乌海市

Why this place

Wuhai is an unexpected place: a coal town on the Yellow River, surrounded by the Ulan Buh Desert on one side and mountains on the other. The desert meets the river here, which makes for a strange and handsome landscape.

What to see

• Ulan Buh Desert — sand dunes right next to the river, with dune-buggy and camel activities
• Wuhai Lake, formed where the river widens behind a dam
• Zhuozi Mountain, with ancient rock carvings in the canyons

What to eat

• Yellow River fish
• Mongolian lamb and dairy dishes

Best time

May–October