Ningxia Shapotou Guide｜Ride a Sheepskin Raft to Watch the Desert Lonely River Sunset!

Mo Gu Yan Zhi and Chang He Luo Ri Yuan are no longer just poetic images✨, the Yellow River estuary at Shapotou, Ningxia turns all of this into reality! Under the sunset, the Yellow River sparkles, sand dunes roll like golden waves🌊, and the sheepskin raft drifts quietly, as if time has flowed back a thousand years～

My first time riding a sheepskin raft on the Yellow River🐑, my heart was definitely racing at 180! Experiencing this ancient mode of transportation now is like traveling back to ancient times—simply magical! Come and get my complete guide!

🌟Recommended itinerary:
07:30 Depart from Yinchuan by car🚗 (about 1.5h)
08:00 Arrive at Shapotou Scenic Area East Gate📍
08:10 Walk to the Yellow River dock
08:30 Experience sheepskin raft drifting (30 minutes of excitement!)
09:00 Take stunning photos of the opposite sand dunes📸
09:30 Take the cable car back (offers a panoramic view of the entire scenic area)

🔥Top 4 must-visit spots:
1️⃣ Yellow River sheepskin raft drifting point (a must-try!)
2️⃣ Shapotou Bridge (super photogenic!)
3️⃣ Sunset viewing platform (incredible at dusk🌇)
4️⃣ Sand dune sliding area (fun and thrilling)

💰Cost guide:
Entrance ticket 80 RMB/person (includes some activities)
Sheepskin raft 60 RMB/person (purchase on site)
Both self-driving and high-speed train options available～

🏡Accommodation tips:
Recommended to stay in Zhongwei city center, where you can also enjoy the night market and local food! Recommended hotel: "Zhongwei Yudu Ritz Hotel," very close to the scenic area～

⚠️Hard-earned tips:
✔️Don’t miss the sunset in the evening! Breathtakingly beautiful!
✔️The sheepskin raft splashes water, wear waterproof shoes!
✔️Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! (important to say three times)
✔️Bring sports shoes for climbing sand dunes🏃‍♀️
✔️Fully charge your devices, every shot is a masterpiece!
✔️Recommend booking online in advance, the on-site queue is very long🤦‍♀️
✔️Wear bright-colored clothes for better photos!
✔️Don’t forget to eat grilled corn at the sand sliding area🌽!!!

📸Photo outfit suggestions:
Red/blue or other bright colors
Sunglasses + scarf for styling🕶️

🕑Best time to visit:
Mid-October (great weather)
Duration: 4-5 hours