Things to do in Ningxia

Shapotou truly lives up to its 5A rating; the overall experience exceeded expectations and is highly recommended! We enjoyed both the Yellow River and desert areas, with seamless transitions between activities. The sheepskin rafts drifted leisurely on the Yellow River, with boatmen singing Northwest folk songs, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Sandboarding allowed for self-controlled speed, making it safe and stress-relieving. The scenic area is well-managed, with comprehensive facilities. Trash cans, rest areas, and shops are readily available, and the restrooms are clean. The staff are friendly and helpful, always ready to assist. The core attractions can be covered in half a day, making it excellent value for money. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in Zhongwei!

The World Heritage Site is definitely worth visiting. Since it was off-season, there weren't many people and the queues were minimal. However, the return trip was quite late, and the long wait for transportation meant it was difficult to get a taxi back to the city center. The management was somewhat chaotic, and the service was inadequate.

It's quite famous, being a filming location for movies like "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Red Sorghum," and the film sets have a strong sense of Northwest China's rugged landscape, making it a good place for movie fans to take photos. However, the overall experience is just average. The park has many dirt roads, is windy and dusty, and sunny. Aside from taking photos, there's not much to see or do. If you're not particularly attached to the movies, don't have too high expectations.

Parking is convenient at the scenic area, but there are quite a few steps, which isn't very convenient for wheelchair users. To enter the rock art area, you need to pass through the World Rock Art Museum, a very long corridor, and then take a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus service coordinates between attractions quite well, so the wait isn't too long. You need to see the rock art yourself, although there are signs and explanations. Some of the rock art is already blurred and indistinct, so it's best to see it as early as possible.

Helan Mountain National Forest Park primarily offers a close-up view of the Helan Mountains. The mountain has relatively low vegetation cover and is mainly composed of rocks. You need to take a shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, and then choose to take a cable car or hike to the summit (approximately 20-40 minutes). There are many snacks available on the mountain, as well as spectacular high-altitude acrobatic performances. Along the way, you can also spot wild animals such as blue sheep.

The direct shuttle bus between Yinchuan and Shahu Lake is incredibly convenient! Multiple pick-up points in the city, scheduled departures, and a direct route to the scenic area. Clean vehicles, steady driving, pure sightseeing with no shopping stops or hidden costs. Includes boat ticket. Return trip at 4:30 PM during the National Day holiday. Reasonable travel time and affordable price.

Shuidonggou is a place that simultaneously possesses a 40,000-year-old Paleolithic human site and an underground military fortress of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, allowing you to travel from prehistoric times to the Ming Dynasty frontier in one go! However, having seen the Great Wall beyond the Great Wall in Shanxi, this section of the Ming Great Wall is rather ordinary. Just take a look; it's a pity for the horses and camels pulling the carts. Electric carts could easily take you there, but they insist on using horses and camels, purely to charge more money. The hidden military tunnels at the back, however, are quite interesting and unique, with various traps and mechanisms underground—it's the first time I've seen them in person!

The last canyon on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, commonly known as the Lesser Three Gorges of the Yellow River, is a complex scenic area combining natural scenery, Western Xia culture, and modern water conservancy projects. The main attractions are the ten-mile canyon cruise, the 108 Pagodas, and the Qingtongxia Dam.

This place is suitable for those who are willing to participate in activities. Otherwise, you can just watch the shows, eat and drink, which won't be very interesting. You have to participate to have fun. 360 Viewing is good, and Princess Hongcheng is worth watching.

The moment the accelerator was pressed, the speedboat, nicknamed the "Ferrari of the water," shot off like an arrow, slicing through the mirror-like surface. The wind whistled past our ears, and tiny waves gently grazed the hull, leaving smooth white trails. Our vision unfolded along the expansive water, the outline of Lanshan Park gradually becoming clear along the shoreline. The dark green mountains, shrouded in lush vegetation, reflected in the shimmering water, while pavilions nestled among the trees added a touch of tranquility. The entire journey was seamless; the speed of the speedboat cutting through the waves blended perfectly with the breathtaking scenery, every second filled with exhilarating joy. A sea breeze carrying a light mist brushed against our faces, and the next stop was slowly approaching along the channel. This water journey, combining speed and magnificent scenery, was a truly fulfilling experience.