2003 Female College Student's 5-Day 4-Night Ningxia Travel Guide!

Here's an in-depth 5-day 4-night Ningxia itinerary covering deserts, history, nature, and cuisine, perfect for travelers who love culture-nature fusion: --- ### **Day 1: Yinchuan City - History & Culinary Introduction** - **Morning** - Arrive in Yinchuan, check into downtown hotel (recommended: near Drum Tower or Huaiyuan Night Market). - Visit [Western Xia Imperial Tombs National Archaeological Site Park] to explore Western Xia Dynasty history (≈¥85 including shuttle). - **Noon** - Try local specialty hand-grabbed mutton (recommended: Lao Mao Shouzhua or Guoqiang Shouzhua). - **Afternoon** - Tour [Ningxia Museum] (free, booking required) for regional history and Silk Road culture. - Stroll around [Chengtian Temple Pagoda] for ancient city vibes. - **Evening** - Explore [Huaiyuan Night Market] - must-tries: spicy húhú, lamb skewers, imperial crispy beef pie, sweet fermented wheat tea. --- ### **Day 2: Helan Mountains - Petroglyphs & Wineries** - **Morning** - Visit [Helan Mountain Rock Carvings] (¥70) to see prehistoric petroglyphs and spot blue sheep. - Stop by [Han Meilin Art Museum] (free) showcasing modern art inspired by petroglyphs. - **Noon** - Local farmhouse lunch near petroglyphs - try Helan Mountain mushroom noodles. - **Afternoon** - Wine tasting at [Chateau Zhihui Yuanshi] (free with reservation) to experience Ningxia's wine culture. - **Evening** - Return to Yinchuan - recommended hotpot dinner (e.g. Yingbinlou). --- ### **Day 3: Shapotou Desert Adventure** - **Morning** - 1.5hr high-speed train to Zhongwei (or 2hr private car), head straight to [Shapotou Scenic Area] (¥80). - Yellow River activities: sheepskin rafting, sand sliding; Desert zone: camel rides, dune buggies. - **Noon** - Quick meal at scenic area or return to Zhongwei for artemisia noodles. - **Afternoon** - Check into [Desert Stars Hotel] (book 1 month ahead!) or [The River Retreat] B&Bs. - Evening desert hike for sunset photos. - **Night** - Stargazing (clear Milky Way in summer), join hotel bonfire party. --- ### **Day 4: Zhongwei - Route 66 + Ancient Villages** - **Morning** - Private car to [Route 66] for western-style road photos (wear edgy outfits). - Continue to [North Longtan Ancient Village] for Yellow River adobe houses (best in April pear blossom season). - **Noon** - Return to Zhongwei for stir-fried laghman noodles. - **Afternoon** - Optional [Tengger Desert Camp] for less-crowded desert activities, or visit [Gaomiao Buddhist Temple]. - **Evening** - High-speed train back to Yinchuan, stay near Yuehai Lake. --- ### **Day 5: Zhenbeibao - Departure** - **Morning** - Explore [Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio] (¥80), photo ops at "A Chinese Odyssey" filming locations with Zixia fairy costume rentals. - **Noon** - Farmhouse lunch near studio - recommended Yellow River carp. - **Afternoon** - Optional [Shuidonggou Ruins] (underground tunnel adventure) or [Lanshan Park] for Roman-style sunset views. - Buy souvenirs: goji berries (Bairuiyuan brand), eight-treasure tea, Ningxia wines (Changyu). --- ### **Travel Tips:** 1. **Transport**: Convenient Yinchuan-Zhongwei trains; recommend private cars for desert sites (≈¥300-400/day). 2. **Clothing**: Large desert temperature swings - pack windproof jackets, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen. 3. **Sandproofing**: Protect phones/cameras from sand; wear high-top shoes in desert. 4. **Accommodation**: Book desert hotels early; alternatives include The River Retreat or Zhongwei city hotels.