Desert Stars, Desert Winds!

Desert Stars, Desert Winds | A Martial Arts Adventure at Zhongwei Desert Dragon Gate Inn **Keywords: Desert Smoke, Starry Campfires, Jianghu Spirit, Family Fun** **I. First Impressions | A Jianghu Oasis in the Desert Depths** Driving to the Shapotou District of Zhongwei, a cluster of rammed earth buildings scattered across the sand dunes comes into view, resembling the desolate jianghu post house in the movie *New Dragon Gate Inn*. This is the **Desert Dragon Gate Inn**—inspired by the desert, the starry sky, and *A Chinese Odyssey*. The rammed earth walls and wooden structures intertwine, as if stepping into the martial arts world of Jin Yong's novels. The innkeeper says that this place was once a filming location for a movie and was later reinforced to become the desert dwelling it is today. Pushing open the wooden door of the inn, the contrasting senses of yellow sand and oasis wash over you. Sandboards and camel dolls are scattered in the courtyard, and children can't wait to rush to the sand dunes, while adults are warmed by the bowl of hot tea handed over by the innkeeper. **II. Room Experience | Sleep Under the Stars, Breathe with Nature** We checked in to the **Jin Yong Martial Arts Theme Quadruple Room**. The room is spacious and airy, with exposed wooden beams complementing the desert-toned soft furnishings. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is a continuous expanse of sand. At dusk, the setting sun dyes the sand dunes golden, as if you are in the poetic landscape of "desert smoke rising straight up." Although the bathroom is shared, it is clean and tidy, and there are no queues even during peak hours. The most amazing thing is the night—lying on the tatami mat in the sand-view room, you can see the Milky Way pouring down through the skylight, and the Big Dipper is within reach. The innkeeper thoughtfully provides a stargazing guide, and you can even borrow Hanfu or Xiake costumes to take "sword-wielding wanderer" photos in minutes. **III. Desert Activities | A Blend of Wild Luxury and Childlike Fun** The "jianghu spirit" of the inn lies not only in its appearance but also in its rich activities: - **Family Fun**: Sandboards and sand digging tools are provided free of charge, and children can play on the sand dunes all day long. - **Desert Adventure**: Ride camels across the sand sea, drive karts and surf. The inn is close to the hinterland of the Tengger Desert, and the starting point of the project is within walking distance. - **Campfire Night Talks**: After nightfall, a bonfire is lit under the sand dunes, fireworks bloom under the starry sky, and people gather around to sing folk songs and roast mutton, instantly transporting you to a nomadic carnival night. **IV. Flavors of the Northwest | Desert Delicacies and Warm Hospitality** The inn's restaurant features Northwest home-style dishes. We recommend trying the **scrambled eggs with sand onions** and **mutton saozi noodles**. The ingredients are fresh, and the portions are generous. The innkeeper will warmly invite guests to drink wolfberry wine and tell legendary stories of the desert. If you want to experience more authentic local customs, you can walk to the nearby camp and try Mongolian milk tea and roasted whole lamb. **V. Practical Guide | Details for Your Poetic Journey** - **Location**: No. 454 Nanyuan West Road, Shapotou District, Zhongwei, about 3 km from Shapotou Scenic Area, easily accessible by taxi. - **Price**: 300+ per person during the off-season, reservations 1-2 months in advance are required during peak season (check Trip.com for real-time prices). - **Tips**: - The temperature difference in the desert is large, so it is recommended to bring windproof jackets and sun protection gear. - Those who mind shared bathrooms can choose to upgrade their room type (such as the lake-view stargazing cabin). - The inn provides free pick-up service, which needs to be booked in advance. **Conclusion | The Jianghu Is Not Far, My Heart Yearns for the Desert** Here, the daytime is filled with the passion of swirling yellow sand, and the night is filled with the romance of a scorching galaxy. The Desert Dragon Gate Inn is not just a place to stay, but a ritual of freedom and passion. As the innkeeper said, "People cannot be let down, and the land cannot be let down." If you also want to escape the hustle and bustle and feel the desert wind, this is the answer. **"May the desert stars shine forever, and the jianghu spirit never fade."** 🌌 —Spring 2025, written at Zhongwei Desert Dragon Gate Inn.