Soul of the Yellow River · Canyon Melody: Encounter the Millennium Legend of "South Dujiangyan, North Qingtongxia" in Qingtongxia

As the sunset melts into gold, an elderly man with white hair stands quietly atop the 108 Pagodas. Below his feet, the Yellow River flows like liquid bronze, carving the ten-mile-long gorge into the lifeblood of the land; in the distance, the Helan Mountains stand silent like an ancient poem. Suddenly, tears well up in his eyes: "This is the soul of China!"

This is the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon—the last gorge of the upper Yellow River, embraced tenderly by the river and known as the "Pearl of the Northern Frontier." When the Yellow River rushes out of the Heishan Gorge and suddenly narrows on the Ningxia Plain, nature’s masterstroke creates this wonder known as the "Little Three Gorges of the Yellow River." The cliffs are as if carved by knives and axes, narrowing to just over 50 meters at the tightest point. Here, the Yellow River roars and rushes, perfectly blending the grandeur of the North with the gentleness of the South.

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Five Wonders: An Epic Carved on the Yellow River
**108 Pagodas · Western Xia Code**
Built during the Western Xia dynasty, this cluster of Buddhist pagodas is arranged along the mountain in a mysterious isosceles triangle. The 108 white pagodas reflect in the Yellow River like 108 stars fallen to earth. From the top, the Yellow River winds like a golden ribbon around the mountains, an eternal classic in photographers’ lenses.

**Qingtongxia Water Conservancy Hub · Monument to Human Wisdom**
As a key project of the First Five-Year Plan of New China, this riverbed sluice-type hydropower station pioneered the development of Yellow River hydropower. Strolling along the viewing skybridge, watch the steel giant dam tame the surging Yellow River—a breathtaking dialogue between human wisdom and the power of nature.

**Dayu Cultural Park · Epic Theater of Water Control**
Six live performances daily of "Dayu Controls the Waters · Legend of China" (11:00-16:00) reenact the legend of "Axe Splitting Qingtongxia" through grand dance. The 15-meter-tall statue of Dayu faces the Yellow River, his flowing robes conveying the spirit of millennia of water management.

**Ten-Mile Long Gorge · Flowing Landscape Gallery**
Sail through the gorge as if entering a giant ink painting scroll. Crocodile Rock opens its huge mouth, the Shrimp Wall seems ready to leap out, and the "Heavenly Book Pavilion" cliff’s inscriptions await wise deciphering. We recommend the **B-Line Boat Tour Package** (185 RMB/person) for a 3-hour deep exploration of the gorge’s essence.

**Yellow River Rafting · Heart-Pounding Moments**
The most thrilling summer experience is the **Yellow River Rafting Package** (258 RMB/person). Ride the sheepskin raft over the roaring waves, and feel the heroic spirit of "Riders standing at the wave crest" while listening to the boatman’s folk songs.

Smart Budget Travel in Qingtongxia
**Affordable Ticket System**
- **Explore A-Line** (108 Pagodas + Water Conservancy Hub): Adults 115 RMB; Students 100 RMB; Seniors 60+ 80 RMB
- **Boat Tour B-Line** (adds Ten-Mile Long Gorge boat ride): Adults 185 RMB; Students 170 RMB; Seniors 150 RMB
- **Special Discounts**: Children under 1.3 meters, active military personnel, disabled persons, and licensed tour guides enter free

**Budget VS Premium Options**
- **Economical Choice** (150 RMB per person): A-Line ticket + public transport (20 RMB) + simple local meal (30 RMB)
- **Comfort Experience** (400 RMB per person): B-Line ticket + speedboat upgrade (240 RMB) + Qingtongxia Hotel (starting at 300 RMB) + Yellow River Carp Feast

**Dragon Boat Festival Surprise**: From May 31 to June 2, 2025, group of three B-Line tickets only 438 RMB (original price 570 RMB), with free overnight camping at the Yellow River campsite!

Taste of Qingtongxia
As the sunset dyes the river red, enticing aromas waft from riverside restaurants:
- **Sauce-flavored Yellow River Carp**: freshly caught live fish braised in sauce, tender enough to melt on the tongue
- **Alian Lamb Offal**: simmered in secret bone broth, served with crispy bread slices for an authentic taste
- **Lijuan Spicy Hotpot**: Ningxia chili peppers and Hanyuan Sichuan peppercorns spark in beef bone broth
Near Dayu Cultural Park, the "Yellow River Market" gathers intangible cultural heritage snacks like handmade glutinous rice cakes and wormwood noodles, with an average cost of 30 RMB to eat until you can barely stand.

Seasonal Variations of the Canyon
**Spring (March-May)**
Mountain flowers bloom like clouds and rosy clouds on both banks. Boat rides reveal egrets dipping on the thawing river surface. Temperatures of 15-25°C are perfect for hiking; bring a windbreaker.

**Summer (June-August)**
Shade shelters from 35°C heat, and the cool splash of rafting is unmatched. Overnight camping at the Yellow River campsite offers a starry sky filled with the Milky Way.

**Autumn (September-November)**
The canyon is ablaze with autumn colors, and the poplar forest beneath the 108 Pagodas shines golden. Cycling along the river, the air is sweet with the scent of jujube.

**Winter (December-February)**
Snow covers the Danxia landforms like an ink painting, and ice waterfalls hang from cliffs like crystal curtains. Off-season ticket discounts abound, but wear anti-slip crampons.

Practical Tips
**Transportation**
- High-speed rail: Yinchuan → Qingtongxia Station (0.5 hours, 20 RMB), then transfer to tourist shuttle (40 minutes, 10 RMB)
- Self-drive: Navigate to "Scenic Area Parking Lot," 1.5 hours from Yinchuan, parking 10 RMB/day

**Accommodation**
- Canyon Inn (300 RMB): river view from the window, family rooms with Western Xia-themed toys
- Yellow River Family Homestay (250 RMB): warm kang bed, hosts tell authentic water control legends

**Special Reminders**
- The scenic area involves a lot of walking; elderly visitors are advised to rent electric carts (included in ticket packages)
- Rafting is restricted to children over 1.4 meters tall
- Bring sunscreen in summer and warm gloves in winter

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At dusk, the Yellow River Iron Bridge glows golden, the steel frame of Ningxia’s first river-crossing iron bridge humming softly in the evening breeze. The aroma of Alian lamb offal drifts from afar, mingling with the rustling of prayer ribbons tied to the 108 Pagodas by visitors. When the last ray of light brushes the Helan mountain ridge, you will understand why the Western Xia chose this place to build their pagodas—**here the Yellow River is not just a landscape, but a flowing epic, every ripple inscribed with the word "China."**

> The Yellow River’s course unchanged for a thousand years,
> Qingtongxia opens its heart—
> 108 steps lead to history,
> Rafting beneath bursts with present joy.
> The code of the Northern Jiangnan,
> Hidden in the fresh fragrance of a carp.