At dusk, Shapotou.
The Yellow River winds through the desert, the sunset dyeing the river water golden. A camel caravan slowly moves forward, camel bells ringing. Standing on the dunes, watching desert and Yellow River depend on each other, marveling at nature’s wonder.
This is the true portrayal of “Lonely smoke rises straight in the vast desert, the setting sun rounds the long river.”
Ningxia is a place that amazes you.
Province Profile#
- Location: Northwest China, upper reaches of the Yellow River
- Best Travel Season: May-October
- Highlights: Desert and Yellow River, Western Xia culture, North of the Great Wall, Hui ethnic culture
Must-Visit Attractions#
Shapotou: Where Desert Meets Yellow River#
Shapotou is one of China’s most beautiful desert tourism areas, where the Yellow River and desert meet.
Yellow River Area allows you to take sheepskin raft drifting on the Yellow River, experiencing the ancient way of crossing the river. Desert Area allows you to ride camels, sand slide, drive off-road vehicles—experience the thrill of the desert. Standing on top of the dunes, overlooking the Yellow River winding through the desert—magnificent beyond words.
Best Experience: Climb the dunes at dusk, watch the sunset dye the Yellow River and desert golden. Watch the starry sky in the desert at night.
Western Xia Imperial Tombs: Mysterious Oriental Pyramids#
The Western Xia Imperial Tombs are the tombs of Western Xia emperors, called the “Oriental Pyramids.”
9 imperial tombs, over 250 accompanying tombs, scattered at the foot of Helan Mountain. The tombs are built of rammed earth, conical in shape, having stood for a thousand years of wind and rain. Western Xia Museum displays Western Xia history and culture, with mysterious Western Xia script fascinating visitors.
Best Experience: Come to the tombs at dusk, watch the sunset dye the tombs golden, feel the vicissitudes of history.
Shahu Lake: North of the Great West#
Shahu Lake is a lake in the desert, the representative of “North of the Great West.”
The lake water is clear, with reeds growing thick and migratory birds in flocks. Desert surrounds the lake, forming a unique landscape of sand and water together. Take a boat through the reeds, watch water birds fly, feel the beauty of Jiangnan.
Best Experience: Come to Shahu in spring to watch migratory bird migration. Come to Shahu in summer to view lotus flowers blooming.
Helan Mountain Rock Art: Ancient Memories#
Helan Mountain Rock Art is an artistic heritage left by ancient humans 3,000-10,000 years ago.
The rock art is carved on cliffs, depicting animals, humans, hunting, and sacrifice scenes—precious material for studying ancient human life. Han Meilin Art Museum displays contemporary artist Han Meilin’s works inspired by rock art.
Best Experience: Hire a guide to hear the ancient stories hidden behind the rock art.
Special Experiences#
Zhenbeipu Western Film City#
Zhenbeipu Western Film City is one of China’s most famous film bases, where classic movies like “A Chinese Odyssey,” “Red Sorghum,” and “New Dragon Inn” were filmed.
Walking in the film city, you feel like traveling back to ancient times. You can rent a costume and take a set of martial arts photos.
Shuidonggou#
Shuidonggou is China’s earliest excavated Paleolithic cultural site, praised as the “Birthplace of Chinese Prehistoric Archaeology.”
The site museum displays scenes of ancient human life. The Tunnel Warfare Caves are Ming Dynasty military defense works, with many mechanisms inside—mysterious and unpredictable.
Ningxia Cuisine#
Ningxia cuisine is mainly beef and lamb. Hand-Grabbed Lamb is Ningxia’s calling card, tender and delicious. Lamb Offal Soup is Ningxia people’s breakfast, with rich soup and plenty of ingredients. Yellow River Carp has tender flesh, delicious whether braised or steamed. Zhongning Goji Berries are a Ningxia specialty, good for brewing tea or making soup.
Hui Ethnic Culture#
Ningxia is a Hui Autonomous Region, with rich Hui ethnic culture.
Nanguan Mosque is Yinchuan’s landmark, with Arabic-style architecture, solemn and dignified. Hui Ethnic Street allows you to taste Hui cuisine and feel Hui ethnic culture.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Yinchuan is Ningxia’s transportation hub, with airport and high-speed rail. Shapotou is in Zhongwei City, which has a high-speed rail station.
- Accommodation: In Yinchuan, stay in the city; in Shapotou, stay in Zhongwei city or near the scenic area.
- Note: Ningxia is dry—drink plenty of water. Strong UV radiation in the desert—watch for sun protection.
Ningxia’s uniqueness lies in the meeting of desert and Yellow River.
The magnificence of Shapotou, the mystery of Western Xia Imperial Tombs, the beauty of Shahu Lake, the antiquity of Helan Mountain rock art… each place is a gift from the Northwest land.
Come to Ningxia and feel the charm of North of the Great West.
Tomorrow, we head to Xinjiang to see the wind and snow of Tianshan Mountains, the fairyland of Kanas, and the exotic charm of Kashgar.