On September 22, 2024, 14 international journalists participating in the Travelogue of China International Media Communication Activity visited Shapotou National Nature Reserve in Ningxia. During their visit, they saw firsthand the remarkable progress in integrating ecological preservation with cultural tourism development.

Located on the northern banks of the Yellow River, at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, Shapotou was once dubbed the "Castle of Demons" in the 1950s due to its fierce winds and fragile ecosystem. Over the years, extensive sand control efforts have transformed the area, turning Shapotou into a world-renowned ecological tourism destination. The reserve features a unique blend of desert landscapes, the Yellow River, starry skies, mountains, and lush oases—capturing the rugged beauty of China's northwest alongside the scenic charm of the south. As a national-level nature reserve, Shapotou attracts visitors from around the world with its intangible cultural heritage experiences, including the Sheepskin Raft, camel rides, and Sand Skiing.

"We also have abundant desert resources, similar to what you see here, but we haven't fully harnessed them. We need to learn from China how to transform our natural environments into places where people can thrive", said Raphael Oni, Head of Foreign Affairs Reporting for Nigeria's Diplomat Special Edition, during his visit to the Shapotou National Nature Reserve.