8 Days Ningxia Cycling Tour with Wine and Desert Experience

Cycling Content: After breakfast at the hotel, pick up your bicycle (provided by the tour group or your own) and start the official cycling journey. The route starts from the hotel, heading west towards Helan Shan Mountains (Helan Shan Mountains, 贺兰山), passing through the eastern foot of Helan Shan (贺兰山) and nearby vineyards. Along the way, you will enjoy the majestic scenery of Helan Shan Mountains (贺兰山) and the green vineyards dotted at the foot of the mountain. Midway, you will visit 1-2 carefully selected wineries (excluding Changyu Winery (张裕酒庄)), meet the winery owners, listen to the story of grape planting and wine making in the Helan Shan (贺兰山) region, and taste exclusive wines. In the afternoon, continue cycling to the foothill area of Helan Shan Mountains (贺兰山), where you will check into a winery lodge or nearby hotel. In the evening, enjoy a dinner featuring local ingredients paired with the day’s tasted wines.
Cycling Distance: 65 KM
Destinations Passed: Designated hotel in Yinchuan (银川) (starting point), Helan Shan East Foot (贺兰山脚下), local wineries (2), Helan Shan Mountains (贺兰山) foothill area, winery lodge/hotel (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The whole journey is mainly asphalt roads, with a gentle upward slope towards Helan Shan Mountains (贺兰山), slope gradient 5%-8%, belonging to steady climbs. The road surface is smooth and well-maintained, with few motor vehicles, and the riding environment is good. The elevation gradually rises from 1,100 meters to 1,800 meters, with a total elevation gain of about 700 meters. The difficulty is moderate, suitable for cyclists to adapt to the riding rhythm and high altitude.
Additional Notes: Wear a helmet and sun protection equipment (sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen) as the sun is strong in Ningxia (宁夏). The support bus follows closely, so you can take a break on the bus at any time if you feel tired. The winery lodge is equipped with comfortable facilities, allowing you to rest well after a day of riding.

Cycling Content: After breakfast at the accommodation, start cycling towards Minning Town (Minning Town, 闽宁镇). The route passes through the western edge of Yinchuan Plain (Yinchuan Plain, 银川平原), with green agricultural pastures on both sides, and you can see local farmers working in the fields. Midway, you will make a special stop to visit Xi Xia Mausoleums (Xi Xia Mausoleums, 西夏皇陵), the imperial mausoleum of the Western Xia Dynasty, explore the ancient tombs, stone carvings, and museum, and learn about the history and culture of the Western Xia Dynasty. After visiting, continue cycling to Minning Town (闽宁镇), a model town for poverty alleviation in Ningxia (宁夏), where you can visit local communities and experience the new look of the borderland town. In the afternoon, visit another local winery near Minning Town (闽宁镇), taste unique wines brewed with local grapes, and listen to the story of winemaking in the town. In the evening, check into a hotel in Minning Town (闽宁镇) and enjoy a dinner of local farm ingredients.
Cycling Distance: 63 KM
Destinations Passed: Helan Shan (贺兰山) foothill accommodation (starting point), Yinchuan Plain (银川平原) agricultural pastures, Xi Xia Mausoleums (西夏皇陵), Minning Town (闽宁镇), local winery (near Minning Town (闽宁镇)), hotel in Minning Town (闽宁镇) (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The route is mainly flat and gentle, with a few small ups and downs, slope gradient 3%-6%, no steep climbs. The road surface is asphalt, smooth and wide, with moderate vehicle flow. The elevation ranges from 1,800 meters to 2,000 meters, with a total elevation gain of about 200 meters. The riding difficulty is low, allowing cyclists to relax and enjoy the rural scenery along the way.
Additional Notes: Xi Xia Mausoleums (西夏皇陵) has an entrance fee of about 70 yuan/person; the museum provides a guided tour (included in the ticket). Minning Town (闽宁镇) has many local snack shops; you can taste local specialties such as wolfberry cakes during the visit. The support team will prepare water and energy snacks for the ride.

Cycling Content: After breakfast, check out from the hotel in Minning Town (闽宁镇), take the support bus to Yanche County (Yanche County, 盐池县) (transfer time is about 1.5 hours). After arriving in Yanche (盐池), pick up your bicycle and start cycling towards Haba Lake National Nature Reserve (Haba Lake National Nature Reserve, 哈巴湖国家级自然保护区). The route passes through semi-desert grasslands and desert edge landscapes, with golden sand dunes and sparse vegetation on both sides, showing the unique desert scenery of Ningxia (宁夏). Along the way, you can stop to take photos and experience the vastness of the desert. After arriving at Haba Lake (哈巴湖), check into the nature reserve lodge. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire BBQ with roasted local lamb, and after dinner, stargaze in the desert under the clear night sky—Ningxia (宁夏)’s desert has little light pollution, making it an ideal place for stargazing. The support team will also prepare hot drinks to keep you warm at night.
Cycling Distance: 55 KM (cycling from Yanche (盐池) to Haba Lake (哈巴湖); transfer distance is not included)
Destinations Passed: Hotel in Minning Town (闽宁镇) (check-out), transfer to Yanche (盐池), Yanche County (盐池县) (starting point of cycling), semi-desert grasslands, Haba Lake National Nature Reserve (哈巴湖国家级自然保护区), nature reserve lodge (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The cycling route is mainly gravel and asphalt mixed roads, with a few gentle slopes, slope gradient 4%-7%. The road surface is relatively smooth, but there are occasional small stones, so please ride carefully. The elevation ranges from 2,000 meters to 2,300 meters, with a total elevation gain of about 300 meters. The wind in the desert is relatively strong, which may affect the riding speed; the support team will provide windbreakers if needed.
Additional Notes: The desert area has large temperature differences between day and night; please bring a thick coat for the night stargazing. The bonfire BBQ is outdoors; please follow the staff’s guidance to avoid fire hazards. Haba Lake (哈巴湖) is a nature reserve; please do not litter or damage the ecological environment.

Cycling Content: Today is the longest cycling day of the entire tour, focusing on experiencing the ancient Great Wall (Great Wall, 长城) and desert grassland scenery. After breakfast at the nature reserve lodge, start cycling back towards Yanche (盐池), taking a detour to the Ningxia section of the ancient Great Wall (宁夏古长城). The route passes through the remains of the Great Wall, where you can stop to walk on the ancient city wall, touch the historical relics, and imagine the prosperity of the Silk Road (丝绸之路) in ancient times. Along the way, you will pass through desert grasslands and small Hui (回族) villages, where you can interact with local villagers, learn about their daily life and traditional customs, and taste local snacks such as baked buns. In the afternoon, continue cycling towards Yanche (盐池), and arrive at the hotel in Yanche (盐池) in the evening. After checking in, enjoy a hearty dinner to replenish physical strength consumed by the long-distance ride.
Cycling Distance: 100 KM (round trip from Haba Lake (哈巴湖) to Yanche (盐池) via Great Wall (长城))
Destinations Passed: Haba Lake (哈巴湖) nature reserve lodge (starting point), semi-desert grasslands, Ningxia Ancient Great Wall (宁夏古长城) remains, Hui (回族) villages, Yanche County (盐池县), hotel in Yanche (盐池) (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The route is a mix of asphalt and gravel roads, with more undulating terrain. There are several steady climbs, slope gradient 6%-9%, and some gentle descents to relieve fatigue. The road surface is well-maintained, but the section near the Great Wall (长城) is slightly rough. The elevation ranges from 2,300 meters to 2,600 meters, with a total elevation gain of about 500 meters. This is the most physically demanding day of the tour; the support bus will follow closely, providing rest and supplies at any time.
Additional Notes: Please start cycling early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Bring enough water and energy snacks (such as energy bars, nuts) to replenish physical strength. The ancient Great Wall (长城) remains are relatively fragile; please do not climb or damage the relics. The support team will prepare first-aid kits and altitude sickness medicine in case of emergency.

Cycling Content: After breakfast, check out from the hotel in Yanche (盐池), take the support bus to Hongsibu District (Hongsibu District, 红寺堡区) (transfer time is about 2 hours). After arriving in Hongsibu (红寺堡), pick up your bicycle and start cycling towards Luo Shan (Luo Shan, 罗山), a famous mountain in Ningxia (宁夏). The route passes through the Hongsibu Irrigation Area (Hongsibu Irrigation Area, 红寺堡灌区), where you can see the large-scale irrigation projects and green farmland, witnessing the miracle of turning desert into oasis. Continue cycling to the foot of Luo Shan (罗山), enjoying the mountain scenery and the surrounding grasslands. In the afternoon, visit a local winery near Hongsibu (红寺堡), which is known for its unique grape varieties adapted to the arid climate. You will taste the winery’s signature wines and learn about the irrigation technology used in grape planting. In the evening, check into a hotel in Hongsibu (红寺堡) and enjoy a dinner featuring local Hui (回族) and Han (汉族) fusion cuisine.
Cycling Distance: 50 KM (cycling from Hongsibu (红寺堡) to Luo Shan (罗山) and back; transfer distance is not included)
Destinations Passed: Hotel in Yanche (盐池) (check-out), transfer to Hongsibu (红寺堡), Hongsibu District (红寺堡区) (starting point of cycling), Hongsibu Irrigation Area (红寺堡灌区), Luo Shan (罗山) foothill, local winery (near Hongsibu (红寺堡)), hotel in Hongsibu (红寺堡) (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The route is mainly flat asphalt roads, with a gentle climb when approaching Luo Shan (罗山), slope gradient 5%-7%. The road surface is smooth and wide, with few vehicles, and the riding environment is quiet. The elevation ranges from 2,600 meters to 2,800 meters, with a total elevation gain of about 200 meters. The riding difficulty is moderate, allowing cyclists to recover from the previous day’s long-distance ride.
Additional Notes: The Hongsibu Irrigation Area (红寺堡灌区) is a key project in Ningxia (宁夏); you can stop to visit the irrigation facilities and learn about the local water conservancy history. Luo Shan (罗山) has a cool climate; bring a light jacket when cycling to the foothill. The winery visit includes a guided tour of the vineyards and wine cellars.

Cycling Content: After breakfast, check out from the hotel in Hongsibu (红寺堡), take a short support bus transfer (about 30 minutes) to the starting point of today’s cycling route. Start cycling towards Xige Winery (Xige Winery, 西鸽酒庄), one of the most famous wineries in Ningxia (宁夏). The route passes through the Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region (Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region, 贺兰山东麓葡萄酒产区), with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the wine region and the distant Helan Shan Mountains (贺兰山). After arriving at Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄), you will receive a VIP guided tour, visit the modern wine production workshop, underground wine cellar, and vineyards, and taste the winery’s high-end wines. In the evening, check into the winery’s lodge, which is built among the vineyards, allowing you to enjoy the quiet and beautiful vineyard night. Dinner is a fine dining experience paired with Xige Winery’s (西鸽酒庄) signature wines.
Cycling Distance: 60 KM (cycling from the transfer starting point to Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄); short transfer distance is not included)
Destinations Passed: Hotel in Hongsibu (红寺堡) (check-out), short transfer to cycling starting point, Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region (贺兰山东麓葡萄酒产区), Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄), winery lodge (end point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: The route is all asphalt roads, smooth and well-maintained, with a gentle downward slope towards Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄), slope gradient 4%-6%, making riding easy and comfortable. The elevation ranges from 2,800 meters to 2,200 meters, with a total elevation drop of about 600 meters. The average elevation during the ride is 2,500 meters, and there is no obvious altitude reaction for most cyclists.
Additional Notes: Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄) has a beautiful environment; take plenty of photos to record the vineyard scenery. The wine tasting includes 3-4 high-end wines; please drink in moderation. The winery lodge is equipped with high-end facilities, providing a comfortable rest environment for the last night of the tour.

Cycling Content: No cycling arrangements today. After breakfast at Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄) lodge, check out, pack your bicycle and personal belongings. The support team will transport you and your luggage by support bus to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (银川河东国际机场) (transfer time is about 1.5 hours). After arriving at the airport, the support team will assist you with luggage handling and bicycle check-in procedures. Bid farewell to the team and fellow cyclists, and board your flight to return home, ending the unforgettable 8-day Ningxia (宁夏) cycling tour.
Cycling Distance: 0 KM
Destinations Passed: Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄) lodge (check-out), transfer to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (银川河东国际机场) (departure point).
Road Conditions, Slope & Elevation: No cycling tasks. The transfer route from Xige Winery (西鸽酒庄) to the airport is along the highway, flat and smooth. The elevation gradually drops from 2,200 meters to 1,100 meters (Yinchuan (银川) airport elevation), with no obvious slope changes, and the ride is comfortable.
Additional Notes: Please arrange your time according to your flight schedule; it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance for domestic flights. Pack your bicycle properly (the support team will provide packing materials) to avoid damage during transportation. If you have any souvenirs (such as local wolfberry, wine), please pack them carefully to meet the airport security requirements.