This immersive 8-day journey through Ningxia reveals the region’s soul in a perfect blend of desert adventure and rich culinary tradition. Starting in Yinchuan, discover ancient city gates and Buddhist pagodas before heading west to Alxa Zuoqi, where you’ll traverse five hidden desert lakes by off-road vehicle and explore historic forts. In Zhongwei offers sandboarding thrills, camel treks, and serene stargazing beneath the Tengger Desert’s pristine skies. You’ll marvel at the Yellow River’s beauty near the 108 Stupas and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist devotion. Back in Yinchuan, visit award-winning wineries, walk among Neolithic ruins, and explore the remains of the Ming Great Wall, all while sampling unforgettable local dishes. Cap off your tour at Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio and the tranquil Sandlake wetland, celebrating your farewell with a luxurious buffet featuring Ningxia specialties. This journey offers the best of Ningxia’s culture, landscape, and hospitality — perfect for travelers seeking a rich, multi-layered exploration of China’s northwest.
you will enjoy a seamless meet-and-greet service with a comfortable airport transfer to your hotel. Your day begins at the South Gate Tower of Yinchuan, a historic landmark that once formed part of the city’s ancient fortifications, providing excellent photo opportunities and a brief introduction to the region’s culture. Continue to the Chengtian Pagoda, an impressive brick structure built during the Western Xia Dynasty, which stands as a testament to Ningxia’s deep Buddhist heritage. Later, unwind at Lanshan Park, a scenic green space nestled against the Helan Mountains, where you can enjoy panoramic city views and a relaxing stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens. To complement your cultural experience, sample some of Ningxia’s most iconic flavors: a warming lamb hotpot and rich braised lamb bones in sauce, dishes that reflect the hearty, bold culinary traditions of this northwestern region.
Airport transfer to hotel,
South Gate Tower of Yinchuan (photo opportunity)
Chengtian Pagoda
Lanshan Park
During your stay at the Hampton by Hilton Alxa Zuoqi, you’ll enjoy breakfast provided by the hotel, with lunch and dinner arranged locally. Today’s adventure includes the Five Lakes Crossing, where you’ll travel by off-road vehicle through Ulaan Lake, Camel Lake, Guita Lake, and two lesser-known lakes, offering exceptional opportunities for photography and immersive nature experiences. Next, explore the historic Dingyuan Fort, an ancient military structure that once defended China’s northwestern frontier. Continue to Temple Yanfu, a peaceful Buddhist site influenced by Tibetan culture, known for its serene and spiritual atmosphere. Finally, visit the impressive Western Xia Mausoleum, the burial complex of the Western Xia kings, showcasing fascinating ancient architecture and historical relics. For meals, savor authentic Mongolian-inspired flavors such as spicy chicken with potatoes and peppers, whole roasted lamb, comforting Mongolian milk tea, and delicate steamed lamb dumplings (shaomai).
Five Lakes Crossing (Ulaan Lake, Camel Lake, Guita Lake, and two other lakes)
Dingyuan Fort
Temple Yanfu
Western Xia Mausoleum
You will stay at the Shizuishan Haihua International Hotel, where breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner will be arranged locally. Today’s highlights begin with Guangzong Temple, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the surrounding hills, celebrated for its vibrant murals and serene, sacred atmosphere. Continue on to Gender Mountain & the Genghis Khan Statue, a striking cultural site that honors Mongolian heritage with a monumental statue of Genghis Khan set dramatically against the rugged terrain. For meals, continue to enjoy hearty Mongolian-style dishes similar to the previous day, deepening your immersion in this flavorful regional cuisine.
Guangzong Temple
Gender Mountain & Genghis Khan Statue
You will stay at the Zhongwei Desert Sail Hotel, with breakfast provided by the hotel and lunch and dinner arranged locally. Today’s activities include a visit to the Yellow River Canyon and the 108 Stupas, where ancient Buddhist stupas stand gracefully along the river, creating a breathtaking combination of religious devotion and natural riverfront scenery — truly a highlight of Ningxia. As night falls, enjoy stargazing in the desert, taking advantage of the clear, dark skies free from light pollution for an unforgettable astronomical experience. For meals, savor authentic regional dishes such as Yellow River carp, cold tossed desert scallion, braised Xiaochi, dumplings in noodle soup, and distinctive mugwort noodles, capturing the unique flavors of Ningxia.
Yellow River Canyon
108 Stupas
stargazing in the desert
You will stay at the Zhongwei Kaihui Boer Hotel, with breakfast included, and lunch and dinner arranged locally. Today’s adventures feature the Shapotou Touristic Area, where towering sand dunes meet the flowing Yellow River, offering options for thrilling sandboarding and scenic exploration. Continue with a camel ride through the Tengger Desert, immersing yourself in the timeless Silk Road atmosphere while crossing the sweeping dunes. Later, visit the Gao Temple, a lesser-known yet beautifully preserved religious site that embodies Zhongwei’s deep cultural heritage. Culinary experiences will continue to showcase the best of desert town cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and Yellow River specialties.
Shapotou Touristic Area
Tengger Desert camel riding
Gao Temple
You will stay at the Yinchuan Kempinski Hotel, with breakfast included, and lunch and dinner arranged locally. Today’s highlights begin with a visit to Longyu Estate, a premier winery known for its award-winning Ningxia wines, where you can opt for a guided tasting experience. Continue to the Shuidonggou Archaeological Site, one of China’s earliest Neolithic excavation sites, combined with a walk along the nearby remnants of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall — a remarkable blend of prehistory and imperial defense. In the evening, explore Huaiyuan Night Market, a lively place to try street food, shop for souvenirs, and soak up local culture. For meals, savor authentic regional flavors such as scalded dough fried pastry, clear-braised native chicken, and traditional hand-pulled lamb.
Longyu Estate
Shuidonggou Archaeological Site
Ming Great Wall,
You will stay at the Yinchuan Kempinski Hotel, where breakfast is provided, lunch is arranged locally , and a special farewell buffet dinner awaits at the hotel to conclude your journey in style. Today’s activities begin at the Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio, a fascinating open-air museum and active film set where many Chinese “westerns” and historical dramas have been filmed. Next, visit the Helan Mountain Rock Art, where thousands of ancient petroglyphs etched by nomadic cultures provide a powerful window into Ningxia’s prehistoric past. In the afternoon, explore The Sandlake, a picturesque wetland reserve known for its migratory birds and peaceful scenery, ideal for photography and quiet reflection. To cap off the day, celebrate with a lavish farewell buffet at the Kempinski Hotel, featuring local specialties such as Sand Lake fish head stew, a regional delicacy found only here.
Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio
Helan Mountain Rock Art
The Sandlake
Farewell buffet party
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and prepare for your departure.
Depature Yinchuan
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