Qingtongxia Travel

Qingtongxia City, Wuzhong, Ningxia — Pearl on the Golden Bank of the Yellow River, featuring iconic attractions such as the Yellow River Grand Canyon and the 108 Pagodas. This 2-day in-depth tour includes canyon sightseeing, water conservancy science education, and Western Xia cultural experience.

10
km Canyon Length
900
Year Pagoda History
1960
Hydropower Station Built
60
m Dam Height
Cliffs and Yellow River waters seen from a boat at Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon
Yellow River Grand Canyon Boat View
The last gorge of the upper Yellow River. Take a boat to witness the magnificent scene of 'the Yellow River coming from beyond the sky'.

Qingtongxia Two-Day One-Night Yellow River Culture Tour

From canyon wonders to hydraulic monuments, feel the millennia-long pulse of Yellow River civilization

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Yellow River Grand Canyon, 108 Pagodas, Qingtongxia Hydropower Station
Suitable For
Nature lovers, history researchers, families
Budget per Person
¥650-¥950
01
Canyon Exploration
Yellow River Grand Canyon · 108 Pagodas
Highlights

Morning boat ride through the Yellow River Grand Canyon, afternoon visit the Western Xia ancient pagoda cluster, and watch sunset at the Yellow River Altar in the evening.

Attractions
Yellow River Grand Canyon
The last gorge of the upper Yellow River, with sheer cliffs on both sides as if carved by knives and axes. The boat passes natural wonders such as 'Qingtong Gorge' and 'Buddha Reclining on the Mountain', earning it the title 'Little Three Gorges of the Yellow River'.
108 Pagodas
The largest existing Lamaist ancient pagoda cluster in China, arranged in 12 odd-numbered rows totaling 108 white pagodas. First built during the Western Xia period, it is a key national cultural relic protection unit.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Canyon Holiday Hotel
  • Yellow River Altar Homestay
  • Qingtongxia Downtown Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Yellow River Carp Three Ways
  • Pigeon Fish Soup
  • Artemisia Noodles
Tips
  • Boats depart daily at 10:00/14:00
  • Pagoda site requires stair climbing
  • Check weather forecast for sunset time
02
Hydraulic Monument
Qingtongxia Hydropower Station · Yellow River Altar
Highlights

Morning visit to the Hydropower Station Museum, afternoon cultural experience at the Yellow River Altar, concluding the trip.

Attractions
Qingtongxia Hydropower Station
China's first slotted-pier hydropower station, hailed as the 'First Dam of the Yellow River'. The museum showcases the history of Yellow River management and hydraulic engineering technology.
China Yellow River Altar
A themed park showcasing Yellow River culture, featuring landmarks such as the 'Five Thousand Years Civilization Corridor' and the 'Yellow River Tripod'. Visitors can participate in a Yellow River sacrificial ceremony experience.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • 20 min from city center to hydropower station
  • Tourist shuttle to Yellow River Altar
  • Combo ticket recommended
Ticket Info
  • Grand Canyon Boat: ¥120
  • 108 Pagodas: ¥50
  • Hydropower Station: ¥30
Tips
  • ID card required for hydropower station entry
  • Yellow River Altar ritual at 10:00
  • Drones prohibited

Must-Try Foods in Qingtongxia

Yellow River Carp Three Ways

A traditional local fisherman's recipe: fish head braised with tofu, middle section sweet-and-sour, tail deep-fried. One fish, three flavors showcasing the wisdom of Yellow River fishing families.

Pigeon Fish Soup

Made with the Yellow River's endemic pigeon fish (northern bronze fish), the soup is milky white with tender flesh. It was a tribute item during the Ming Dynasty.

Artemisia Noodles

Handmade noodles mixed with artemisia seed powder. The texture is chewy with a grassy fragrance, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage delicacy of Qingtongxia.

Qingtongxia Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Apr-May: Peach blossom flood season
  • Sep-Oct: Clear autumn skies
  • Avoid Jul-Aug flood season
Must-Try Experiences
  • Canyon boat ride
  • Ancient pagoda aerial photography
  • Hydropower station science tour
  • Yellow River sacrifice experience
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: around ¥100
  • Total: ¥650-950
Notes
  • Life jackets required on boats
  • No climbing on cultural relics
  • Restricted areas at hydropower station off-limits
  • Stay safe near the Yellow River

Explore Districts & Counties of Wuzhong