6-Day Ningxia Wine Tour: Yinchuan + Shapotou + Wuzhong + Yinchuan (Desert Camping + Wine Tasting)

Welcome to Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia! After arriving at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport (INC) or Yinchuan Railway Station, our driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to our carefully selected Yinchuan hotel for check-in and rest. After that, you can arrange your time freely and fully take in the charm of this city. Yinchuan is a miraculous city where the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" and the ancient capital of Western Xia intertwine. The Yellow River has gifted it 80,000 hectares of water and more than 200 lakes, making it unique in northern China. It was once the capital of the mysterious Western Xia dynasty (1038-1227), a perfect place to explore the Western Xia Imperial Tombs and learn about that lost civilization's history. You can also experience the vibrant Hui ethnic customs and taste the "Oriental Bordeaux" wines from the Helan Mountain East Foothill wine region. Recommended free-time activities 1. Lanshan Park (at dusk): This is the classic spot to watch the sunset over the "Lakeside City beyond the Great Wall" and see the sky dyed golden. You can climb the steps of the Roman-style architectural complex and take in the magnificent views of the desert oasis. 2. Huaiyuan Sightseeing Night Market (dinner experience): You can taste freshly grilled lamb skewers, sweet and mellow eight-treasure tea, and various northwestern-style snacks, experiencing the most authentic local street life and the lively life of the locals. Arrival guide 1. How to get to Yinchuan: Yinchuan Hedong International Airport has direct flights to major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an; the high-speed rail network connects Lanzhou, Xi'an, and Inner Mongolia, making transportation very convenient. 2. Best travel seasons: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) have the most comfortable climate. In winter you can enjoy desert snow scenery, and although summer is hot, it is a good time to experience desert activities (such as camel riding at Shapotou).

In the morning, you will head to 【Sand Lake】, known as the "Pearl of the Frontier." Sand Lake blends the elegance of a Jiangnan water town with the grandeur of the northern desert, and is famous for its globally rare visual spectacle of "half emerald water, half golden sand." It was once rated by CNN as one of China's most beautiful landscapes. It is home to 178 bird species, including extremely rare species under first-class national protection such as the great bustard and black stork. Every spring, over 1.5 million migratory birds stop and nest here, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts (PS: binoculars are recommended for observation). Sightseeing Suggestions Take a boat through the reed marshes (cost already included in the itinerary): This is the essence of the visit. Sailing on the emerald waves and weaving through the vast reed maze feels like entering a water forest. Visit the Wetland Museum: Gain a systematic understanding of the fragile ecosystem of the Yellow River wetlands and their precious conservation value. Other activities: You may visit the International Sand Sculpture Art Park and pay separately to experience desert activities such as sand sliding and camel riding, feeling the instant transformation from Jiangnan water town scenery to desert customs. Afterward, continue to 【Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio】, known as "Oriental Hollywood." The studio was built on the ruins of a former Ming and Qing dynasty border fortress, and its desolate, rugged, simple, and primitive scenery is hailed as "the best location for Chinese western films." Countless classics were born here, including Red Sorghum, A Chinese Odyssey, and New Dragon Gate Inn. Sightseeing Suggestions Explore by area: It is mainly divided into the Ming City, Qing City, and Old Yinchuan Street. Each area recreates specific historical scenes and film sets. Immersive experience: Renting costumes is highly recommended (polite bargaining is acceptable). Under the city wall of "Zhi Zunbao and Zixia Fairy" or in front of the banners of "New Dragon Gate Inn," you can shoot your own movie-style photos. Movie fan Easter eggs: Before the trip, you may rewatch A Chinese Odyssey or Red Sorghum to check in at famous scenes on site, which will make the experience more profound. Finally, head to Helan Mountain Rock Art. 【Helan Mountain Rock Art】 is an art treasure left by ancient nomadic peoples (such as the Xiongnu and Tangut) and spans thousands of years in creation. Its content covers scenes of hunting, sacrifice, and dance, making it a living fossil for studying ancient spiritual beliefs and social life. You can read the "prehistoric diary" carved in stone and converse across time with ancestors from thousands of years ago. Suggested Visiting Order 1. Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum (visit first): China's first and the world's largest rock art-themed museum. It not only systematically and comprehensively introduces Helan Mountain rock art, but also displays exquisite replicas of rock art from around the world. 2. Rock Art Site Area: Take an electric vehicle (cost already included in the itinerary) to the valley mouth, then follow the boardwalk to view hundreds of the finest rock art pieces. (Note: Please bring binoculars to observe rock art in high places. These rock art pieces are ancient and fragile, so please do not touch or climb them.) Key searches: Look for the mysterious "Sun God" rock art and try to spot rock goats blended into the rocks. 3. Han Meilin Art Museum: If time permits, you may also visit the nearby Han Meilin Art Museum, which displays sculptures, paintings, and other artworks created with rock art elements, achieving a wonderful dialogue between ancient art and modern aesthetics.

Today you will embark on a wonderful Yinchuan wine journey. First, visit the Ningxia Museum (closed on Mondays). The [Ningxia Museum] houses nearly 40,000 cultural relics, covering artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to modern times. It is an authoritative encyclopedia for interpreting the history of Ningxia's multicultural convergence and a great place to learn about the mysterious Western Xia civilization. Must-See Artifacts in the Museum: the Western Xia gilt bronze ox (the museum's treasure), the Western Xia Buddhist scripture "Jixiang Bianshi Kouhe Benxu" (the world's earliest extant woodblock movable-type print), the glazed chiwen (a representative of Western Xia palace architectural art), the Tang dynasty stone tomb gate with Sogdian whirl dance (a peak witness to Silk Road cultural exchange), and more. Afterward, you will head to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs about 30 km from the city. The [Western Xia Imperial Tombs] are the royal tombs of the Western Xia dynasty (1038-1227), where nine emperors, including the founding emperor Li Yuanhao, rest. They are not only the most magnificent physical remains of Western Xia civilization but also a World Cultural Heritage site, known as the "Pyramids of the East." It is worth mentioning that Western Xia once dominated a key route on the Silk Road and ultimately fell to Mongol cavalry. Its culture blended the boldness of the Tangut people, the profundity of Buddhism, and the essence of Han culture, making it an excellent place to explore the mysterious Western Xia civilization. You can take a sightseeing bus (included in the price) to travel through the tomb area, with the towering Helan Mountains as a backdrop, and feel the vastness and grandeur of the Western Xia royal tombs. Highlights Not to Be Missed 1. Tomb No. 3: The largest and best-preserved tomb, said to be the mausoleum of Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of Western Xia. You can clearly see the complete layout of the que platforms, stele pavilions, moon city, tomb city, and tomb tower. 2. Western Xia Museum: A must-visit for an in-depth understanding of Western Xia history. Through precious artifacts such as the bronze ox and glazed chiwen, as well as the unique Western Xia script (similar in appearance to Chinese characters but an independent system), it allows you to intuitively and quickly understand the Western Xia dynasty. Next, you will visit [Silver Heights Winery], a representative boutique winery located at about 1,200 meters above sea level in the Helan Mountains of Ningxia. Regarded as a "pilgrimage site" for Chinese wine, this winery was founded by Ms. Gao Yuan, who systematically studied winemaking in France, and perfectly blends traditional French winemaking techniques with the unique terroir of Ningxia's Helan Mountains. Tasting Experience: You will have the opportunity to taste its internationally award-winning wines, such as the "Family Reserve" series. With outstanding quality, this wine has been selected to entertain state guests such as former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and is a proud symbol of Chinese boutique wine going global. Visit Content: You can visit the winery's vineyards in the Jinshan production area of Helan County, learn about its viticultural philosophy up close, and enter its distinctive wine cellar to hear the winemaker tell the story of the rise of Chinese wine.

Today's itinerary will take you to experience Ningxia's amazing natural wonders. You will arrive at Shapotou Scenic Area, hailed as "one of China's most beautiful deserts," and feel the majestic mood of "a solitary plume of smoke rises straight in the vast desert, and the round sun sets over the long river." Experience the unique fun where the desert and the Yellow River intertwine. Shapotou is located on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. Here the Yellow River makes an elegant "ji"-shaped bend, forming a peerless wonder where desert, Yellow River, oasis, and mountains coexist. When people slide down the sand slope, the sand layer emits a humming "weng—weng—" roar, like a golden bell tolling, hence it is called the "Golden Sand Singing Bell," which is very peculiar. Optional activities at Shapotou (at your own expense) You can take the shuttle bus between the desert area and the Yellow River area to fully enjoy the charm of Shapotou. 1. Exciting desert activities Sand sliding: Ride a sandboard down a hundred-meter sand slope, experiencing the double fun of speed and singing sand. Sand surfing: Ride a professional off-road vehicle, diving and circling at high speed among the dunes, experiencing the ultimate thrill of weightlessness and bumps. Camel riding: Ride a camel across the desert and experience the ancient way of travel on the Silk Road. 2. Yellow River adventure Yellow River zipline: A desert ropeway about 820 meters long (Asia's first) crossing the Yellow River. Fly over the Yellow River from the air and experience its magnificent waves from a unique perspective. Sheepskin raft drifting: An ancient river-crossing tool made of 14 inflated sheepskin bladders (about 2,000 years of history). Drift with the current on the Yellow River, listen to the rafters sing folk songs, and enjoy a unique cultural experience. Warm reminder: For all adventure activities, please be sure to assess your own condition and strictly follow safety guidelines. Tonight you will camp in the desert, sleeping under the charming starry sky. If you would like to stay in a hotel, please let us know at any time.

This morning, you will head to Wuzhong. (Optional self-funded activity: the renowned Ningxia Wuzhong morning tea, where you can taste beef noodles, eight-treasure tea, lamb offal soup, and various pastries, experiencing the comfort and abundance of a Ningxia morning.) Afterwards, head to the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon for a visit. The [Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon] is known by the saying "In the south there is Dujiangyan, in the north there is Qingtongxia." Its canyon is majestic and it is a World Heritage Irrigation Structure with over two thousand years of history. Sightseeing Suggestions 1. Exploring Hydraulic Civilization: Visit the Qingtongxia Water Conservancy Project (built in the 1960s-70s) and the Water Conservancy Museum to learn how it created the miracle of the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." 2. Canyon Cruise Sightseeing: Take a boat through the "Ten-Mile Long Canyon," admire the towering limestone cliffs on both banks, and feel the grandeur and tranquility of the Yellow River in this section, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the "Little Three Gorges of the Yellow River." 3. Visiting the One Hundred and Eight Stupas: After the boat tour, go ashore to visit the mysterious One Hundred and Eight Stupas. This group of Tibetan-style Buddhist stupas, arranged in a unique triangular formation, was first built during the Western Xia and is the spiritual landmark of the canyon. Climb to the top to overlook the magnificent panorama of the Yellow River. 4. Sheepskin Raft Drifting (optional self-funded): You can try riding an ancient sheepskin raft and drift on the Yellow River, experiencing the fun of this water transport tool passed down for thousands of years. (Note: This project is strictly limited by water level and weather conditions. Please be sure to assess your own condition and follow safety regulations.) In the afternoon, head to the Xige Estate in Wuzhong. [Xige Estate] is one of the leading wineries in China's premium wine industry. Its main building is a huge ring-shaped stone castle built from nearly 200,000 local stones from the Helan Mountains, which is astonishing. The estate also has tens of thousands of mu of vineyards, among which the most precious are old vines over 25 years old, producing mellow wines that express the Ningxia terroir. You can stroll and admire the estate's unique architecture, explore modern winemaking techniques, and learn about Ningxia's wine culture. If you are interested, you can also taste 2-3 representative wines of the estate (such as the classic "Jade Dove" series) in the professional tasting room. In the evening, check in and rest in Yinchuan.

Today, before leaving Yinchuan, you will visit 【Shuidonggou Site】, known as the "birthplace of Chinese prehistoric archaeology." It is like an open three-dimensional history book, wonderfully condensing "ancient human life 30,000 years ago" and "a Ming dynasty military fortress 500 years ago" into the same time and space. Sightseeing Suggestions You may visit the Shuidonggou Site Museum and, through artifacts and vivid 4D films, return to ancient times; you may also visit the Ming dynasty earthen Great Wall and experience the wonderful feeling of "one foot across two provinces (Ningxia/Inner Mongolia)," gazing out over what was once a frontier battlefield; or go deep into the underground military city (Bingcang Cave) to experience ancient mechanisms and traps, meeting halls, stoves and wells, armories, and sentry posts, all highly adventurous and fascinating. In addition, Shuidonggou's tour design is highly creative, with connections by various special transport methods (such as camel carts, donkey carts, and bamboo rafts), making this historical journey full of fun and surprises. Itinerary Extension Suggestions You can extend your Ningxia trip to Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Xi'an, Beijing, and Shanghai. If you have any ideas, please let us know at any time, and we can assist you in arranging your itinerary.