Shizuishan

Shizuishan combines deserts, lakes, wetlands, and industrial heritage. With relatively few tourists, it is well suited to a relaxed short trip or a family getaway. Here is a suggested 3-day, 2-night itinerary.

• Shahu Ecological Tourism Area: A 5A-rated attraction where sand meets water. You can take a boat through the reed beds, watch migratory birds, and try sand sledding and camel riding.

• Shitanjing Industrial Culture and Film Town: A filming location for *Minning Town* and *Home Coming*. It retains the overall character of a mining and industrial district from the last century, making it a good place to take photos featuring industrial heritage.

• Beiwudang Ecological Tourism Area: Located on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, this area includes an ancient temple and a forest park. From the summit, you can look out over Dawukou. In autumn, the mountain is covered in red foliage. Admission to the scenic area is free, while tickets to Shoufo Temple cost 8 yuan.

• Xinghai Lake Scenic Area: Located in the city center, this national wetland park was created by restoring a subsidence area caused by coal mining. In the evening, the sunset over the lake and the reflections of the Helan Mountains create a beautiful scene.

• Dawukou Coal Preparation Plant Industrial Heritage Park: Converted from an old coal-washing plant, the park preserves large workshops, old equipment, and a locomotive, creating a solemn and understated atmosphere.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: An Ecological and Industrial Tour of the City
  • Morning: Head to Beiwudang Ecological Tourism Area, visit Shoufo Temple, and then hike up the mountain for a view of Dawukou from above.

• Afternoon: First visit Dawukou Coal Preparation Plant Industrial Heritage Park to learn about the remains of the old industrial district. Then head to Xinghai Lake Scenic Area for a walk along the lake.
  • Evening: Have dinner at Hongzhuzi Street Night Market. Try Dawukou cold rice noodles, la huhu, and barbecue while taking in the local nightlife.
• Day 2: Shahu's Scenery and Desert Activities
  • All day: Explore Shahu Ecological Tourism Area. You can choose a package that includes the large boat, taking the boat through the reed beds to Bird Island for birdwatching, then heading to the desert area for sand sledding and camel riding.

• Lunch: Try Shahu fish head at one of the restaurants around the scenic area. The fish soup is fresh and delicious, and the meat is tender.

• Evening: Return to Dawukou District for accommodation, or choose a lakeside homestay around Shahu.
• Day 3: Historic Sites and a Relaxed Departure
  • Morning: Head to Shitanjing Industrial Culture and Film Town. Stroll along the old streets and take in the historic atmosphere left by this small industrial town. Visitors who prefer natural scenery can detour to Dazhengou Emerald Lake to see its turquoise-colored water.

• Afternoon: Visit Shizuishan Museum to learn how the area developed from ancient times into an industrial city. Then buy local specialties such as goji berries in the city before beginning your journey home.

Local Specialties to Try

• Dawukou Cold Rice Noodles: One of Shizuishan's signature local snacks. The noodles are springy and translucent, served with a sour, spicy, savory sauce and homemade chili oil for a light, refreshing flavor.

• Huangquqiao Stir-Fried Lamb: Originating in Huangquqiao Town, Pingluo County, this dish features lamb stir-fried over high heat with glass noodles and chili peppers. Tan sheep is tender and has a relatively mild gamey flavor, resulting in a rich taste.

• Shahu Fish Head: A specialty of the Shahu area. The milky-white broth is rich and mellow, while the tender fish is fresh and fragrant, showcasing the flavors of ingredients from the lake region.

• Shizuishan La Huhu: A common Ningxia snack with a thick, spicy broth. Vegetables and meat are coated in the broth and eaten together. The flavor is quite strong.

• Braised Lamb Offal: Lamb tripe, liver, and other offal are cut into strips and cooked in soup, then served with soaked flatbread, chili oil, and cilantro. It is often eaten locally for breakfast or as a late-night snack.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to Stay:
  • Dawukou District City Center: Chain hotels are concentrated here, with average rates of 150–250 yuan per night. The area is convenient for dining and shopping and suits most visitors.
  • Around Shahu Scenic Area: You can choose a lakeside homestay or resort hotel. This is suitable for visitors planning to explore Shahu in depth or watch the sunrise.

• At the Foot of Beiwudang Mountain: There are many local farm stays, offering a taste of life in the mountains. This option suits visitors who prefer a quiet setting and those traveling by car.
• Transportation:
  • Getting There: You can take a high-speed train to Shizuishan Station, which is relatively close to the city center. The journey from Yinchuan takes about 40 minutes. Driving from Yinchuan takes about 1 hour.
  • Getting Around: Shizuishan currently has no subway. Bus fares are 1–2 yuan, and taxi fares start at 7 yuan. Shahu and Shitanjing are quite far apart, so traveling by car or hiring a vehicle is more convenient.

Travel Tips

• Sun and Wind Protection: Northwestern China has strong ultraviolet rays, and windy, dusty weather is also common. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket.
• Shahu Package Tickets: Package tickets for Shahu are relatively expensive, at around 198 yuan, and include boat rides and desert activities. If you only plan to stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery, a package ticket may not be necessary. Consider buying one if you want to go birdwatching and try the desert activities.
• Bring Supplies: Shitanjing Town and Emerald Lake are partially developed or undeveloped, with few nearby shops. Prepare enough drinking water and snacks in advance.
• Food Considerations: Local cuisine is centered on beef and lamb and tends to be strongly flavored. If you prefer lighter food, communicate with restaurant staff in advance. Be sure to eat vegetables and drink enough water to adapt to the dry climate.
• Safety First: Do not enter the water when visiting Emerald Lake or sites in the wilderness. The lake is deep, and salt layers may cause the ground to collapse. Do not climb old city walls or ancient towers, and watch your footing while walking.