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    • Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours

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      Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.

      Well-Selected Local Guides 

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    5 Days Ningxia Discovery Tour from Yinchuan to Zhongwei Shapotou

    5 days

    Ningxia is a magical land where stark deserts and rugged mountains harmonize with powerful rivers, charming oases, vibrant lakes, and lush grape vineyards. It’s a cultural crossroads too, where traditional Han culture, Islamic heritage, and Silk Road influences blend seamlessly to create a unique tapestry of traditions . As China’s smallest provincial-level region, Ningxia packs all its standout charms—concentrated mainly between the capital Yinchuan and the city of Zhongwei—into a journey of just 4 days. That’s why we’ve crafted our 4-Day Ningxia Discovery Tour: starting in Yinchuan, you’ll immerse yourself in its exotic northwestern allure before traveling southwest to marvel at the Yellow River’s grand landscapes and indulge in endless desert adventures at Shapotou.
    This exclusive private tour package offers more than just an authentic travel experience; it delivers top-tier services defined by comfort, flexibility, and privacy, ensuring your journey is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

    Itinerary Quick Look

    Embark on an immersive 5-day journey through Ningxia, weaving together ancient heritage, river canyons, desert adventures, and wine culture—with daily breakfast (B) and lunch (L) included, plus seamless private transfers and professional guiding.

    Day 1: Arrival in Yinchuan & Leisure Exploration

    Welcome to Yinchuan, the capital and transportation hub of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Upon arriving at Yinchuan Airport or Railway Station, our tour guide will greet you warmly and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to wander through this exotic northwestern city at your own pace.
    Recommended Free-Time Activities:
    • Marvel at the glowing night view of Yinchuan’s iconic Drum Tower, a historic landmark illuminated against the evening sky.
    • Wander Huaiyuan Night Market to savor local snacks, browse handicrafts, and soak up the lively, authentic atmosphere.

    Day 2: Yinchuan Cultural Tour – Xixia Legacy & Helan Mountain Rock Art (B, L)

    After breakfast, meet your guide to dive into the mysteries of the ancient Xixia Kingdom and the prehistoric art of Helan Mountain.
    First, journey 30km from downtown Yinchuan to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, a sprawling imperial cemetery built between the 11th and 13th centuries. As one of China’s largest and best-preserved imperial mausoleum sites, it features 9 emperors’ tombs and over 200 accompanying tombs for princes and nobles. Each mausoleum is an independent north-south oriented complex, boasting a scale comparable to Beijing’s Ming Tombs but with a distinct architectural style often likened to Egyptian pyramids.
    Next, explore the Rock Paintings of Helan Mountain, an ancient artistic archive created 3,000 to 10,000 years ago. These carvings depict the daily lives and rituals of prehistoric peoples in northwestern China—including grazing, hunting, sacrifices, warfare, and dancing—serving as an invaluable treasure trove for studying ancient human culture and history. After a full day of cultural exploration, you’ll be driven back to downtown Yinchuan.

    Day 3: Yinchuan → Qingtongxia → Zhongwei (B, L)

    Today, travel 200km (3–4 hours) southwest to Zhongwei, a city renowned for its vast deserts and the winding Yellow River.
    En route, stop to explore the Qingtongxia Yellow River Canyon & 108 Pagodas. The mighty Yellow River winds through the sinuous Qingtongxia canyons before flowing east to China’s central plains. The 108 Pagodas— the scenic area’s centerpiece—date back to the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1277) and stand as China’s largest existing Tibetan Buddhist pagoda group. Arranged in odd numbers (1 to 9) to form a large equilateral triangle, the 108 pagodas hold deep religious significance: Buddhists believe praying to them relieves the 108 worldly sorrows.
    You’ll explore via cruise (Route B, our recommended option for full immersion; Route A is available for time-saving). Route B offers a 16km canyon cruise plus access to the pagodas, while Route A includes a shorter Yellow River cruise followed by a land visit to the pagodas.
    Afterward, continue 115km (1.5 hours) to Zhongwei to visit Gaomiao Temple (The High Temple)—a unique religious complex blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Its magnificent architecture, featuring intricate structures and ornate decorations, dates mostly to the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912) and the Republic of China (1912–1949). Don’t miss the underground exhibition, which offers a fascinating insight into “Chinese Hell Culture.” After the tour, check in to your downtown Zhongwei hotel.

    Day 4: Zhongwei → Shapotou Desert → Xige Winery → Yinchuan (B, L)

    Spend the day embracing desert adventures at Shapotou before savoring wine country on your return to Yinchuan.
    Start with a visit to Shapotou Scenic Area, located on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert and ranked among China’s five most beautiful deserts. What makes Shapotou unique is its seamless blend of northern China’s wildness and southern China’s elegance—stand atop high sand dunes to see the desert stretch northward, while the Yellow River winds through boundless oases to the south.
    Customize your experience based on preference:
    • For outdoor thrill-seekers: Opt for activities like sand dune sliding, camel riding, sand motor driving, or floating down the Yellow River on a traditional sheepskin raft (activities not included in entrance fee).
    • For a serene experience: Take a leisurely desert walk, sit on a sandhill to watch the Yellow River flow, or visit the Desert Museum to learn about desert ecology and culture.
    Your guide will help tailor the experience to your needs. Afterward, head back to Yinchuan with a stop at Xige Winery—a stunningly designed estate famous for its premium wines . Founded in 2017 by Zhang Yanzhi (a Bordeaux Wine Academy graduate and the first Chinese member of the Académie du vin de Bordeaux), the winery boasts 20,000 acres of vineyards, including 15,000 acres of 20+ year-old old-vine plots. It cultivates over 20 grape varieties, such as Snake Dragon Pearl, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
    Choose from two tour packages:
    • Package A: 3 wine tastings + 2-hour guided tour (vineyards and production areas).
    • Package B: 4 wine tastings + 2-hour guided tour (vineyards and production areas).
    Please inform your travel consultant of your preference before booking. After the winery visit, continue to Yinchuan for overnight accommodation.

    Day 5: Yinchuan Half-Day Tour & Departure (B, L)

    Before your departure, delve into Ningxia’s archaeological and cultural treasures with a morning tour.
    First, visit the Ningxia Museum, home to over 40,000 historical relics—including 159 national first-class cultural relics and more than 4,000 third-class and above artifacts. Its star exhibits are three national treasures: the Hu Whirling Dance Stone-carved Tomb Gate, the Gilt Bronze Bull, and the Lishi Zhiwen Stone Carving.
    Next, take a 45-minute drive (38km) to Shuidonggou Ruins (The Valley of Water Caves), China’s earliest excavated Paleolithic cultural site. Hailed as “the birthplace of Chinese prehistoric archaeology” and “a witness to China-West cultural exchanges,” it was discovered in 1923 by French paleontologists Teilhard de Chardin and E. Licent. Excavations have uncovered numerous stone tools and animal fossils, offering vivid glimpses into 40,000-year-old human life. The site also features China’s most complete ancient military defense system—including the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, beacon towers, castles, and soldiers’ hiding caves—alongside stunning Danxia landforms.
    After the tour, you’ll be transferred to Yinchuan Airport or Railway Station for your departure, bringing your unforgettable Ningxia journey to a close.

    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
      Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
      Accommodation as listed in the itinerary;
      Necessary transfers as listed in the itinerary;
      All meals as listed(“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
      Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
    • Not Included
      China visa;
      Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
      Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary;
      Recommended optional activities;
      Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
      Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.;
      Personal expenses.


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    5 Days Ningxia Discovery Tour from Yinchuan to Zhongwei Shapotou

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