Ningxia 9-Day North-to-South Panoramic Self-Drive Loop
Drive from Yinchuan along the Yellow River to Zhongwei, then head south to Guyuan, covering northern, central, and southern Ningxia.
This loop connects the northern plains, the desert Yellow River, and the Liupan Mountain region, making it ideal for self-drivers who want to see all of Ningxia in one go. Stay three nights in Yinchuan, three nights in Zhongwei, and two nights in Guyuan (using the city center as a base for day trips to Liupan Mountain). On the last day, return to Yinchuan via Tongxin. The latter part of the trip involves long drives and mountain roads, so early morning departures are recommended. The Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is skipped to optimize the itinerary.
Huoshizhai closes around the end of October, and the forest fire prevention period in the Liupan Mountain area lasts until the end of March the following year. It is best to complete this trip before late autumn.
Day by day
Day 1 · Pick Up Car and Explore Yinchuan Old Town
Yinchuan（Ningxia Museum、Chengtian Temple Pagoda (West Pagoda)、Yuhuang Pavilion & Drum Tower）
Pick up your car at the airport and drive to the Old Town (approx. 40 mins). Take a taxi or walk in the afternoon as attractions are close to each other.
The Ningxia Museum is closed on Mondays (except on public holidays); this can be swapped with the next day's itinerary.
Stay: Gulou Old Town
Day 2 · Eastern Foot of Helan Mountains
Yinchuan（Xixia Imperial Tombs、Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio、Helan Mountain Rock Art）
Drive north along National Highway 110. The distance from the Western Xia Tombs to the Rock Art is about 40 km. Total driving time is about 2.5 hours.
Stay: Gulou Old Town
Day 3 · North to Shahu Lake and East to Shuidonggou
Yinchuan（Sand Lake (Shahu)、Shuidonggou）
Drive from the Old Town to Shahu Lake (approx. 1 hour). After midday, head to Shuidonggou (approx. 1.5 hours), and return to the city in the evening (approx. 40 mins).
Stay: Gulou Old Town
Day 4 · South Along the Yellow River to Zhongwei
Yinchuan（108 Dagobas of Qingtongxia） → Shapotou（Shikong Grand Buddha Temple、Gao Temple (Gaomiao)）
Drive south on the highway for about 260 km, passing through Qingtongxia and Zhongning. Total driving time is about 3.5 hours.
Stay: Zhongwei City Center
Day 5 · Shapotou and the Tengger Desert
Shapotou（Shapotou、Tengger Desert & Desert Star Hotel）
Drive from the city center to Shapotou (approx. 30 mins). In the afternoon, head to the Tengger Desert area. Both are short drives.
Desert stargazing accommodations need to be booked well in advance during peak season. Bring plenty of drinking water in summer.
Stay: Around Shapotou Scenic Area
Day 6 · Route 66 to Ancient Villages
Shapotou（Beichangtan Ancient Village、Yellow River Suji (Boutique Homestay Cluster)）
Drive from Mengjiawan along the Yellow River Road to Beichantou (approx. 1 hour), and return to the Yellow River Shaji (Lost Villa) area (approx. 1 hour).
The road along the Yellow River has many curves and few service facilities. Fill up your tank before setting off.
Stay: Yellow River Suji
Day 7 · South to Guyuan for Grottoes and Danxia Landforms
Guyuan（Xumishan Grottoes、Huoshizhai National Geopark）
Drive from Zhongwei to Mount Xumi (approx. 190 km, 2.5 hours), then to Huoshizhai (approx. 1 hour), and continue to Guyuan (approx. 1 hour).
It is best to depart early in the morning. Huoshizhai closes in late autumn, so check the opening dates for the current year.
Stay: Guyuan City Proper (Yuanzhou District)
Day 8 · Day Trip to Liupan Mountain Long March Memorial Site
Guyuan（Guyuan Museum、Liupanshan Red Army Long March Memorial、Laolongtan）
Drive from the city center to the Memorial Hall (approx. 50 km), then to Laolongtan (approx. 40 mins). The return journey is about 80 km (approx. 1.2 hours).
The Guyuan Museum is closed on Mondays. Mountain areas can be chilly in the morning and evening, so bring a jacket.
Stay: Guyuan City Proper (Yuanzhou District)
Day 9 · Return to Yinchuan via Tongxin
Tongxin Great Mosque → Yinchuan
Take the highway from Guyuan back to Yinchuan via Tongxin (approx. 340 km). Total driving time is about 4.5 hours, including short stops.
Depart early in the morning and book a late-evening flight, or choose to depart from Guyuan Airport instead.