Yinchuan & Shapotou 5-Day Classic First-Time Tour
See the Western Xia Tombs and Helan Mountains in Yinchuan, and take a high-speed train to Zhongwei to stay by the desert, covering Ningxia's must-see spots.
A classic route for first-time visitors to Ningxia. Spend the first two days in Yinchuan visiting museums, the Western Xia Tombs, and the Helan Mountain Rock Art. On the third day, take a high-speed train to Zhongwei and stay near the Shapotou scenic area to enjoy the desert and the Yellow River. Return to Yinchuan on the fourth day, and spend the last half-day exploring Shuidonggou before departing from Hedong Airport. The pace is moderate, skipping Guyuan and Shahu Lake to optimize your time.
The desert is extremely hot at noon in July and August, so try to schedule activities for the morning and evening. Some water activities are suspended in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival in Yinchuan and Museum Visit
Yinchuan（Ningxia Museum、Nanguan Great Mosque）
Take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to the city center (approx. 40 mins). Travel by taxi in the afternoon; attractions are about 15 minutes apart.
The Ningxia Museum is closed on Mondays (except on public holidays). Please dress modestly when visiting mosques.
Stay: Jinfeng District · Ningxia Museum
Day 2 · Western Xia Tombs and the Foot of Helan Mountains
Yinchuan（Xixia Imperial Tombs、Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio、Helan Mountain Rock Art）
Charter a car or drive yourself. It takes about 40 minutes from the city center to the Western Xia Tombs, then head north along the foot of the mountains. Total driving time is about 2.5 hours.
Information on the closing days of the Western Xia Tombs varies across sources; confirm with the scenic area before setting off.
Stay: Jinfeng District · Ningxia Museum
Day 3 · High-Speed Train to Zhongwei for Desert and Yellow River
Take a bullet train from Yinchuan Railway Station to Zhongwei South (approx. 1.3 hours), then take a taxi to Shapotou (approx. 40 mins).
The scenic area is divided into the Desert Zone and the Yellow River Zone. With many activities available, it is recommended to arrive in the morning and avoid the midday heat.
Stay: Around Shapotou Scenic Area
Day 4 · Tengger Desert and Return to Yinchuan
Shapotou（Tengger Jinshahai Desert Resort、Gao Temple (Gaomiao)） → Yinchuan
Take a taxi or charter a car to Jinshahai in the morning. In the afternoon, head to Zhongwei South via Gaomiao Temple, and take a bullet train back to Yinchuan (approx. 1.3 hours).
Stay: Jinfeng District · Ningxia Museum
Day 5 · Shuidonggou and Departure
Charter a car from the city center to Shuidonggou (approx. 1 hour). After the tour, head to Hedong Airport (approx. 30 mins).
The Shuidonggou tour takes about half a day, so it is best to book a flight departing after late afternoon.