Vehicles must be four-wheel-drive off-road with high clearance, carry enough fuel and spare tires, preferably two spares. Prepare a satellite phone, sufficient drinking water, food, first aid kit, common medicines, and eco-friendly trash bags.
- Photography Equipment: Large aperture wide-angle lenses such as 14-24mm f/2.8, tripod, spare batteries, etc.
Transportation
- Self-drive: Depart from Hami city center, navigate to "Dakaido Scenic Area." Some sections have no signal, so download offline maps in advance.
- Car Rental: Find a reputable car rental service in Hami and hire an experienced driver.
- Group Tours: Join professional off-road adventure tours including vehicle, guide, camping, insurance, etc., costing about 1800-3000 RMB per person.
Itinerary
- Three-day tour
- Day 1: Hami city - Nanhu Desert - Tiankeng Root of the Earth - Small Yardang Cluster. Depart from Hami, cross Nanhu Desert, then enter the Yardang area, focusing on the sinkhole landforms and small Yardang clusters.
- Day 2: Dry Riverbed - Sand River Stone Forest - Nuor Tribe Ruins - Aisikexiar Ancient City. Cross the wind-eroded stone pillar group along the riverbed, visit the ancient Silk Road post station ruins, arrive at Aisikexiar Ancient City in the evening to photograph the Yardang sunset.
- Day 3: Volcanic Crater Secret Great Wall - Agate Beach - Pterosaur Grand Canyon - Return. Overlook the spectacular scene of volcanic lava flow patterns intertwined with Yardang formations, try "treasure hunting" at Agate Beach, and finally return via Pterosaur Grand Canyon.
- Classic Check-in Spots: Devil City Entrance, Tongtian Cave, Mars Camp, Beacon Tower Yardang, Pterosaur Canyon, etc.
Accommodation Options
- Hongliutan Service Area Hotel: Relatively higher price, better conditions, and a relatively concentrated lodging point within the scenic area.
- Camping: You can camp in suitable areas within the scenic area, but pay attention to safety and check the weather in advance.