8 Days Ningxia Dream Tour with Jingtai Stone Forest

Morning: Shahu Scenic Area (沙湖景区)

Shahu Lake:

• After breakfast, head to Shahu Lake, about an hour’s drive from Yinchuan. The lake is a stunning mix of desert dunes and wetlands.

• Boat Ride: Take a boat tour through the lake and enjoy the view of sand dunes, reeds, and the various migratory birds that frequent the lake, including white cranes and swans.

• Explore the birdwatching platforms, which offer excellent views for spotting rare birds.

Lunch:

Enjoy a delicious Chinese-style lunch with local fish dishes from the lake and vegetable stir-fries.

Afternoon: Helan Mountain Rock Paintings (贺兰山岩画)

Helan Mountain Rock Art:

• Proceed to Helan Mountain, just 30 minutes away from Shahu Lake. This area is famous for its ancient rock paintings, dating back 3,000 to 10,000 years.

• Guided Tour: A knowledgeable guide will explain the meanings of the paintings, depicting hunting scenes, wildlife, and spiritual symbols of ancient nomadic tribes. These paintings offer deep insights into the prehistoric culture of this region.

Evening: Lanshan Park (览山公园)

Lanshan Park:

• Finish the day with a visit to Lanshan Park for an evening stroll. Located on a small hill, it offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding plains. It is the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset over the Yellow River.

Dinner:

Have dinner at a local restaurant offering Hui Muslim-style dishes, such as Lamb Skewers or Mutton Dumplings.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay at a hotel in Yinchuan.

Morning: Bronze Gorge and Yellow River Grand Canyon (青铜峡黄河大峡谷108塔)

Bronze Gorge:

• After breakfast, head to Bronze Gorge in the Yellow River Grand Canyon. This canyon is famous for its 108 towers, an extraordinary collection of brick and stone towers built during the Western Xia Dynasty. The towers are arranged in a triangular formation and offer great photo opportunities.

• Take a boat ride through the canyon to witness the towers' reflection on the Yellow River.

Lunch:

Enjoy a traditional meal near the canyon, featuring local specialties such as yellow river fish and handmade flatbreads.

Afternoon: Yellow River Altar (中华黄河坛)

Yellow River Altar:

• Visit the Yellow River Altar, a symbolic site dedicated to the worship of the Yellow River, which has sustained the people of Ningxia for centuries. The altar is a tribute to Chinese civilization and showcases a series of sculptures, bronze artifacts, and ancient inscriptions.

Evening: Shapotou Scenic Area (沙坡头风景区)

Shapotou Scenic Area:

• Continue to Shapotou, a unique desert landscape located at the edge of the Tengger Desert. Enjoy desert activities such as camel rides, sandboarding, and dune hiking. The desert provides a stunning backdrop for exploring the vast, empty space.

• In the evening, enjoy the Shapotou Grand Ceremony (a live performance that incorporates 9D technology, offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience).

Dinner:

Have a local desert-themed meal, including roast lamb, grilled vegetables, and traditional bread cooked in the desert.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay at a hotel in Zhongwei.

Morning: Gao Temple (高庙)

Gao Temple:

• After breakfast, visit Gao Temple, a three-faith temple that represents the blending of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The architecture of the temple is both elegant and intricate, and the gardens surrounding the temple provide a peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch:

Enjoy a Ningxia-style lunch featuring noodles, steamed buns, and lamb stews.

Afternoon: Sand Dunes & Highway 66 Scenic Drive

Shapotou Scenic Area (North and South Sections):

• Head back to the Shapotou Scenic Area to explore the desert landscape further. You can take a desert lift to the top of the dunes for a spectacular view.

• Explore the desert on an electric car or camel and enjoy some free time at the desert resort for activities such as sand sliding or camel riding.

Highway 66 (66号公路):

• Take a scenic drive along the Yellow River on Highway 66, a famous route that offers endless views of the desert, canyons, and Yellow River. This is a unique part of Ningxia, where the desert meets the river.

Dinner:

Enjoy a desert barbecue dinner, with skewered lamb, vegetables, and other local delicacies.

Accommodation:

Stay overnight in Zhongwei.

Morning: Jingtai Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Area (景泰黄河石林风景区)

Jingtai Yellow River Stone Forest:

• After breakfast, head to the Jingtai Yellow River Stone Forest, a magnificent natural wonder. The stone forest is formed by limestone formations that have been sculpted by wind and water over millennia. These towering spires rise dramatically from the surrounding Yellow River, creating an almost alien landscape.

• Explore Longwan Village (龙湾村), which is nestled between the cliffs. From the viewpoint, you'll have a panoramic view of the river and stone pillars stretching into the horizon. The area also features the Yinma Gorge (饮马沟大峡谷), a stunning natural formation with winding paths and unique geological features.

Lunch:

Enjoy a local farm-to-table lunch, with roast lamb, hand-pulled noodles, and traditional Ningxia vegetables.

Afternoon: Scenic Cruise on the Yellow River

Yellow River Boat Cruise:

• After your visit to the stone forest, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Yellow River. The boat trip allows you to take in the sweeping beauty of the river, the surrounding sand dunes, and the stone forest in a relaxed atmosphere. The combination of the lush riverbanks and arid desert landscapes makes this an unforgettable experience.

Evening: Return to Zhongwei

Evening at Zhongwei:

• After a day of exploration, return to Zhongwei for a relaxing evening. You can visit the local market or enjoy a quiet walk along the riverfront.

Dinner:

Traditional Ningxia Cuisine featuring braised lamb, dumplings, and local teas.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay in Zhongwei.

Morning: West Xia Mausoleum (西夏王陵)

West Xia Mausoleum:

• Begin your day by visiting the West Xia Mausoleum, an extraordinary royal burial site. The mausoleum consists of nine imperial tombs, which are spread across an area of 53 square kilometers.

• The site is often referred to as the "Eastern Pyramid", due to its monumental scale and ancient construction techniques. Walk through the complex and discover the historical relics from the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227). The site also includes a museum showcasing the history of the Western Xia and their cultural legacy.

Lunch:

Traditional Hui-style meal with lamb kebabs, noodle soup, and spiced rice.

Afternoon: Yufeng International Winery (玉泉营国际酒庄)

Wine Tasting at Yufeng Winery:

• After lunch, visit the Yufeng International Winery, located at the base of the Helan Mountains. The winery combines modern winemaking techniques with the region's traditional Western Xia culture.

• Enjoy a guided tour through the vineyards and the winemaking process. Then, indulge in a wine tasting session, where you can sample a selection of locally produced wines, including red, white, and dessert wines.

Evening: Visit Huaiyuan Night Market (怀远夜市)

Huaiyuan Night Market:

• In the evening, explore Huaiyuan Night Market, one of the most vibrant night markets in Ningxia. The market is full of local street foods, snacks, and unique handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to try spicy skewers, dumplings, and sweet desserts. The market has a bustling atmosphere, offering a glimpse into local life after dark.

Dinner:

Dinner at the night market, where you can sample various street food delicacies, including roasted meats, fish, and fruit.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay at a hotel in Yinchuan.

Morning: Ningxia Museum (宁夏博物馆)

Ningxia Museum:

• After breakfast, visit the Ningxia Museum, a comprehensive cultural institution that showcases the history and culture of Ningxia. The museum features exhibitions on Ningxia’s minorities, including the Hui Muslim population, as well as displays on the Yellow River and the region's ancient civilization.

• The museum is home to over 40,000 artifacts, including ancient tomb relics, bronze artifacts, and ethnic costumes.

Lunch:

Enjoy a traditional Ningxia Hui meal with hand-pulled noodles, mutton stew, and locally grown vegetables.

Afternoon: Visit to Old City of Yinchuan & Cultural Walk

City Walk:

• In the afternoon, take a guided cultural walk through the old city of Yinchuan. You will explore historical streets, visit local mosques, and experience the fusion of Islamic architecture with traditional Chinese elements.

• Xi Guan Folk Culture Park (西关民俗园) offers an immersive experience where you can try on traditional Hui clothing and explore the local culture in a hands-on way.

Evening: Free Time and Shopping at Xinhua Shopping Area

Xinhua Shopping Street:

• After your cultural walk, you can spend some free time at Xinhua Shopping Street, one of the most popular commercial districts in Yinchuan. Here you’ll find everything from souvenirs to fashion and local handicrafts. It's a perfect place to buy handmade textiles, traditional spices, and ceramics.

Dinner:

Traditional Hui Muslim feast with dishes like braised lamb, pilaf, and sweet teas.

Accommodation:

Overnight stay in Yinchuan.

Morning: Final Breakfast & Free Time

Leisure Morning:

• On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Spend some time reflecting on your amazing journey across Ningxia.

• If time permits, visit the local market for any last-minute shopping or simply take a walk along the Yellow River to say goodbye to this beautiful region.

Afternoon: Transfer to Yinchuan Airport

Transfer to Airport:

• After checking out, you will be transferred to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport for your departure flight back home.

End of Tour:

We hope you’ve had a wonderful time exploring the beauty and culture of Ningxia and have taken home unforgettable memories!