Camels, sand-sliding, sheepskin rafting and more Ningxia Oasis beyond the great wall

MANILA, Philippines - Springtime is the best season to travel to these areas.The flowers and trees are abloom, and the weather is perfect for the adventure-packed activities that await tourists who seek fun beyond trekking the Great Wall in Beijing. The “pearl in the northwest of China,” Ningxia offers a wide variety of alternatives to the usual palaces and museums.

Of the 20 million Muslims in China, about two million are concentrated in Ningxia, which is why the region is being touted as a major destination that can cater to the Muslims’ needs, including their worship/spiritual needs and food requirements (halal).

Camel rides. Zip line. Sand slide. Desert ride. River rafting. Boat rides. Bird watching. Museum hopping. Name it, you’ll love it in Ningxia!

“One thinks we need to go to the Arabian desert to enjoy the camel rides, but it takes only a few hours’ flight from Manila to Beijing then to Yinchuan to enjoy these activities,” says Ralph Macajilig of China Panorama Tours, which is working on a package to encourage more Filipinos to visit the region.

Located on the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River and adjoined by the Loess Plateau and the desert area, Ningxia recently hosted the World Muslim Tour Operators Conference, ahead of the hajj, the Muslim’s annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

At the opening ceremonies at the Shahu Hotel in Shizuishan, Ningxia Autonomous Region, vice governor Wang He Shan expressed optimism that the conference will promote deeper tourism exchange between Ningxia and Muslim populated countries.

Along with Egypt assistant minister Nasser Abdelaal who led representatives from Muslim countries, Wang gave an open invitation for every one to enjoy the sights and attractions in the region.

According to Wang, the tourism industry has always been a pillar industry of this region. “Both China and Arab countries have rich tourism resources. This will pave the way for better cooperation. We believe we will have a prosperous future.”

The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) prepared an adventure that gave us a different experience of the desert, as the truck went up and down the steep formations.

The sand slide was a bold exploit like the toboggan ride down the Great Wall in Beijing. And if your heart can still take it, try the zip-line – it is one hell of an experience.

Water-rafting on a boat made of sheepskin along the Yellow River was quite an escapade. A boatman guided us as we drifted down the river while a helicopter hovered above, to assure the safety of guests.

The excitement continued as our day was capped with a celebration of Chinese culture and dance back at the desert in Bonfire Night. With the cold desert wind penetrating what warm clothes we had, we were treated to a demonstration of the revered practice of tea preparation and serving. The highlight of the night was the lighting of the bonfire.

The Shapotou is “a combination of desert and oasis” at the intersection of the Yellow River and the Tengger Desert. The 397-kilometer Yellow River is regarded as the “cradle of the Chinese nation.”

Hotels and inns here serve halal food and are sensitive to the Muslim needs for worship. Most hotels have worship mats and directional signs for prayer.

The quick trip to The Golden Mosque gave us a glimpse of how the Chinese Hui group blended into the Chinese nation using Confucianism to interpret Islam, shown in their architecture, dress, food, hygienic habits, weddings, funerals, festival celebrations and other aspects of the Muslim tradition.

 Another sand attraction was the Sand Lake in Pingluo County, Shizuishan district. Just like in the Shapotou scenic spot, tourists can enjoy the camel adventure here. Then try para-gliding and riding the parachute, as well as jet skiing, climbing the tower cable skiing, water plane ride, para-sailing and a lot more of exciting activities.

You can also go bird watching, and see egrets – the icon of the Sand Lake – as well as storks, swans and dozens of rare birds. Tens of thousands of birds inhabit  the Wet Land. The sand lake is probably one of the best scenic attractions “beyond the Great Wall.”

Afterwards, go for an educational tour of the Wetland Museum and marvel at the sand drawing and art at the entrance of the museum.

Well, what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to Ningxia!