Private Day Tour to Shapotou Desert from Yinchuan

Yinchuan , China

Private Day Tour to Shapotou Desert from Yinchuan

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About this experience

Shapotou Desert is very impressive and located 190km from Yinchuan. This private day tour will let you visit the fantastic desert from Yinchuan by private car.
Pickup from your centrally located Yinchuan hotel at 8am. Please note there are very few English-speaking guides in Yinchuan, and sometimes we will arrange Chinese-speaking guide/driver for the tour, and translated by cell phone.

Available options

Private Day Tour to Shapotou Desert from Yinchuan

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Entrance fees

Detailed itinerary

At 8am, you will be picked up from your centrally located Yinchuan hotel, then take 2-hour car ride 190km to the fantastic Shapotou Desert that is located in Zhongwei City.

Shapotou Desert is located just beside the Yellow River in Zhongwei City. Therefore it is a wonderful place to view the river and the desert at one spot. Moreover, the desert is very clean, and can climb up easily to have fun here.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your Zhangye hotel where the tour concludes.

What's not included

Gratuity

Lunch

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Yinchuan

Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and unique natural landscapes. The city is famous for its green spaces, earning it the nickname 'The Green City of China.' Yinchuan is also a gateway to the ancient Silk Road and offers a blend of Chinese and Muslim cultural influences.

Top Attractions

Helan Mountain

Helan Mountain is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the desert and mountain landscapes.

Nature Full day Moderate

Western Xia Imperial Tombs

These ancient tombs are the burial sites of the Western Xia Dynasty and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical Half day Moderate

Zhongshan Park

A large urban park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and recreational facilities.

Park A few hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lanzhou Lamian

Hand-pulled noodles served with a spicy beef or lamb broth.

Noodle dish Contains beef/lamb, can be made halal

Nang Bread

A traditional flatbread cooked in a tandoor, often served with lamb or beef dishes.

Bread Vegetarian option available

Roast Whole Lamb

A whole lamb roasted on a spit, seasoned with local spices.

Main course Contains lamb, halal

Popular Activities

Hiking in Helan Mountain Camel rides in Shapotou Tea house visits Park strolls Visiting historical sites Attending cultural performances Experiencing Hui Muslim culture Exploring desert landscapes

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Yinchuan as the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. The city's parks and historical sites are particularly enjoyable during this period.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: Hui dialects
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

CST (UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Yinchuan is generally safe for travelers, but common sense precautions should be taken to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps for transportation.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Yinchuan Hedong Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Yinchuan Railway Station, Yinchuan East Railway Station

By bus

Yinchuan Long-distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transportation in Yinchuan. It is affordable and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Xingqing District Jinfeng District

Day trips

Shapotou Scenic Area

100 km • Full day

A scenic area featuring the Yellow River, desert landscapes, and unique geological formations.

Mishepu Grassland

120 km • Full day

A picturesque grassland area known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Cultural and Art Festival • September Eid al-Fitr • Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit the local markets for authentic shopping and culinary experiences.
Explore the city's green spaces, such as Zhongshan Park, for a relaxing break from sightseeing.
Try local specialties like Lanzhou Lamian and Nang Bread for an authentic taste of Yinchuan.
Use the Yinchuan Public Transportation app for real-time bus schedules and routes.