4.5/5
有理喻的人0I specifically visited this place because of the opening credits of "A Chinese Odyssey." Seeing Zixia boating among the reeds, accompanied by a melodious tune, brought back memories of thirty years ago. It takes about an hour to drive here from Yinchuan. The price is a bit expensive; the entrance fee plus transportation costs nearly 200 yuan per person. It feels overdeveloped, with too many unnecessary facilities added for commercial purposes, disrupting the original tranquility and serene natural beauty. The roaring seaplanes and speedboats, and the incredibly long return trip (from the island to the sand dunes to the pier, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk). If you're short on time, this isn't a must-see attraction in Yinchuan.
4.8/5
云朵上的喵Because of the rain, the booked Shuidonggou Scenic Area was temporarily closed, so we changed it to Qingtongxia Scenic Area. The itinerary was quite good; we took a boat, went rafting on sheepskin rafts, and experienced the 108 Pagodas. Finally, we took a large truck to ferry us out.
4.8/5
153***09The Five Lakes Crossing: Starting and ending at the desert entrance, the route covers Luotuo Lake, Wulan Lake, Danhuang Lake, Hailiuqi Lake, and Jita Lake. The three-hour journey takes us to the edge of Luotuo Lake and Wulan Lake, where we even get to take aerial photos (though I only managed to take them 😂). We didn't get to the other three lakes directly, just observing them from a distance. If you're concerned about this, please be cautious and ask ahead of time. The main purpose of the trip is to experience desert off-roading. The driver was very skilled. The last three photos show the view from a distance.
4.8/5
行摄ingIt's definitely worth it! It's an unforgettable experience! The vast desert is desolate and magnificent. You can have fun in it, drive an off-road vehicle and surf on the sand dunes. The bumps bring excitement, screams and laughter all the way!
4.3/5
漠盐陌语Autumn Arrives at Wuhai Lake The name of this lake carries a hint of the ruggedness of the north. Wuhai, Wuhai, always evokes images of the iron-colored Gobi Desert or deep coalfields. However, when autumn's footsteps touch this land, it gathers back all the clamor and heat of summer, transforming into a serene and voluptuous woman, gently, yet deeply, nestling a vast expanse of azure in the embrace of the plateau. I chose a sunny afternoon and walked alone to the lakeside. The poplar trees along the road were already adorned in mottled robes. Some leaves stubbornly clung to the last vestiges of summer's green, while others had turned completely golden, and still others, impatient, had been tinged with a blush by the autumn frost, like the cheeks of a drunken youth. The wind was cool, like a mint candy, refreshingly brushing against your skin. The leaves rustled softly in the cool breeze, occasionally a few fluttering and swirling as they bid farewell to the branches, their movements devoid of any lingering attachment, instead displaying a serene acceptance born of understanding. They fell to the ground, forming a soft path, rustling underfoot like autumn's most whispered secret. Upon reaching the lake, a sudden burst of light filled the air, and the heart expanded accordingly. The water was an almost unreasonable shade of blue. It was a serene, profound blue, as if the essence of the entire sky had been settled and dissolved within it. Unlike the shallow, alluring waters of southern spring, it possessed a philosophical depth, lying quietly, silent, yet making one feel one's own insignificance. The sunlight, no longer the fiery, glaring light of summer, became a gentle, golden stream, spreading across the wide lake surface, shattering into countless leaping scales. Where the wind passes, the water's surface ripples with incredibly fine, soft waves, and the millions of golden scales shimmer and flicker, like a vast, crumpled piece of blue silk embroidered with tiny golden flowers. In the distance lies the famous Ulan Buh Desert. Now, it lies quietly on the opposite shore of the lake, its fierce energy softened by the autumn light. The lines of the dunes, in the afternoon sun, appear exceptionally gentle, like the docile back of a sleeping giant. The sand is a pale golden yellow, contrasting boldly yet harmoniously with the azure of the lake and the blue of the sky. That water and sand, one soft, one hard; one moist, one dry, can remain so intertwined, guarding each other for millennia, is itself a miracle. On the lakeshore, several clumps of reeds, topped with clusters of white fluff, swayed gently in the wind, their slender, graceful forms like hermits from ancient paintings, exuding a serene and detached air. I walked slowly along the lakeshore and saw several anglers, sitting by the water like statues, their patience seemingly deeper than the lake itself. A mother, with her toddler, tossed pebbles into the shallows; the child's clear laughter, like a string of silver bells, rolled across the water and carried far. Everything slowed down, quieted down. The hustle and bustle of the city, the disturbances of life, seemed to be filtered away by the clear autumn waters and the vast sky, leaving only a transparent, tranquil leisure. Suddenly, Liu Yuxi's lines came to mind: "Since ancient times, autumn has been associated with sorrow and desolation, but I say that autumn days surpass spring mornings." This scene, this feeling, could perhaps not be more fitting for this state of mind. Autumn here lacks the bleakness of "grass and trees withering and decaying," instead offering a full and serene conclusion. It's a gathering, a settling, internalizing the vibrancy and passion of spring and summer into a deep, tranquil power. As the sun dips below the horizon and darkness descends, a different scene unfolds. A magnificent sunset paints the western sky with vibrant hues—orange-red, magenta, and gold—weaving a splendid tapestry, all reflected on the mirror-like surface of Wuhai Lake. At that moment, the world seems to overflow with a cup of rich, fine wine, the air itself brimming with intoxicating light and color. The lake's blue deepens, almost inky, while the desert's silhouette, backlit, becomes a silent, paper-cut-like line. Night finally settles, and I turn to return. The path I came by is now bathed in the thin twilight and the clear moonlight. Looking back at the lake, it has merged with the vast sands and the boundless night into a deep, misty expanse, where only the eternal, gentle lapping of the shore can be heard. Autumn arrives at Wuhai Lake, bringing not a message of decay, but a profound, majestic, and serene beauty. It tells you that while the vibrancy of life is delightful, only in tranquility can one see their truest reflection. This pool of autumn water on the northern plateau is the best vessel for my heart.
4.2/5
Anonymous userThe scenery is quite nice, especially the area near the entrance. It's a bit chilly now that the weather is cold, and the wind is a bit chilly. There are fewer tourists, and the entrance fee and desert attractions are cheaper than Shapotou. Transportation is not very convenient for individual tourists, so you have to take a taxi.
4.9/5Anonymous userShapotou was amazing! Our tour guide, Xiao Zhou, was incredibly attentive and warm! The itinerary was well-planned. He even sang Ningxia's "Hua'er" (a traditional Chinese opera) for us, told jokes and performed clappers, and had us laughing all the way. It made our desert trip incredibly fun. I'll definitely be back next time!
5.0/5
M26***g8It was so cool to experience staying in a tent, riding a camel and some other entertainment activities in the desert. The weather was pretty good these two days. You can enjoy the cool breeze and watch the sunset at night. It was super romantic. The service attitude of the staff was super good. Now it is the off-season, so tents are not expensive, and it is very cost-effective.
4.8/5
M44***96Zhongwei Desert Star Hotel offers a dreamlike desert journey. Location & Environment: Located on the edge of the Tengger Desert, the hotel's unique star-shaped architecture stands out prominently in the desert, like a dazzling star. My sand-view room featured floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace, offering breathtaking views of the desert sunrise and sunset. The toiletries were L'Occitane, of high quality. Dining Experience: The hotel's buffet offered a wide variety of dishes, including Chinese and Western cuisine. The stewed lamb chops were particularly memorable for their tender and juicy flavor. However, some dishes could be improved, and overall, the dining experience could be better. Activities Experience: The hotel offers a wealth of activities, including professional stargazing tours. Far from light pollution in the desert, you can clearly see the Milky Way and countless stars, with professional explanations provided by staff – a truly awe-inspiring experience. There are also family-friendly activities such as desert hiking and handicrafts, perfect for families with children. Service Experience: The staff were warm and friendly, providing attentive service from the initial reception at the scenic area entrance to after check-in. They provide a detailed activity schedule and map upon check-in, and even give you complimentary tickets to the Shapotou Scenic Area; it's a very thoughtful touch. ↓
4.9/5
M43***56This is fun and very safe. The masters of the sheepskin rafts No. 65 and 66 that we took were very nice and sang local folk songs for us. Shapotou, Ningxia is worth visiting.
