Attractions · Zhongwei

Where the Tengger Desert meets the Yellow River, with sand sledding, sheepskin rafts, dune surfing and a Yellow River zipline all here. Tip: Activities are ticketed separately — check the package tickets first; protect against sun and sand. Practical info: located at Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia; ticket ¥100 (activities extra); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: April–October; the desert has a big day-night temperature difference, so take sun protection in summer. It can be combined with the Tengger Desert, the Yellow River Homestay Cluster and Gaomiao Temple in Zhongwei for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans. Combining nearby sights makes a half-day or one-day itinerary more relaxed.

• Address: Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia
• Ticket: ¥100 (activities extra)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

China's fourth-largest desert, with rolling dunes suited to off-roading, camping and stargazing. Highlights include desert off-roading, stargazing camp, sunrise and sunset. Tip: Enter the desert with a licensed camp and do not go deep in alone; carry plenty of water. Practical info: located at Zhongwei, Ningxia; ticket free (desert activities extra); opening hours all day. Best season: April–October; the desert has a big day-night temperature difference, so take sun protection in summer. It can be combined with Shapotou, the Yellow River Homestay Cluster and Gaomiao Temple in Zhongwei for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans. Combining nearby sights makes a half-day or one-day itinerary more relaxed.

• Address: Zhongwei, Ningxia
• Ticket: Free (desert activities extra)
• Opening: Open all day

A cluster of guesthouses converted from an old village beside the Yellow River, where earth walls, orchards and a river bend form a new model for a northwest holiday. Highlights include the Yellow River bend, earth-walled guesthouses, orchards and sunset. Tip: Book accommodation in advance; non-guests can also walk the public areas. Practical info: located at Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia; ticket free (stays extra); opening hours all day. Best season: April–October; the desert has a big day-night temperature difference, so take sun protection in summer. It can be combined with Shapotou, the Tengger Desert and Gaomiao Temple in Zhongwei for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia
• Ticket: Free (stays extra)
• Opening: Open all day

An ancient complex combining Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism, dense with brick carvings and painted sculptures of the underworld — the landmark of Zhongwei's old town. Highlights include the three teachings in one, brick carvings, underworld scenes and the ancient complex. Tip: Photography is forbidden inside the halls; it is on the way on the same day as Shapotou. Practical info: located at Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia; ticket ¥30 (subject to official notices); opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: April–October; the desert has a big day-night temperature difference, so take sun protection in summer. It can be combined with Shapotou, the Tengger Desert and the Yellow River Homestay Cluster in Zhongwei for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia
• Ticket: ¥30 (subject to official notices)
• Opening: 08:00–17:30