Ningxia | Yinchuan & Zhongwei 7-Day 6-Night Detailed Guide

A 7-day 6-night family trip to Yinchuan and Zhongwei that exceeded expectations! Bookmark this👇

Day 1: Shanghai - Yinchuan
After landing at Hedong Airport, stay at a nearby hotel 🛏️

Day 2: Shuidonggou
Close to the airport! Not just the birthplace of Paleolithic humans but also a grand showcase of Ming Dynasty military defense architecture! Experienced various transports 🚗 and watched the spectacular "Northern Frontier Epic" performance! Affordable dining options available in the scenic area - just bring some snacks. Kids had a blast! Stayed near the airport~

Day 3: Hedong Airport HSR - Zhongwei, Drum Tower - Gao Temple - Golden Sand Sea Scenic Area
Rented a car upon arrival! Visited Zhongwei landmark Drum Tower 🗼 and explored Gao Temple 🏯, a unique ancient complex blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism from the Ming Yongle era - the brick archway is remarkable! Overnight at Golden Sand Sea Train Theme Hotel 🚂! Enjoyed free family activities like stargazing and desert treasure hunting 🌟

Day 4: Route 66 - Beichangtan - Zhongwei Museum - Xiangyang Street Night Market
Along Route 66, witnessed the roaring Yellow River 🏞️ and continuous mountain ranges! Beichangtan is an incredibly rustic riverside village with picturesque layered houses. Explored Zhongwei Museum to learn local history before feasting at Xiangyang Street Night Market! Stayed downtown~

Day 5: Shapotou Scenic Area, Zhongwei - Yinchuan
299 yuan combo ticket! Entered through Yellow River zone, experiencing desert escalator, Wangwei Viewing Platform, camel riding 🐫, and dune bashing 🏎️! Though sand sliding was too crowded, the sheepskin raft and glass bridge were equally fun! Free luggage lockers available at Yellow River zone entrance!

Day 6: Western Xia Mausoleums - Yinchuan Citywalk
Morning at Western Xia Mausoleums - the earthen tombs beneath Helan Mountain were awe-inspiring! Prepped kids with "Secrets of Western Xia Mausoleums" documentary 🎬 to spark interest!
Afternoon rest at hotel (kid felt unwell) while dad did Citywalk 🚶: Jade Emperor Pavilion - Drum Tower - Xinhua Grand Mosque - South Gate - Chengtian Temple Pagoda, covering Yinchuan's highlights in 2 hours!

Day 7: Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio - Ningxia Museum, Yinchuan - Shanghai
Originally planned for Helan Mountain Rock Art but rain closed roads 😂, switched to Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio! Afternoon at Ningxia Museum - kids were fully engaged with DIY study guides! Evening return to Shanghai~

⚠️ Travel Tips
✔️ July-August Ningxia has strong sun, dry air, and big temperature swings! Bring spring/autumn jackets - sunscreen clothes get chilly when raining~
✔️ Check scenic area closures due to rain on official accounts to avoid wasted trips!
✔️ Recommend renting/chartering cars 🚙 for Route 66 and Beichangtan in Zhongwei - ride-hailing works elsewhere!