Zhongwei City Travel

Zhongwei, Ningxia — a miracle city where the Yellow River dances with the desert, combining the magnificent desert scenery of Shapotou, the wetland ecology of Jinsha Island, and the ethnic customs of Tonghu Grassland, offering the unique charm of the 'Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall'.

2000+
Years of History
40
sq km Desert Scenic Area
100+
Rare Bird Species
3
Popular Desert Hotels

Zhongwei City Three-Day Desert Eco Tour

From the Yellow River desert to grassland wetlands, experience the fantastic symphony of diverse landscapes

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Shapotou, Jinsha Island, Tonghu Grassland
Suitable For
Families, photography enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers
Budget per Person
¥900-¥1500
01
Desert Yellow River
Shapotou · Yellow River Collective · North Long Beach
Highlights

Full day in-depth tour of Shapotou Scenic Area, experience sand sliding and sheepskin raft; visit Yellow River Collective homestay cluster in the evening.

Attractions
Shapotou Tourist Area
One of China's first batch of 5A-level scenic areas, combining desert, Yellow River, mountains and oases. Experience desert surfing and Yellow River rafting simultaneously, known as 'world monopoly tourism resource'.
Yellow River Collective
A resort cluster composed of 5 top-tier homestays. Rammed earth architecture perfectly blends with the desert landscape, known as 'China's Morocco'.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Desert Star Hotel
  • Yellow River Collective Homestay
  • Zhongwei City Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Braised Lamb
  • Artemisia Noodles
  • Yellow River Carp
Travel Tips
  • Prepare sun protection gear for desert activities
  • Book the collective 1 month in advance
  • Best photography time is dusk
02
Wetland Secret Realm
Jinsha Island · Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes
Highlights

Morning tour of Jinsha Island Wetland Park, afternoon visit to Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes, evening goji berry garden experience.

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, with distinct seasonal landscapes.
Shuanglong Mountain Grottoes
Buddhist relics from the Western Xia period, with 23 existing cave shrines blending Han and Tibetan Buddhist artistic styles. The 'Water-Land Dharma Assembly' mural is the most precious.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • 1 hour drive from Zhongwei to Jinsha Island
  • Grottoes require hiking
  • Combo ticket recommended
Ticket Info
  • Shapotou: ¥80
  • Jinsha Island: ¥60
  • Grottoes: ¥30
Travel Tips
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching
  • No flash photography in the grottoes
  • Goji berry picking season: July-September
03
Grassland Pastoral
Tonghu Grassland · Nanhua Mountain
Highlights

Full day experiencing Mongolian customs at Tonghu Grassland, light hiking at Nanhua Mountain in the afternoon, concluding the trip.

Attractions
Tonghu Grassland
A wetland grassland on the edge of the Tengger Desert, rich in Mongolian culture. Enjoy horseback riding, archery, bonfire parties and other activities.
Nanhua Mountain
A remaining range of Liupan Mountain, with the main peak at 2,955 meters. Alpine grasslands coexist with primeval forests, a rare 'wet island' on the Loess Plateau.
Practical Info
Notes
  • Pay attention to safety during grassland activities
  • Respect Mongolian customs
  • Large temperature difference in mountainous areas, bring clothes
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Zhongning Goji Berries
  • Tan Sheep Leather Products
  • Desert Rose Stone
Travel Tips
  • Strong UV on grassland, prepare sunscreen
  • Guide recommended for Nanhua Mountain
  • Look for geographical indication label when buying local products

Must-Try Foods in Zhongwei

Zhongwei Braised Lamb

Made with Tan lamb boiled in clear water with only salt. Tender meat without gamey flavor, clear broth, showcasing the most authentic Northwestern flavor.

Artemisia Noodles

Handmade noodles mixed with sand wormwood seed powder. Chewy texture with herbal fragrance, one of Zhongwei's 'Intangible Heritage Three Treasures'.

Yellow River Carp with Noodle Topping

Yellow River carp deep-fried and topped with sweet and sour sauce, served with crispy dragon beard noodles. Sour-sweet and crispy, a traditional banquet dish.

Zhongwei City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-Jun: Pleasant weather
  • Sep-Oct: Clear autumn skies
  • Avoid Jul-Aug extreme heat
Must-Try Experiences
  • Shapotou sand sliding
  • Jinsha Island bird watching
  • Grassland horse riding and archery
  • Desert stargazing camping
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥170
  • Accommodation: ¥300-800/night
  • Meals: ¥100-200/day
  • Transport: ¥200-400
  • Total: ¥900-1500
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Must-visit attractions in Zhongwei? → Shapotou + Jinsha Island + Tonghu
  • Special accommodation? → Desert Star Hotel requires 3-month advance booking
  • Desert precautions? → Prepare ample sunscreen and drinking water
  • Best photography spot? → Wang Wei Viewing Platform at Shapotou