2 Days Ningxia Desert Adventure Tour: Yinchuan + Zhongwei + Tengger Desert

Morning - Pickup and Departure

07:30 - 08:30:

• Free pick-up service in Yinchuan city center (Xingqing District, Xixia District, Jinfeng District).

• The free pick-up service is available within the designated area. If you’re outside the range, please contact the tour service for instructions on where to meet.

• Travel Tip: The drive to the desert is long, so be sure to bring motion sickness pills and snacks.

08:00 - 09:00:

• Departure from Yinchuan city center to Tengger Desert (腾格里沙漠).

En Route Stops

09:00 - 09:10:

• Helan Mountain Natural Sculptures (贺兰山自然造像): A brief stop to admire the natural stone formations shaped by centuries of wind and erosion.

09:30 - 09:40:

• Xixia Mausoleum (西夏陵): Visit this ancient royal cemetery, which houses the tombs of several emperors from the Western Xia Dynasty (西夏王朝). The mausoleums are distinctive for their upturned conical shapes.

10:00 - 10:10:

• Ming Great Wall at Sanguankou (三关口明长城): Explore this part of the Ming Great Wall (明长城), a strategic military defense against Mongol invaders, located about 40 km west of Yinchuan.

Tengger Desert Adventure

10:30 - 13:00:

• Tengger Desert Five Lakes Off-Road Adventure:
  Cross the Five Lakes of the Tengger Desert on a thrilling 2.5-hour off-road adventure. Visit the beautiful lakes, such as Camel Lake (骆驼湖), Ulan Lake (乌兰湖), Bicolor Lake, Hailiuqi Lake (海骝骐湖), and Guitar Lake (吉他湖). The desert exploration includes activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and desert karting. The off-road adventure also features drone photography to capture stunning aerial views of the desert lakes.

  • Distance: Approximately 60 km

  • Driving Mode: Driver-operated vehicles

  • Group Size: Up to 8 people per vehicle

Travel Tip:

• The desert’s sun and sand can be intense. Please wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh conditions.

• Bring light-colored, long-sleeve clothing made from breathable, sweat-absorbing fabric to stay cool.

Important Note:

• Ulan Lake may occasionally be closed due to policy reasons, and the visit may be substituted with a distant viewing.

• If you wish to skip the Five Lakes adventure, a refund of 200 CNY per person will be provided. By booking the tour, you acknowledge and accept this clause.

Lunch Break

13:00 - 14:00:

• Lunch in the desert area (self-paid).

Desert Fun & Free Time

14:00 - 16:00:

• Continue your desert adventure with more fun activities:

  • Camel Ride: Ride through the desert on a camel.

  • Sandboarding: Experience the thrill of gliding down the sand dunes.

  • Desert Karting: Race across the desert on a sand dune buggy.

  You’ll also enjoy a drone photography session over Ulan Lake, which has earned the nickname "Heart of the Earth" due to its red-colored waters during certain seasons.

Arrival at Desert Camp

16:30 - 18:00:

• Desert Camp Arrival: Arrive at the Tengger Desert campsite where you can choose from various accommodation options, including luxury tents or a diamond cabin.

• Enjoy a hot pot dinner and partake in the evening’s bonfire party with fireworks and music.

• Starry Sky Camping: Experience the desert’s breathtaking night sky, perfect for stargazing and relaxation.

Day 2: Sunrise in the Desert & Desert Road Exploration

Morning - Desert Sunrise

06:00 - 07:00:

• Wake up early to witness the desert sunrise, an awe-inspiring moment where the sun rises over the expansive desert dunes.

Breakfast:

• A simple breakfast is provided (bread, eggs, fruits).

Desert Road Exploration

07:30 - 09:00:

• Take a trip along the Dream Desert Highway (梦想沙漠公路), passing the Hero Square Sculptures (英雄会雕塑广场), where you'll have the chance to snap some iconic desert photos.

09:00 - 10:30:

• Explore the beautiful Guitar Lake (吉他湖) and Hailiuqi Lake (海骝骐湖), both offering stunning desert vistas with lush grasslands contrasting against the yellow sand dunes.

Lunch

11:00 - 12:30:

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the desert area (self-paid).

Return to Yinchuan

13:30 - 16:00:

• After lunch, drive back to Yinchuan city center.

Evening in Yinchuan

16:30 - 19:00:

• Explore Huaiyuan Night Market (怀远夜市), a vibrant food market where you can taste local Ningxia dishes such as lamb skewers, fried dough, and spicy mutton pies.

Dinner:

• Dinner is included in the tour, with an average cost of 80 CNY per person.

Additional Recommendations and Travel Tips

• Clothing: Wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothing for protection from the sun. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for walking in the sand.

• Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat for protection from the strong desert sun.

• Electronics Protection: Sand can damage your electronics. Keep devices like cameras and smartphones in sealed plastic bags to prevent sand from entering.

• Health: Bring motion sickness tablets, water, and snacks to keep hydrated and comfortable during the long drives.

• Environmental Awareness: Be mindful of your surroundings and dispose of trash properly. Respect nature and the desert environment.