3 Days in Zhongwei: What to Do and See in Zhongwei

Day 1

Shapotou

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-10/31,8:30am-6:00pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,9:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: Shapotou, Zhongwei, Ningxia, China

Shapotou lies 20 kilometers to the west of Zhongwei City, where the waters of the Yellow River slice through the endless expanse of the Tengger Desert. The contrast of the vast Tengger Desert with the ever-flowing Yellow River is an extraordinary sight. Here, you can visit a naturally occurring “sand slide” and slide down a 100-meter-high sand dune. Alternatively, you can float on the Yellow River on an ancient form of transportation: a goatskin boat! If you’re brave enough, cross the river on the zip-line connecting the two banks and experience the thrill of soaring through the open air over the roiling Yellow River. Of course, no trip to the desert is complete without a camel ride.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Shapotou has a lot to offer, zip line over the yellow river in the 300 m zip line (90kg weight limit), bungee jumping, sled rides down a 150 foot sand dune, floating down the yellow river on rafts made of inflated animal hides, small natural history Museum that includes details on how the Chinese were able to build a railroad through the sand dunes in the 1950s.

Day 1 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Shapotou? Dale Zhiye Hostel is one of your top choices.

Dale Zhiye Hostel

Opened in 2019, the Dale Zhiye Hostel offers travelers a pleasant stay in Zhongwei, whether for business or leisure purposes.

Zhongwei Xiangshan Airport is located approximately 27km away and Zhongwei Railway Station around 33km away. This hotel is located near many of Zhongwei's attractions including Shuangshi Mountain, 中衞natrail跡外露營地 and Ningxia Jiulongwan Sceneic Area.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Zhongwei hotel features parking on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. For guests traveling with groups of friends, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Day 2 | Morning

3D Glass Bridge on the Yellow River

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: South Area of Shapotou Scenic Area, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City

3D Glass Bridge is built across the Yellow River. It is formed by a number of transparent glass and 3D paintings, creating a unique tourist spot. Walking on the glass bridge, tourists experience the thrill of 3D paintings and the glass bridge, enjoying the beautiful landscape of the flowing Yellow River under their feet.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Jinsha Island.

Jinsha Island

Opening Hours: Open from 03/01-11/30,8:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 12/1-2/28

Ticket Price: 10 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Shapotou District, Zhongwei City

Jinsha Island Scenic Area is not far from Tengger Desert Wetland. As an oasis in the desert, Jinsha Island has lush trees and vegetation. Every spring and autumn, many rare migratory birds stop here. The scenic area is divided into the wetland sightseeing area, ecology sightseeing area and special catering area, in addition to five other areas. It is ideal for enjoying the beauty of flowers.

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Jinsha Island, Zhongwei Yiteng Wisdom Homestay nearby is the best place to stay.

Zhongwei Yiteng Wisdom Homestay

Day 3 | Morning

Yellow River Palace

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: 1 km west of the Yellow River Bridge in Shapotou District, Zhongwei City

Yellow River Palace is located in Zhongwei's "Great River Dance" cultural theme park. The concept of the comprehensive exhibition hall is to exhibit the formation of the Yellow River, its advancement of human civilization, offer a scientific education of the Yellow River, and promote the ecological protection and appreciation of its minerals and rocks. It has a unique underground design with a blue water exterior that attracts many tourists.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Damofengqing Sceneic Area nearby is the top choice before you leave Yellow River Palace and hit the road.

Damofengqing Sceneic Area

Ticket Price: 65 RMB

Location: Intersection of Yingyan Road and Xiaohu Road, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City

The desert scenery scenic spot is mainly based on the mysterious Silk Road cultural customs and desert ecological tourism. Here, you can experience the magical "desert charm, Silk Road soul, and ecological show" of the golden sand sea. The main attractions are Desert View Tower, Silk Road Long Street, Wild Zone, Star Tent Hotel, Water World, Desert Sunbathing Beach, Expansion Base, Military Camp, Silk Road Camel Team and other facilities! The unique gate of the scenic spot, the exotic desert view sea building, the unique style bar, the exciting military camp, and the thrilling desert car sports show the unique charm of the desert everywhere.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.