Desert Oasis: Daqing Ditch

Desert Oasis: Daqing Ditch

 

There is a beautiful green ravine in the large desert in Inner Mongolia, China. It is Daqing Ditch, a National Nature Reserve. Because of the unique landscape and well-preserved ancient plants, people like going there to experience nature and Mongolian culture. Several years ago, I went there once by bus, and it took 5 hours from Shenyang to Daqing Ditch where I stayed for two days. 

It is not a very expensive place to visit, just 300 Yuan for two days and this included transport, meals, and accommodation, although that was the price 5 years ago. You don't need to bring too much money with you, because when you are there you will find there are not many places to spend your money.

 

There are a lot of fantastic activities to do, such as rafting, horse riding, visiting the Yurts or the underground forest and so on. The most popular one is horse riding. The Mongolian horses are world famous.So it is a chance to find out what the horses, ridden by the greatest king, Genghis Khan, are like. Let me tell you why Daqing Ditch is called Desert Oasis. When you go to the underground forest, you will be stunned by the landscape. It is the most amazing place I have ever been! There are many different kinds of trees which maybe older than your great great grand parents, and some of them you can't name. Pretty birds, wooden tracks and nice clear creeks, all of them are in the desert.

There are many hotels in the ditch but the best hotel is only 3 stars. Or you can rent a room from the local people. This is not very good either but it can be very cheap, around 30 yuan/night. Also you can have meals with them, and if you are lucky they may let you have some beef jerky, milk tea or horse-milk wine. Don't forget to buy some beef jerky, it is quite expensive, 120 yuan/kg but I loved it! It was so delicious!

I had so much fun there. The Mongolian people were very friendly, everyone would want to go back to Daqing Ditch again if they have been there. 
  
You must bring your camera, because the only thing you will really want to take back home is your memories of the Desert Oasis.