Heading to the Great Northwest, Encountering the Dreamy Desert and Yellow River in Zhongwei, Ningxia

🏰 After a long time, I decided to document my unforgettable trip to Ningxia.
The vast, boundless desert and the mighty, surging Yellow River🚧
Here, 🗼 all my fantasies of wild luxury and romance were fulfilled 🛖

📍 Location: Zhongwei, Ningxia

🚗 Transportation Guide:
You can first fly to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport, then transfer to a high-speed train or bus to Zhongwei—there are many departures, making it very convenient. For local travel, taxis are affordable, and you can even charter a car to desert attractions, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Most drivers are warm and hospitable, doubling as guides to introduce local customs and culture.

🌄 Must-Visit Attractions:
🗼 Shapotou: Here, the desert and the Yellow River "embrace," presenting the majestic scene described by Wang Wei: "Lone smoke rises straight in the vast desert, the long river sets with the round sun." Sand sliding is thrilling—racing down a 100-meter sand dune with the wind roaring in your ears. Camel rides across the dunes feel like traveling back to the ancient Silk Road. At dusk, the golden dunes turn orange-red under the sunset, creating a perfect backdrop for stunning photos—every frame is a masterpiece.
🗿 Tengger Desert: Camping deep in the desert 🏕️ is an excellent escape from urban noise. At night, lie in your tent and count the stars through the skylight—the Milky Way seems within reach. By day, enjoy sandboarding, dune surfing, hiking, and stumbling upon desert oases where clear springs and lush greenery thrive, completely shattering the stereotype of deserts as barren wastelands.
🗽 Route 66: A road to "freedom," stretching straight into the distance with endless Gobi on both sides. Standing in the middle of the road for photos instantly captures the vibe of the American Wild West. Paired with blue skies, white clouds, and a rugged backdrop, the fashion quotient is maxed out—remember to dress cool!

⚠️ Important Notes:
📶 Signal & Road Conditions: Some sections of the road have no signal (China Unicom and Telecom are weaker, while China Mobile is more stable). The road is narrow and bumpy, so drive carefully.
☁️ Weather: Avoid rainy or snowy days, as sandstorms may reduce visibility.
👙 Outfits: Opt for denim, workwear, or bright-colored maxi dresses, paired with sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to fully embrace the Wild West aesthetic!

Post by Elijah Kingsley | Jun 5, 2025