Shapotou Travel Guide: A Magical World with the Yellow River on the Left and the Desert on the Right

—— Sandboarding, camel riding, and sheepskin raft rides in China's most beautiful desert #📍 Geographic Coordinates ▪️ 🚘 Location 🚅: Zhongwei City, Ningxia (2.5h drive from Yinchuan / 1.5h by high-speed train) ▪️ Honors: ✅ One of China's top ten most fun places ✅ Filming location of "Where Are We Going, Dad?" ✅ Unique world tourism resource (fusion of desert and Yellow River) #📅 Best Travel Seasons - ⛅️ Spring and Autumn (April-June / September-October): Comfortable temperature, less sandstorm - 🌤️ Summer (July-August): Cool mornings and evenings, perfect for desert camping and stargazing - ❄️ Winter (November-March): Fewer crowds, exclusive experience (some activities closed) ⚠️ Caution: Frequent sandstorms in March-April #🚗 Transportation Guide #🗺️ Self-driving Routes - From Yinchuan: Jingzang Expressway → Dingwu Expressway (play along Route 66) - From Xi’an: Fuyin Expressway → Qingyin Expressway (about 6h) 🚃 No-car Options 🚋 - Zhongwei Train Station → Direct shuttle to scenic area (30 minutes / 10 RMB) - Yinchuan Tourist Shuttle (one-way 60 RMB) #🎫 Ticket Information | Area | Ticket Price | Must-try Activities | | Desert Area | 80 RMB | Camel riding, desert off-roading | | Yellow River Area | 40 RMB | Sheepskin raft, sandboarding | | Package Deal | 285 RMB | Includes tickets + 6 classic activities | 💡 Tip: Online package tickets are 30 RMB cheaper than on-site #📸 Five Must-Experience Activities # 1️⃣ Desert Camel Riding - Best time: Early morning / evening (avoid the scorching sun + stunning camel shadows) - 📷 Hidden photo spot: Sand dune curves while the camel caravan moves #2️⃣ Yellow River Zipline Crossing - Thrill level: ★★★★★ (800 meters across the Yellow River) - Weight limit: 40-85kg #3️⃣ Sheepskin Raft Drifting - Intangible cultural heritage experience: Old raft workers sing Ningxia folk songs - Best route: Shapotou → Yellow River Waterwheel (30 minutes) #4️⃣ Desert Starry Sky Camping - Recommended spot: Tengger Desert Study Base - 🌌 Spectacular sight: Milky Way visible to the naked eye in summer #5️⃣ Wang Wei Viewing Platform - Cultural highlight: Real scene of "The desert’s lone smoke rises straight, the long river’s setting sun is round" - Best photo time: ☀️ One hour before sunset #🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury choice: Desert Star Hotel (watch the star river lying in bed) - Unique homestay: Yellow River Hostel (filming location of "Dear Inn") - Budget option: Zhongwei city hotels (100 RMB+/night) #🍜 Taste of Zhongwei ✅ Three must-eats: - Artemisia noodles (intangible cultural heritage handmade noodles) - Stir-fried desert scallions with eggs (unique desert wild vegetable) - Yellow River carp (tender meat without muddy taste) ✅ Snack recommendations: - Selenium-rich watermelon (super sweet desert watermelon) - Mixed snacks (clamp board meatballs are very fragrant) #⚠️ Survival Guide 1. Sand protection essentials: 📱 - Sandproof phone pouch 🥾 - High-top shoe covers (rentable in scenic area) 2. Sun protection gear: - SPF50+ sunscreen - Cooling sleeves + face scarf 3. Safety warnings: - Fasten seat belts during desert off-roading - Do not venture alone into uninhabited areas #📱 Useful Tools - Weather: Lijing Weather (predicts dawn glow / starry sky) - Navigation: Ovi Interactive Map (usable in no-signal desert areas) #✨ Locals say "In Shapotou, you must do three things—— ▪️ Walk barefoot on the cool morning sand ▪️ Drink a bowl of covered tea by the Yellow River ▪️ Wait for a desert sunset to dye the entire mother river red" 🗓️ Recommended itinerary: D1 Desert activities + Yellow River rafting → Overnight at Star Hotel D2 Route 66 + Beichangtan Ancient Village > 🐫 Camel Riding Tips: Wear sunglasses to protect from sand, avoid selfies on the camel’s hump