Inner Mongolia - The Desert Xiang Sha Wan

It's also known as the Resonant Sand Gorge. It was definitely a "WOW" for me! My first encounter with a desert. Good thing it drizzled the day before. So, it was not as hot as it should be. But hey... still no harm to put on lots of protection, from sun blocks to sun hats to face mask. Was rather surprised and fascinated that there could be so many activities there. Very creative. I had a smashing time here, so did everyone.



Where the greens meets the yellow-browns



A rumbling vehicle that took us further into the activity sites




A mini train station smacked right in the middle of the desert. On the way, you can see some life replicas of the Inner Mongolians' culture. Amusing...




Sand sculpture


 

A lone photographer taking his best shots




Modernisation in the desert



This is like camel trade. Just one of the stops for the camel rides.

Different routes to the same destination - under the umbrellas or brave the sun and get a tan.

Camels in a row. This photo is blurish but I really like it. Took this while riding the camel, at the risk of falling off and got myself feeling nauseous with the bumpity-bump.

Finally, we sandboard our way out of the desert! Kidding! We still had to take the chair lift back to overland.







Inner Mongolia - Xilamuren Grassland

After our "One Night at the Airport", we finally flew out of Dalian and arrived our destination - Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia. We spent 4 days here and had a lovely time at a very good bargain! Our first stop - Xilamuren Grassland. Too bad weather was cloudy with slight drizzle. But here are the pix anyway.




It's a ceremonial welcome. Dip your finger and flick the droplets of wine into the air!

 


Our yurt for the night. Ermm... eerie? ;)





Some more yurts all in a row




The vast grassland, with little white-topped yurts far away

 



Just a variation in B&W :)

 


The main activity at the grassland - horse riding

 


Horsemen galloping away

 


On our way out of the grassland. Behold the gloomy sky!

 











Inner Mongolia - at the beginning

At the mention of Inner Mongolia, Dad's eyes will lit up and a big smile formed on his face. It's not once, but several times over ermmm.... maybe 3 years? Last year (2010), it dawned on me that Dad was not growing any younger. So the idea of a family + friends trip to IM was born. Booked the air asia tix during one of the promos.

Fast forward to 2011, and counting down! Yay!! 2 more days to go! There are 7 in our group. Suppose to have 8, but Mum decided to chicken out 2 weeks before the trip. Reason : Acrophobia  . Dad is still going and very excited. Even the Typhoon Muifa didn't dampen his spirit.

Will load more details of the trip when am back - itinerary, contacts, photos and all...