More tourists head for Tian Mo because they feel it is authentic. Such business naturally lures competitors. Tian Mo. To retain its popularity among larger competitors, Mr Yan is placing emphasis on Tian Mo's unique qualities to keep drawing sightseers. The boards raises several theories about how the desert formed with one connecting its formation it to ''an extraterrestrial''. But local villagers say the sand dunes have been here for decades, just not as big as they are now.
Experts also say the desert is no mystery.
China Geology University's Cao Wenbing said Tian Mo, like other deserts along the Sanggan River, resulted from overgrazing and over-farming that destroyed vegetation and exposed sand underneath the topsoil. Despite the income the park brings to locals, Mr Yan said that the desert kills our corn, hurts our orchards and destroys our houses. The park just gives us some compensation. As Beijing enters another season of sandstorms Tian Mo management remind visitors over loudspeakers that they are are trekking through Beijing's nearest desert - the source of the sand that blasts them in the capital. Several hundred thousand tonnes of pure sand drop right on Tian Mo every year, Mr Yan said.