Zhongwei

Located in northwest China, Zhongwei experiences large temperature differences between day and night in its desert areas. It is recommended to bring sun protection and a warm jacket when traveling.

Zhongwei combines desert scenery with views of the Yellow River, making it suitable for combining natural attractions, historic villages, and urban cultural sights in one trip.

• Zhongwei Shapotou: A national 5A-rated scenic area where you can see both the Yellow River and the desert. In the Yellow River area, activities include riding a sheepskin raft, sandboarding, and taking a zip line across the Yellow River. In the desert area, you can ride camels and take a desert off-road vehicle.

• Zhongwei 66 Highway: The road runs through the Gobi Desert, with long straight stretches and U-shaped bends along the way, making it ideal for photographing western landscapes. It is recommended to visit after 4 p.m., when the light is relatively softer.

• Beichangtan Ancient Village: Located at the end of 66 Highway, this village was also a filming location for *Minning Town*. Its rammed-earth houses and century-old waterwheel are still visible, and the overall setting is relatively peaceful.

• Zhongwei Gao Temple: Located in the city center, this is an ancient architectural complex that combines Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Its tiered pavilions and distinctive architectural style make it a good place to learn about the architecture and culture of the Ningxia frontier while exploring the city.
• Tengger Desert: In addition to Shapotou, you can venture deeper into the desert for a Five-Lake Crossing, or watch the sunset and the starry sky at night from a camp.

• Yellow River Lodge: Made up of rammed-earth buildings with a Moroccan style, this relatively quiet area is suitable for slowing down, taking a stroll, and photographing the architecture and scenery.

Recommended Itineraries

• Classic 2-day, 1-night trip:
  • Day 1: After arriving in Zhongwei, visit Shapotou in the afternoon. It is recommended to start in the Yellow River area, then take a shuttle bus to the desert area. In the evening, head to Wang Wei Viewing Platform to enjoy the sunset over the Yellow River, then return to the city and visit Xiangyang Street Night Market.
  • Day 2: Drive or hire a car to 66 Highway, then continue to Beichangtan Ancient Village. Return in the afternoon, or visit the Tengger Desert instead to enjoy the starry sky.
• In-depth 3- to 4-day trip:
  • Day 1: Arrive in Zhongwei and check into a desert hotel, then join a desert stargazing activity and bonfire party.
  • Day 2: Spend the day at Shapotou, with activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, and riding a sheepskin raft.
  • Day 3: Visit Zhongwei Gao Temple in the morning, then head to Yellow River Lodge in the afternoon to photograph the architecture and surroundings. Enjoy hand-pulled mutton in the evening.
  • Day 4: Travel into the Tengger Desert for a Five-Lake Crossing. Alternatively, visit Sikouzi Scenic Area to see its canyon and red-rock landforms before returning.

Zhongwei Specialties

Zhongwei cuisine is mainly influenced by northwestern flavors and Tan sheep dishes. Portions are generally generous, and the flavors tend to be rich.

• Zhongwei Hand-Pulled Mutton: Ningxia Tan sheep has tender meat and a relatively mild gamey flavor. Guoqiang Hand-Pulled Mutton and Xiangmanyuan are both good dining options. For a more local experience, try it with sticky meat rice and garlic cloves.

• Zhongwei Haozi Noodles: Made with wormwood powder and wheat flour, these chewy noodles are often served with chicken or mutton soup and are a common local home-style dish.

• Stir-Fried Lamb: Lamb is cooked with sand chives and potatoes in a rich sauce. It is well suited to eating with noodles and is a representative northwestern dish from the area.

• Mall Night Market Snacks: Zhongwei Mall Night Market brings together a variety of local snacks, including stir-fried spicy strips, pickled-vegetable tripe strips, grilled gluten, and la huhu, a spicy and savory local dish. Prices are generally reasonable.

• Yellow River Carp: A specialty ingredient from the banks of the Yellow River, it has tender flesh and little muddy flavor. It is suitable for either steaming or braising.

Choosing Accommodation

Accommodation in Zhongwei is mainly concentrated in three areas: the desert, the city center, and Yellow River Lodge. Choose according to the focus of your itinerary and your budget.

• Desert Star Hotel: Located deep in the desert, it offers expansive views of the sea of sand, along with stargazing activities and family programs. It is suitable for honeymoon trips or travelers who place a high value on the accommodation experience, but prices are high (CNY 3,500+).

• Yiye Starry Sky Hotel: Close to the scenic area and equipped with professional astronomical telescopes for stargazing, it offers relatively good value for money and is suitable for families and couples (CNY 680+).

• Chain Hotels in the City Center: Hotels such as Atour and Mehood Lestie are mostly located near the Drum Tower. There are many dining options nearby, transportation is convenient, and prices are relatively affordable (CNY 200–500).

• Yellow River Lodge Guesthouses: These use Moroccan-style rammed-earth buildings and offer a quiet setting, making them suitable for self-driving trips and relaxed vacations. Prices are moderately high (CNY 1,000–2,000).

Practical Tips

• Sun and Sand Protection: Desert areas have strong ultraviolet rays, so bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a face covering to protect against blowing sand. You can wear old shoes or bring shoe covers to keep sand from getting difficult to clean out.
• Large Temperature Differences: Even in summer, desert nights can become noticeably colder when it is windy, so bring a heavy jacket. In autumn and winter, a down jacket is necessary.
• Moisturize and Stay Hydrated: The climate in northwest China is dry. Consider bringing hydrating face masks and lip balm, and make sure to drink water regularly.
• Confirm Activity Availability: Desert activities such as zip-lining and sheepskin rafting may be suspended due to weather. Check with your hotel or the scenic area before setting out to confirm what will be operating that day.
• Respect Dietary Customs: There are relatively few Hui Muslims in Zhongwei, but when dining at a halal restaurant, you should still follow local dietary customs.