Zhongning County Travel

Zhongning County, Zhongwei, Ningxia — the hometown of Chinese goji berries, home to Jinsha Island National Wetland Park, Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes and other distinctive attractions. A 2-day in-depth tour includes wetland sightseeing, Buddhist culture and goji berry industry experience.

600
Years of Goji Cultivation
10
Thousand Acres Wetland
23
Grottoes
90%
Share of National Goji Trade
Panoramic view of wetland and desert merging at Jinsha Island Tourist Area, Zhongning County
Jinsha Island Wetland Landscape
An ecological wonder where desert and lake coexist, an important stopover for migratory birds

Zhongning County Two-Day Eco Wellness Tour

From wetland wonders to the red sea of goji berries, experience the unique charm of the Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Jinsha Island, Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes, Goji Berry Garden
Suitable For
Wellness enthusiasts, culture explorers, photography buffs
Budget per Person
¥600-¥1000
01
Wetland Exploration
Jinsha Island · Tianhu Wetland
Highlights

Morning boat tour of Jinsha Island wetland, afternoon visit to Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes, evening bird watching at Tianhu Lake.

Attractions
Jinsha Island Tourist Area
A wetland oasis in the Tengger Desert. Thousands of acres of lakes interwoven with sand dunes, habitat for over a hundred bird species including black storks. Known as the 'Desert Water City'.
Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes
Buddhist relics from the Western Xia period, with 23 existing cave shrines. The 'Water-Land Dharma Assembly' mural is the most precious, blending Han and Tibetan Buddhist artistic styles. A key cultural relic protection unit in Ningxia.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Jinsha Island Lake View Room
  • Zhongning Goji Berry Theme Hotel
  • Farm Stay B&B
Food Recommendations
  • Goji Berry Sprouts Scrambled Eggs
  • Yellow River Catfish
  • Artemisia Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching
  • No flash photography in the grottoes
  • Boat departures daily at 10:00/14:00
02
Goji Berry Homeland
Goji Berry Garden · Zhouta Folk Village
Highlights

Morning goji berry picking experience at the garden, afternoon visit to Zhouta Folk Village, concluding the trip.

Attractions
Zhongning Goji Berry Garden
The core production area of Chinese goji berries. Visitors can experience the entire process of picking, drying and processing, learning about the complete industrial chain from cultivation to sales.
Zhouta Goji Berry Folk Village
A themed village showcasing goji berry culture, featuring a goji berry museum and traditional processing workshops. Visitors can participate in making goji berry preserves and other experiential activities.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • 30 minutes from county to the garden
  • Free guided tour at the folk village
  • Consider purchasing a tourist shuttle ticket
Ticket Info
  • Jinsha Island: ¥60
  • Grottoes: ¥30
  • Goji Berry Garden: Free
Travel Tips
  • Best picking season: June-September
  • Look for geographical indication label when buying goji berries
  • Folk performances start at 14:00

Must-Try Foods in Zhongning County

Goji Berry Sprouts Scrambled Eggs

Tender goji berry sprouts collected in spring, stir-fried with free-range eggs. Fresh and refreshing, a highly nutritious seasonal dish.

Goji Berry Eight Treasure Tea

Made with Zhongning goji berries as the main ingredient, brewed with red dates, longan and other eight ingredients. Bright red tea liquor, nourishing and health-promoting.

Yellow River Catfish Stewed Tofu

Wild catfish from the Yellow River slow-stewed with stone-ground tofu. Tender fish fillets, tofu soaked in rich broth, showcasing the flavors of Yellow River fishing villages.

Zhongning County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-Jun: Migratory bird season
  • Jul-Sep: Goji berry picking season
  • Avoid winter (Nov-Mar) dry season
Must-Try Experiences
  • Jinsha Island bird watching photography
  • Goji berry picking and processing
  • Grotto mural copying
  • Eight treasure tea making experience
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥90
  • Accommodation: ¥200-400/night
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥600-1000
Notes
  • No fire allowed in the wetland reserve
  • Do not touch cultural relics
  • Do not pick randomly in the goji berry garden
  • Prepare sun protection and insect repellent

Explore Districts & Counties of Zhongwei

Shapotou District
Zhongning County
Haiyuan County
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