A Journey Through Saudi Arabia's Intangible Cultural Heritage

In the vast desert of northwestern Saudi Arabia lies a treasure carved by time—AlUla. It is not only the site of human activity from 200,000 years ago but also a living fossil of 7,000 years of civilization. From the grand tombs of the Nabataean Kingdom to the epic stone carvings of the Lihyanite Dynasty, from the ancient stations of the Incense Route to the "open-air library" of the desert canyons, AlUla, with its stunning natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, has become the ultimate destination for global explorers and history enthusiasts. This guide will lead you to unlock the must-visit landmarks, luxurious accommodations, and in-depth experiences of this mysterious land, embarking on a journey through time spanning thousands of years! [Accommodation Recommendations: The Ultimate Aesthetic Retreat in the Desert] AlUla's accommodation experience perfectly blends wild nature with luxurious design. The following three distinctive hotels and room types are recommended to seamlessly connect historical exploration with comfortable relaxation: Habitas AlUla Eco-Tent Villas Recommended reason: Overlooking the cliff landscape of Harrat Uwayrid, the tent villas interpret desert aesthetics with a minimalist style. Canyon Panoramic Suite: 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall, private terrace equipped with a bonfire area and stargazing bed, where you can look up at the Milky Way at night. Family Tent: Two-bedroom design, including a children's adventure kit and private pool, suitable for families with children. Special services: Provides archaeologist-guided tours, desert yoga classes, and dinner can be customized as a candlelight dinner next to prehistoric rock paintings. Banyan Tree AlUla Spa Resort Recommended reason: Hidden in a palm oasis, it pays tribute to the local culture with traditional mud-brick architecture. Pool Villa: Each villa has a heated swimming pool and courtyard. The bathroom is made of natural sandstone, like a secret castle. Heritage Suite: Replicates the Nabataean architectural style, with hand-painted pottery and antique carpets on display, and the balcony directly faces the millennium ruins. Special services: Arabian incense SPA, camel riding breakfast, children can participate in pottery workshops. Shaden Resort Desert Camp Recommended reason: A cost-effective choice, the campsite tent is only a 10-minute drive from Hegra. Stargazing Tent: Dome transparent skylight, equipped with a telescope and star chart manual, you can observe desert constellations late at night. Explorer Double Room: Rugged leather furniture and retro adventure boxes create an "Indiana Jones" atmosphere. Special services: Daily free transfers to major attractions, the camp offers a traditional Bedouin barbecue feast. Tips: During the peak season (November-March), reservations need to be made 3 months in advance. It is recommended to choose a "relic + accommodation" package. Habitas and Banyan Tree both provide private guided car services, suitable for tourists pursuing in-depth experiences. [Must-Visit Landmarks: Three Epic Civilized Secrets] 1. Hegra: The Eternal Epic of the Nabataean Kingdom Recommendation index: ★★★★★ Not to be missed: Lihyan Tomb of Kuza's Son: A 72-foot-high solitary castle with Nabataean idols and vine patterns carved on the sandstone facade. The light and shadow are like miracles at sunset. Roman-style aqueduct ruins: Follow the guide to interpret the wisdom of the ancient water conservancy system and touch the chisel marks from 2,000 years ago. Experience recommendation: Dusk hot air balloon tour: Overlooking hundreds of tombs from a high altitude, the golden sunset shines on the desert, full of epic feeling. Night tour of Hegra: Open every Wednesday and Saturday, the sound and light show transforms the ancient tomb reliefs into a dynamic epic scroll. 2. Dadan Ancient City & Ikma Valley: Civilization Code on the Rocks Recommendation index: ★★★★☆ Highlights of Dadan Ruins: Stone Lion Statue: A 3-meter-high red rock giant lion, a symbol of the power of the Lihyan Dynasty, with vivid details. Spice Trade Market Ruins: The remaining pottery pots and steelyards witness the prosperity of ancient caravans. Ikma Valley must-play: Millennium Inscription Rock Wall: More than 500 ancient Arabic and Aramaic inscriptions, you can make an appointment with a linguistics expert to explain. Interactive Rubbing Workshop: Make stone rubbing by hand and bring back the text of the "open-air library". Recommended itinerary: Participate in the "Double Ancient City Day Tour", including professional archaeologist explanation + desert picnic basket. 3. AlUla Old Town and Oasis Ruins Trail: A Poem of Life in the Desert Recommendation index: ★★★★★ Key points of exploring the ancient city: 45-meter-high fortress: Climb to the top floor and overlook the 14 city gates and maze-like mud-brick streets, imagining the pilgrimage scene of the past. Traditional Market Restoration Area: Craftsmen demonstrate pottery and weaving on site, and you can customize Arabic bronzes engraved with your last name. Oasis Trail Gameplay: Palm-shaded hiking: 2 km easy route, with interpretation signs along the way showing the oasis ecology and ancient irrigation technology. Oasis picnic spot: Enjoy a local Mezze platter under the millennium date palm tree, and it is recommended to try cactus fruit ice drink. [Itinerary Planning: Five-Day In-Depth Cultural Tour] Day 1: First Encounter with Hegra Morning: Check in to Habitas Canyon Panoramic Suite and take photos of the desert sunrise on the terrace. Afternoon: Hegra guided tour (focus: tomb group + aqueduct), take a hot air balloon in the evening. Night: Camp Bedouin Stargazing Dinner. Day 2: Civilized Dialogue between Dadan and Ikma All day: Double Ancient City Day Tour, return to Banyan Tree in the evening to experience the Arabian Rose Bath. Day 3: Tracing the Ancient City and Healing the Oasis Morning: AlUla Old Town photography Trip Moments (recommended to wear a white robe). Afternoon: Oasis trail hiking + handmade pottery experience, dinner at Shaden Camp. Day 4: A Day of Adventure and Luxury Balance Morning: Harrat Canyon Rock Climbing (intermediate difficulty, reservation required in advance). Afternoon: Banyan Tree Spa Center enjoys "Desert Gold" care (including gold leaf and coconut oil). Day 5: Exclusive Memory Creation Morning: Private guided customized route (optional rock painting visit or hidden canyon adventure). Afternoon: Ikma Valley Rubbing Workshop, make exclusive souvenirs. [Practical Information: Must-Have Before the Trip] Visa: Chinese citizens can apply for an electronic tourist visa, which can be issued in 48 hours. Transportation: International flights: Transfer from Riyadh/Jeddah to AlUla Airport (ULH) by Saudi Airlines, 10 flights per week. Local transportation: It is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle (including driver), and professional vehicles are required for desert sections. Best season: November-March of the following year, the average daily temperature is 25℃, avoid the high temperature of 50℃ in summer. Dress code: Lightweight long-sleeved sunscreen clothing + comfortable hiking shoes, hair and shoulders must be covered when visiting mosques.