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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Otog Banner [2025]
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Whistling Dune Bay
4.3
/5
4782 reviews
8.2
From OMR 6.490
Based on 81 reviews
Xiangshawan | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008785550
Address: Dalad, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Breathtaking desert views & panorama
Camel rides in the desert
Saved by 321 users3069 positive reviews
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Today, Ordos is increasingly green, and it's rare to find such a small patch of desert left for tourists to experience. There are plenty of recreational activities, and the service is generally good. My summer trip was long ago, but the dark clouds and lightning over the desert during the thunderstorms remain vividly in my memory.
A day at Xiangshawan was like stepping onto a joyful alien planet!
The fun can be summed up in two words: pure and simple! Walking barefoot into the soft, warm sand was incredibly satisfying. Riding in a giant cable car deep into the desert, your heart and mind expanded along with the expansive view.
The most exhilarating ride was the dune buggy – like a roller coaster, plunging and drifting between dunes, everyone screaming and laughing. Riding camels in a line, listening to the tinkling camel bells, slowly swaying across the boundless sea of sand, felt like stepping onto the Silk Road.
For the adventurous, sandboarding is a must. Swooping down dunes dozens of meters high, the wind whipping past your ears – so thrilling! When you're tired, lie on the sand and watch the clouds; the world is just blue and yellow, so pure it makes you want to sing.
This place isn't just scenery; it's a giant playground. All your worries are blown away by the wind, leaving only a wild and carefree heart!
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China West Film Studio
4.5
/5
18498 reviews
7.8
From OMR 4.110
Based on 86 reviews
Manpu·Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town/Zhenbeipu Western Movie City Resort | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609512136088
Address: East of 110 National Road, zhenbeibao, Xixia District, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Role-play & film a micro-movie
Dress up & be a star
10169 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Coming here for the film "A Chinese Odyssey," most of us in our youth began here with the concept of "10,000 years." Even stories that couldn't be realized in the movies still hold aspirations for most. Wearing the golden hoop or breaking free are merely choices, not about right or wrong. Just like in "The Herdsman" and "Red Sorghum," even if it's as bright and passionate as the northern frontier, there's no perfect solution.
Tips: Didi taxis from the city are reasonably priced. Before the millennium, this place was a hotbed for major film and television dramas, but now, with urban contemporary dramas, fantasy heroes, and idol dramas becoming mainstream, it's become much less popular. The aunt selling cowboy hats at the entrance charges ten yuan a pop, no more. If you're interested in Zixia's makeup, be sure to bargain for less than 50 yuan; after all, once you're inside, you'll be surrounded by Zixia. For Helan Mountain stone carvings, bargain for a discount of 50% or less. Hand-carved items are a bit more expensive depending on the craftsmanship, but many are machine-carved. While the stone itself is unique, it's not valuable. There aren't many interactive entertainment options in the film and television city, with some horseback riding and camel riding available. The main attraction is the shops, but the child-friendly area is quite nice. You don't need to arrive too early, as the sunset over Helan Mountain is also worth seeing here, in addition to Lanshan Park.
Highly recommended (◔_◔)
I didn't expect these classic film and television scenes to be so small in real life. It was quite touching. The weather was perfect, perfect for a family outing. The kids enjoyed playing and taking photos, while the elderly enjoyed the old Yinchuan street, which has a sense of history. There are a few snacks, so it's a great place to spend most of the day taking photos and strolling. Then, in the evening, we'll explore Puman Town.
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The Western Xia Mausoleum
4.5
/5
7164 reviews
7.6
From OMR 3.680
Based on 127 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609515668966
Address: Helan Mountain, Xixia District, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 4–6 hours
Highlights:
Explore Xixia Royal Tombs
Over 200 towering earthen mounds
4029 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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We couldn't get a guide at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Museum, so there were many things we couldn't understand. We could only see things inside the park. The horse-drawn carriage at Tomb No. 4 was the most interesting part, and it was a good place to bring children.
We couldn't get a guide at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Museum, so there were many things we couldn't understand. We could only see things inside the park. The horse-drawn carriage at Tomb No. 4 was the most interesting part, and it was a good place to bring children.
No.
4
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Helan Mountain Rock Painting
4.5
/5
5201 reviews
7.4
From OMR 3.520
Based on 55 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609513948808
Address: Helan County, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
360° view & rock art
Helan Mountain forest & rock art
2623 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Unlike the picturesque mountains of the south, the Helan Mountains exude a sense of imposing grandeur, like a towering, muscular figure. Beyond the natural beauty, the three-thousand-year-old rock paintings add even greater significance to the area, transcending mere natural beauty. After the visit, it's a convenient walk to the Rock Painting Village for lunch, where the décor is also captivating.
It felt quite good. For the elderly, there was no difficulty except for the high steps at the entrance. There are sightseeing buses available to replace walking. The rock paintings are well-made, but you still need an interpreter to see and understand them.
No.
5
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The Wave Valley Scenic Area
4.6
/5
1637 reviews
7.4
From OMR 4.720
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609124830101
Address: Longzhou Township, Jingbian County, Yulin City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Wave-like red sandstone canyon
340-meter 3D bridge spans Wave Valley
Saved by 391 users1266 positive reviews
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Most of my trip to Shaanxi was spent in overcast and rainy weather. After checking the weather forecast, I was fortunate to find a sunny day, so I adjusted my itinerary to visit Wave Valley. The scenery at Wave Valley was beautiful, and the leisurely pace of exploring the large loop was very enjoyable. Booking tickets through Ctrip was convenient, and I will definitely use it again next time.
Wave Valley - The rocks in the valley are a hue of red and brown. Slanting sunlight creates a play of light and dark, accentuating the wavy patterns. The rock is hard, yet the texture is soft, creating a truly spectacular balance of strength and softness. Visitors find it difficult to walk on it, fearing to detract from its natural beauty, so they often tread carefully, as if treading on thin ice.
No.
6
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Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction
4.6
/5
7695 reviews
7.3
From OMR 3.250
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609515055816
Address: Shuidonggou Scenic Area, Linhe Town, Lingwu City, Yinchuan City (19 km from Yinchuan City and 11 km from Yinchuan Hedong Airport)
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
4757 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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A great place to see authentic archaeology. The Soldier Cave is highly recommended. Unfortunately, I missed the show due to lack of time. The camel ride was affordable. The so-called special transportation options, aside from the tractor, were just average. The museum and the Soldier Cave offer free guided tours, which was highly recommended.
This attraction exceeded my expectations. I took various means of transportation (camel cart, horse carriage, electric car, sightseeing car), watched a particularly wonderful performance, and there was a small shop next to the performance where I could eat at affordable prices. It was my first time to visit the Tibetan Soldiers Cave. The children especially liked it and it was very meaningful.
No.
7
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Ordos Prairie
4.5
/5
933 reviews
7.2
From OMR 5.300
Based on 6 reviews
97.1 km from downtown
Phone +86047715547726767
Address: 9 km southwest of Xini Town, Hangjin Banner, Ordos
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Saved by 113 users572 positive reviews
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The grasslands are so beautiful, I didn't want to leave once I arrived. The attractions are so plentiful! The performances were also wonderful. The "Hero" show was especially impressive, and the equestrian performances were amazing. The actors were very dedicated! I highly recommend coming back! The "Wedding" show was very festive and I loved it!
Very beautiful grassland, many projects are well organized, the children had a lot of fun, equestrian performances, flying grassland, the actors are dedicated and have superb acting skills, very exciting, the accommodation in the grassland is clean, the yurt is large and well-equipped, and the service attitude is also very good
No.
8
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Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
4.5
/5
2142 reviews
7.0
From OMR 1.630
Based on 12 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609512079103
Address: Xixia District,Yinchuan City,Ningxia Zhuang Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Cable car: Helan night & sunrise
Hike trails & explore rock art
1643 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The Helan Mountains are majestic and precipitous, stretching as far as the eye can see, like a protective barrier guarding the Northwest. Lush forests, rugged rocks, and deep ravines create a breathtaking landscape. From the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yellow River Plain, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Beyond its unique natural scenery, the region also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an important landmark on the Silk Road and well worth a visit.
A worthwhile tourist destination in Northwest China! The Helan Mountains, the father mountains of Northwest China, protect this land and water, Ningxia, like a protective barrier! The mountain range is majestic and unique!
No.
9
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Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon
4.8
/5
5016 reviews
6.9
From OMR 6.220
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864009960953
Address: Qingtongxia Town, Qingtongxia City, Wuzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Stunning cliffs & unique landscapes
Thrilling rafting in Yellow River
4611 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Qingtongxia, located in Ningxia, is one of the important canyons on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, boasting magnificent scenery and abundant water resources. The Qingtongxia Reservoir, with its shimmering blue waters and rugged mountains on both sides, combines natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage. It features ancient water conservancy facilities and unique Yellow River culture, making it ideal for sightseeing, photography, and learning about the geography and history of Northwest China. With convenient transportation and well-developed surrounding facilities, it is a key tourist attraction in Ningxia.
The experience of visiting the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is very good. During the National Day holiday, you need to queue up for the sightseeing bus to the dam, but it takes time. The arrangement of taking a boat to the 108 Towers opposite is very reasonable, and you can also climb the 108 Towers.
No.
10
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Sand Lake
4.5
/5
6826 reviews
6.9
From OMR 10.170
Based on 106 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864001800952
Address: 宁夏回族自治区石嘴山市平罗县姚沙公路
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
Water town & desert scenery
Exotic sand sculptures festival
2941 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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I specifically visited this place because of the opening credits of "A Chinese Odyssey." Seeing Zixia boating among the reeds, accompanied by a melodious tune, brought back memories of thirty years ago.
It takes about an hour to drive here from Yinchuan. The price is a bit expensive; the entrance fee plus transportation costs nearly 200 yuan per person.
It feels overdeveloped, with too many unnecessary facilities added for commercial purposes, disrupting the original tranquility and serene natural beauty. The roaring seaplanes and speedboats, and the incredibly long return trip (from the island to the sand dunes to the pier, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk).
If you're short on time, this isn't a must-see attraction in Yinchuan.
The Shahu Scenic Area is suitable for taking children to play for a whole day. There are cute pet areas, swan and reed areas, and desert areas. You can also take a sightseeing bus and a boat to go there and back. The experience is very good, and there is no particular congestion during the National Day.
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