5 Days Classic Ningxia Tour - Shapotou Desert, Yellow River & Lost Kingdoms

Welcome to Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia! Upon your arrival at the airport or train station in Yinchuan, your driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to a carefully selected hotel. The rest of the day is yours. Enjoy your Free Time in Yinchuan City.

Yinchuan, meaning 'silver river (银川),' boasts over 80,000 hectares of waterways and 200+ lakes and wetlands - a rare sight in arid northern China. Known as the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall塞上江南", Yinchuan was the capital of the mysterious Western Xia Empire. It serves as your base for exploring the imperial tombs and gaining insight into this lost civilization.

As the capital of the Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan offers a profound immersion into Sino-Islamic culture, visible in its architecture, food, and daily life. Must-try dishes include Yangrou Paomo (lamb stew with bread), Liangpi (cold noodles), Ningxia dates, and Hui-style baked goods.

Yinchuan is a city of stunning contrasts: desert and water, ancient tombs and modern wineries, Chinese roofs and Islamic domes. It's not just a stopover but a destination that offers a deep dive into a lost empire (Western Xia), a living culture (Hui Islam), and a surprising terroir (world-class wine). Discover Yinchuan, a journey that’s as soulful as it is scenic.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Ningxia Museum(Close on Mondays): Uncover Ningxia’s history - Western Xia relics, Silk Road stories. Closed Mondays; a top pick for culture lovers exploring ancient roots.
2.Lanshan Park for Sunset: Ideal for sunset, this riverside park offers panoramic views of Yinchuan’s desert-oasis contrast, with the Yellow River and Helan Mountains framing golden-hour skies.
3.Huaiyuan Night Marketfor Dinner: Feast on Hui fare—lamb skewers, eight-treasure tea. Lively, tasty dinner hub for authentic local flavor.

Good to Know:
1.Ningxia, a Gem of Northwest China. With an area of approximately 66,000 square km, it is the smallest of China's provincial-level units. Although small in size, it is a unique destination renowned for its spectacular blend of desert, river, mountains, and rich Hui (Muslim) culture. Borders Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Shaanxi, serving as a vital node along the ancient Silk Road.
2.As a captivating "Desert Oasis Kingdom", Ningxia is traversed by the Yellow River (mother river), earning it the nickname "The Land of the Yellow River." The majestic Helan Mountains (father mountain) form a key boundary, shielding the area from the Tengger Desert. It is where the Lost Kingdom of the Western Xia (1038-1227) rivaled the Song and Liao dynasties before being erased by Genghis Khan. It's often dubbed the "Bordeaux of the East" for its burgeoning wine industry.
3.Ningxia is not on the typical tourist trail, which is precisely its charm. Whether you’re chasing desert sunsets, sipping world-class wines, or unraveling the mysteries of the Western Xia, Ningxia offers a journey that’s equal parts adventure and enlightenment.

Arrival Ideas:
1.How to get to Yinchuan/Ningxia: Yinchuan Hedong International Airport connects to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian. High-speed trains link Ningxia to Lanzhou, Xian, and Inner Mongolia.
2.Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather. Winter offers desert snowscapes, while summer can be hot but ideal for desert adventures.

Use one day to explore Yinchuan’s rich history and vibrant culture! Visit the Western Xia Imperial Tombs (UNESCO Site), marvel at ancient Helan Shan Rock Carvings (3,000 to 10,000 years ago), and step into China’s cinematic past at the famous Zhenbeibao West Film Studio. A unique culture adventure awaits!

In the morning, head to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, located approximately 30 km from downtown. Famed as the Pyramids of China, the tombs are the final resting place of nine Western Xia emperors. You're not just visiting tombs; you are uncovering a lost civilization - the Tangut people and their mighty Western Xia Dynasty (1038-1227 AD). Imagine an empire that controlled a vital part of the Silk Road - the crucial link between the Central Plains and Central Asia - before being completely wiped out by Genghis Khan's Mongol armies.

The Western Xia Imperial Tombs are more than ruins - they’re a multicultural symphony of Tangut audacity, Buddhist devotion, and Han legacy. It is fun to seek out the fragmented stone steles inscribed with the Tangut script. It looks like Chinese characters but is its own complex, undeciphered language. Seeing this script is truly seeing the handwriting of a lost civilization.

You can walk or take a sightseeing bus through the vast, open landscape with the Helan Mountains as a backdrop to explore Western Xia Imperial Tombs. You should not miss:

Tomb No. 3: The largest and best-preserved mausoleum, believed to hold Emperor Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty. You can clearly trace the layout of the old imperial city: the outer wall, the stele pavilions (where memorial tablets once stood), and the inner walls.

Western Xia Museum: Discover bronze ox statues, glazed chiwen (mythical creatures), and Tangut script inscriptions. The 3D or 4D film Rediscovering Western Xia brings the dynasty’s history to life.

After lunch, transfer to Helan Shan Rock Carvings, an ancient "Stone Diaries". Over 20,000 petroglyphs (carved into granite/sandstone) depict nomadic life—hunting, herding, rituals, and warfare - created by Tangut, Xiongnu, and other northern tribes. At Helan Shan Rock Carvings, you can discover how ancient tribes balanced spirituality (sun worship, totemism) with survival (hunting scenes with bows/spears).

You can first explore Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum (first of its kind in China) for over 500 global rock art replicas, from African to Nordic. After the museum, you'll take a short electric car ride (included) to the mouth of the valley. Then, walk the canyon path to see hunting scenes, dancing figures, and abstract symbols. (Note: Bring binoculars for high-elevation carvings. The rock carvings are ancient and fragile. Please refrain from touching or climbing on them). Spot the iconic Sun God Petroglyph - a 20-meter-high figure radiating rays, symbolizing celestial power. Try your luck to spot elusive blue sheep - rare, agile creatures blending into the rocky terrain. Before depart, you can make a stop at the Han Meilin Art Museum. Modern art inspired by rock carvings - giant bronze sculptures and ink installations blend ancient themes with contemporary flair.

At last, pay a visit to Zhenbeibao West Film Studio, the home of Chinese cinema going global. It is a Desert Cinema Wonderland built on Ming-Qing dynasty military fortresses (1500–1740). It is famous for its Rough, desolate landscapes that mirror the "Wild West" of China’s north, perfect for period dramas and epic scenes (Silk Road caravanserais/frontier towns). As Hollywood in the East, over 200 films have been shot here, including Red Sorghum (Oscar-nominated) & A Chinese Odyssey. The place is huge and meant for exploring. Enjoy your time strolling on its Ming City, Qing City & Old Yinchuan Street.

For Film Buffs, the costume rentals (Ming Dynasty robe, a warrior's outfit, Zixia Fairy costume) are a huge part of the fun. Don't be shy! Bargain politely for the rental price. Snap photos in A Chinese Odyssey’s celestial palace or New Dragon Inn’s bandit hideout. Find your favorite film scene and make it one of your happy memories. This isn’t just a studio—it’s a time machine. From Tangut warrior murals to Communist propaganda posters, every corner tells China’s wild west story.

Re-watch the Movies: If you have time before your trip, watch "Red Sorghum红高粱" or "A Chinese Odyssey(大话西游)."

This morning, you will depart Yinchuan and head to Wuzhong. (Optional & Self-pay: Wuzhong’s Morning Tea is a highlight in Ningxia: Beef noodles/Eight Treasure Tea/Lamb Offal Soup/Various Noodles and Pastries). After exploring Qingtongxia’s Yellow River Grand Canyon, you will reach Zhongwei to uncover the architectural wonder of Gaomiao Temple, blending Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist elements, a true cultural immersion in Ningxia.

Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is 100 km away from Yinchuan. Famed as "Dujiangyan in the South, Qingtongxia in the North", the canyon stretches for over 10 kilometers, with towering cliffs of limestone and sand-shale rising over 30 meters high. It has the rugged, majestic characteristics typical of the Northern Yellow River, earning it the nickname the "Little Three Gorges of the Yellow River." A tour in Qingtongxia can include visits to Water Conservancy Museum, Qingtongxia Dam (1968), Boat Tour of the Canyon & 108 Pagodas.

You will see Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is the historic head of the nine major irrigation canals that branch off the Yellow River in Ningxia. As a World Irrigation Engineering Heritage Site with a history of over 2,000 years, Qingtongxia is the reason Ningxia is known as the "Jiangnan of the Frontier," turning arid land into fertile plains.

You will take the Yellow River Boat to access the 108 Pagodas. The boat travels through the "Ten Li Long Gorge," allowing you to feel the river's rush and admire the rugged cliffs that plunge into the water. This is where you understand the canyon's "Little Three Gorges" moniker.

The 108 Pagodas is the spiritual heart of the canyon. Locals believe circling the tallest central pagoda brings luck. It is said that these 108 solid Lama-style pagodas, were built during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227). You can climb the pagodas for incredible views, but the structure itself—aligned in 12 rows corresponding to 1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 pagodas—is mesmerizing. The symmetry, the stark contrast against the dry landscape, and the panoramic view of the river from the top are unforgettable.

Rafting the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft (Optional; self-pay): Navigate thrilling rapids on a sheepskin raft (a 2,000-year-old Hui Muslim tradition).

Then, head to Gaomiao Temple in Zhongwei (120 km away). The Gaomiao Temple, meaning "High Temple," is also famed as the Northwest Hanging Temple - where the main structures are built, literally, layer upon layer, on a high platform connected to the city wall, giving it an impressive, tiered appearance.

What makes it truly famous and distinctive is that it’s an exceptional and rare example of a syncretic temple that beautifully blends three major Chinese religions: Buddhism (Buddha statues, Bao'an Temple in the lower section), Taoism (shrines to the Jade Emperor and other Taoist deities in the upper section), and Confucianism (elements and halls dedicated to Confucian values). You can climb the spiral staircase to admire 506 arhat statues, some holding lotus flowers, others riding elephants—a silent lesson in Buddhist philosophy.

The "Heaven and Hell" Contrast of the temple is a Must-See. The main temple complex rises towards the sky (heaven), with its elegant eaves and colorful pavilions. Beneath the main temple lies a series of dimly lit underground tunnels—originally a bomb shelter during the Cultural Revolution—that have been transformed into a vivid, graphic, and somewhat kitschy Buddhist rendition of Hell (Diyu). While a little unnerving, the "Hell House" is a quirky and fascinating dive into Chinese morality, punishment, and the traditional concept of the afterlife, all wrapped in a uniquely modern historical shell (the bomb shelter).

Overnight in Zhongwei.

Today’s is the highlight of your Ningxia Tour. Exploring the stunning Shapotou Scenic Area, where desert meets river, and indulging in exquisite wines at Xige Winery, savoring the unique flavors of Ningxia's landscape and culture. A tour of sand, river, and vine. (Today‘s driving on the road is about 210 km).

This morning, have fun at Shapotou Scenic Area, the "Capital of Sand" and one of China’s "Five Most Beautiful Deserts". Sitting at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, Shapotou Scenic Area merges desert, the Yellow River, mountains, and oasis landscapes. At Shapotou, you can enjoy the "Singing Sand Dunes". The Mingsha Mountain dunes emit a resonant "bell-like" hum when slid down, a natural phenomenon caused by wind and sand friction. At Shapotou, you can admire Yellow River Wonders via the 820-meter Yellow River Cableway (Asia’s first desert-crossing aerial tram) and sheepskin raft rides - a 2,000-year-old transport method.

Optional Activities in Shapotou (Self-pay):
1.Thrilling Desert Activities:
Sandboarding: Glide down 180-meter Mingsha Mountain slopes (rent boards for sliding).
Desert Surfing: Ride 4x4 vehicles over 45-degree dunes
Camel Rides: Treks through the desert.
2 .Yellow River Adventures:
Sheepskin Rafting: Float past Ming Dynasty watchtowers and canyon views.
Yellow River Zip Line: Soar 820 meters across the river.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to Xige Winery in Wuzhong City. Xige Winery is the first Chinese winery to earn the BRC International Quality Certificate in October 2019, producing 10 million bottles annually. Its stunning circular architecture blends ancient Chinese city traits with modern design, built from 200,000 Helan Mountain stones.

The winery currently owns over 30,000 mu (approximately 2,000 hectares) of its own vineyards, of which 15,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) are rare old vineyards with vines over 24 years old. Adhering to ecological farming principles combined with modern vineyard management, winemaking techniques, and equipment, Xige, this young winery, is challenging and leading a new era of fine wines in China!

At Xige Winery, you can explore cutting-edge technology, real-time data displays, a tasting center, organic restaurant, and the Jade Dove Hotel for an unforgettable experience.

You will visit Shuidonggou Archaeological Site before departing Yinchuan.

The Shuidonggou Archaeological Site is where 30,000-year-old human ingenuity meets Ming Dynasty military brilliance. From Paleolithic stone tools to the beacon fires of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, Shuidonggou is like a three-dimensional history book, with every page filled with legends.

Located 19 km west of Yinchuan, Shuidonggou is one of the most significant Paleolithic archaeological sites in China. Discovered in the 1920s, it proved that humans were living here over 30,000 years ago. You can visit the Shuidonggou Site Museum (4D Film), the Ming Great Wall (straddle Ningxia and Inner Mongolia in one step) & Tibetan Soldier Caves (Hiding Soldiers Cave; must-see).

You will love that Shuidonggou makes prehistory fun and accessible. It’s like a history-themed adventure park. The park uses different modes of transport that are part of the fun. You'll walk through canyons, take a camel cart, and ride a donkey cart driven by a local in traditional costume. It feels like an expedition.

At last, it is time to end your Ningxia Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
You can extend your Ningxia Tour to Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai. Please feel free to let us know, we can help you with the arrangements.