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:

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### **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.

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### **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).

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### **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.

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### **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.

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### **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).

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### **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.