Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region — The tourism sector in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is undergoing a transformation, driven by a growing interest in desert travel. Visitors are increasingly opting to sleep under starry skies and enjoy gourmet coffee, which has led to a surge in the region’s popularity.
Recent data from Meituan, one of China’s leading online service platforms, revealed a staggering 470% increase in searches for “Tengger Desert hotels” and a 518% rise in queries for “desert coffee” in early August compared to the previous year.
This tourism surge is not only revitalizing the local economy but is also giving rise to unique new professions, including desert baristas and stargazing guides.
Li Qian, a 24-year-old barista at a resort hotel in the Tengger Desert, noted the shift in local coffee culture. “Before, coffee was scarce in the Ningxia desert, but the influx of big-city tourists has changed that,” she explained. After graduating from college, Li took a part-time job as a barista, and during peak season, she and her fellow baristas prepare up to 700 cups of coffee daily.
Zhongwei, Li’s hometown, has undergone significant ecological transformation. Once affected by sandstorms, the area has seen the Tengger Desert recede by 25 kilometers due to effective desertification control measures, turning previously barren land into lush greenery and transforming Zhongwei into a tourist hotspot.
“The majority of our customers come from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and they love sharing their experiences on social media,” Li said. The increasing tourist footfall has introduced coffee culture to the region, creating job opportunities for young locals like her.
In response to visitors’ fascination with the desert and its stunning night skies, Li has developed a signature drink called “meteor shower coffee,” featuring latte art that resembles the night sky. This innovative beverage quickly gained popularity among tourists.
“In Zhongwei, there’s nothing quite like sipping coffee while stargazing,” Li remarked, highlighting the recent Perseid meteor shower that illuminated the Northern Hemisphere from July 17 to August 24.
For those seeking a deeper connection with the cosmos, Jin Yanping, a stargazing guide born in the 1990s, offers a unique experience in the desert. He leads tourists in exploring the vastness of the universe, enriching their understanding of the night sky.
“From a young age, I was captivated by the mysteries of the sky,” Jin shared. Since becoming a stargazing guide in 2021, he has gained recognition as one of the most sought-after guides in the Tengger Desert. His role goes beyond simply pointing out stars; he educates visitors about constellations, mythology, and astronomy, enhancing their appreciation for the celestial wonders.
Visitors to the Ningxia desert can relax on soft dunes, gaze up at the Milky Way, and experience a profound connection with nature. “When people look up at a sky full of stars, they often feel a rush of excitement and contentment,” Jin noted. “It’s a moment that allows them to escape the stresses of everyday life, if only for a little while.”
Tourist Zhu Ying from Shanghai visited Ningxia in mid-August to witness the breathtaking Perseid meteor shower. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Lying in the desert and gazing at the stars gave me a profound sense of tranquility. It felt as if I became one with the universe, and all my worries simply melted away.”
The desert tourism boom has also fostered the emergence of other new professions, such as camel handlers, off-road vehicle guides, and even desert DJs, creating fresh opportunities for local youth. “This new profession not only provides employment opportunities but also allows us to savor the beauty of life in the desert,” Li concluded.
Related Topics:
