5-Day Luxury Adventure in Ningxia:Desert Dreams & Wine Lands

From Starry Sand Dunes to Imperial Tombs — Explore China's Wild West with Wine Tastings, Hot Springs, and Cinematic Landscapes

$1,140.00
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Description

5-Day Luxury Adventure in Ningxia:Desert Dreams & Wine Lands

Tour Prices/per person
Group Sizes Total Price (USD)/per person
4 guests 1140

*Prices are per person on twin sharing. A single room surcharge applies if a traveler stays alone in a separate room at the designated hotel for the entire trip.

*If your group has fewer or more than 4 people, please contact us for a recalculated price.

🌟Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy private transportation throughout the trip — your travel plan, your pace.

  • Stay in top-rated accommodations, including a Ctrip-certified 5-star hotel in Yinchuan, a scenic desert-view glamping tent, and a high-end boutique resort at Yellow River Suji. Sleep in and soak in the luxury.

  • Guided by local experts familiar with regional customs, discover hidden culinary gems tucked away in city alleys and experience the authentic rhythm of Ningxia life.

  • Ride a 4WD vehicle through the iconic Three Lakes of the Tengger Desert, and visit the most viral desert destination on Chinese social media — Ulan Lake, the Heart of the Earth.

  • Stay at a luxury glamping camp in the Tengger Desert: marvel at the starry skies, hike across golden dunes, enjoy bonfire parties, fireworks, and desert nightlife.

  • Visit photo-worthy spots like Route 66 Zhongwei and the ancient Beichangtian Village, a real-life set of a beloved Chinese TV drama.

  • Helan Mountain East Foothills Winery – Taste award-winning wines from one of China’s premier wine regions, a hidden gem now reaching Michelin tables and global wine connoisseurs.

  • Experience Shapotou, where "desert smoke meets setting sun," featuring epic sandboarding, river rafting on traditional sheepskin rafts, and panoramic views of the Yellow River.

  • Step into the mystery of ancient China at the Western Xia Imperial Tombs – explore one of the largest and best-preserved imperial cemeteries, with immersive 4D film experiences revealing the lost world of the Western Xia Dynasty.

  • Indulge in Manpu Town’s Nighttime Fantasy – featuring 16 themed live performances, 36 continuous stage shows, 168 costumed characters from different eras, and 268 minutes of immersive storytelling under the stars.

5-Day Itinerary

+ DAY 1: Arrival in Yinchuan

Meet at the designated airport/train station and take a flight or train to Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Known as one of China's historic and culturally significant cities, Yinchuan once served as the capital of the Western Xia Dynasty. It is often praised as the “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall” and the “Pearl of the Silk Road.” Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel to rest.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Yinchuan
Travel Tips:
1.Our driver/guide will contact you via text or phone the day before arrival to confirm your arrival time. Please stay alert for messages or calls.
2.Before departure, double-check that you have your passport and other necessary documents for boarding and hotel check-in. Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, toiletries, any personal medication, camera/phone, and chargers.
3.Upon hotel check-in, inspect your room for any damages. Notify the front desk immediately if a room change is needed. Please take care of hotel facilities and take precautions to avoid slipping in the bathroom.
4.Ningxia and the Alxa region of Inner Mongolia are located in northwestern China and have a dry climate with large temperature differences between day and night. Drink plenty of water, eat more fruits, and pack warm clothes based on the local weather forecast.

+ DAY 2: Yinchuan – “Heart of the Earth” Ulan Lake – Camel Lake – Guitar Lake – Zhongwei

(Yinchuan → Alxa Left Banner: 150 km | Alxa Left Banner → Zhongwei: 200 km)
After breakfast, drive to Alxa Left Banner and transfer to a 4WD off-road vehicle to begin the Tengger Desert “Three Lakes” Adventure. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ride across the dunes and visit three iconic desert oases: Ulan Lake (known as the “Heart of the Earth”), Camel Lake, and Guitar Lake (also called Egg-Yolk Lake).
🎁 Complimentary drone aerial photography over Ulan Lake.
Next, visit Ulan Lake, whose heart-shaped surface has made it a social media favorite for its stunning natural formation.
Continue on to Alxa Dreamland Desert Park, famous for the annual “Alxa Hero Festival” – a paradise for off-road vehicle lovers.
Then drive to Zhongwei and enter the Tengger Desert Luxury Glamping Camp, where off-road vehicles will take you deep into the heart of the desert.
Check into your desert-view room (private bathroom and A/C included).
As night falls, the desert transforms into a magical place under the vast starry sky. Lie back in your Moroccan-style tent and lose yourself in the Milky Way — the true meaning of chasing dreams among stars and sand.
Important Note: The desert lake adventure requires transfer by 4WD vehicle (4 guests per car). Please wear seatbelts and follow all safety instructions. A surcharge applies for solo use of a vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Desert-view room in luxury glamping camp

+ DAY 3: Desert Glamping Camp – Route 66 – Shapotou – Yellow River Suji (Boutique Riverside Resort)

(Approximately 150 km within Zhongwei city area)
Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the desert, or sleep in and enjoy a slow morning surrounded by golden sands. After breakfast, continue to soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the desert resort. Around 10:30 AM, check out and let the staff arrange your transfer out of the desert area.
Head to Route 66 in Zhongwei, a famous road-trip stop inspired by the American highway, known for its desert scenery and Instagrammable photo spots.
Visit the Ancient Village of Beichangtian, the real-life filming location of the popular Chinese TV drama “Minning Town.” This village has been recognized as one of the first nationally protected historical and cultural villages in Ningxia.
Spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Shapotou Scenic Area (approx. 4 hours), a national 5A-rated destination also known as the “World Capital of Desert Tourism.” Here you’ll find:
The largest natural sandboarding area in China
The Yellow River Zipline, dubbed the “First Zipline Across the Yellow River”
The Yellow River Raft Ride, the most famous river drift experience
The world’s only Desert Escalator, a unique innovation allowing you to ascend sandy slopes effortlessly
In the evening, check into the Yellow River Suji, a beautifully designed boutique resort nestled among sacred mountains, deserts, rivers, oases, and grasslands — the perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yellow River Suji (Boutique Riverside Resort), Zhongwei

+ DAY 4: Zhongwei – Helan Mountain East Foothills Longyu Winery – Western Xia Imperial Tombs – Manpu Town Hot Springs + Live Show

(Zhongwei → Yinchuan, approx. 180 km)
After breakfast, drive back to Yinchuan and visit the Longyu Winery, located in the Helan Mountain East Foothills Wine Region (admission and wine tasting included).
This prestigious estate integrates vineyard cultivation, premium wine production, wine culture exhibitions, tastings, conference hosting, and tourism. The main estate spans over 1,300 mu (approx. 214 acres).
The Helan Mountain East Foothills is recognized as one of China’s best regions for growing grapes and producing premium wines. Longyu Winery is a leading representative of the area, with exports to over 50 countries and regions including France, Germany, the UK, and Singapore.
It has won more than 150 international awards and was named “Best Show of China.” Longyu wines have been served in Michelin-starred restaurants and added to the permanent shelf of the royal wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd in the UK, delivering the "Taste of China" to a global audience.
Tour Highlights at Longyu Winery:
Taste two signature wines by Changyu; Visit the Wine Culture Museum; Explore the underground wine cellar; Observe the bottling production line; Stroll through the vineyard exhibition garden
Next, explore the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Scenic Area, a nationally recognized 4A-rated site and important archaeological zone (entry ticket, shuttle, and 3D/4D film included; approx. 3-hour visit).
This is one of China’s largest and best-preserved imperial mausoleum complexes, and the most important existing site for Western Xia Dynasty culture.
Evening Activities:
After hotel check-in, enjoy a festive evening in the cultural town of “See Helan”, an immersive performance village themed around the legends and heritage of the Helan Mountain region.
Relax at the Tianmu Hot Springs (admission included; please bring your own swimsuit), featuring:
Children’s water play zone; Large indoor and outdoor hot spring pools; Five themed spa areas: Western Xia Therapeutic Zone; Red Wine Culture Zone; Helan Rock Art Zone; Wellness & Herbal Therapy Zone; Exclusive Private Spa Area.
Hot Spring Tips:
1. Avoid bathing on an empty stomach, immediately after eating, or after consuming alcohol. The best time to soak is at least one hour after a meal.
2. Choose the type of hot spring that suits your health condition for maximum benefit.
3. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or arteriosclerosis should first acclimate by dabbing the body with warm spring water before entering the pool. Avoid cold exposure after bathing.
4. If you have high blood pressure or heart conditions, limit each soak to 20 minutes. Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness or falls.
5. Hot springs are sold as bundled packages by the hotel and are non-refundable if unused for personal health reasons.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Manpu Street Boutique Hotel

+ DAY 5: Yinchuan – Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio – Return to Chengdu

After breakfast, visit the Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio, a national 5A-rated tourist attraction (admission included; approx. 2.5-hour visit).
Known as “China’s Hollywood of the West,” this site has been the filming location for numerous iconic Chinese movies. You’ll also have the chance to experience dozens of intangible cultural heritage performances that have nearly vanished from everyday life, such as traditional weaving, cockfighting, monkey shows, and mouse training — all available for free viewing.
After the tour, transfer to the airport or train station for your return journey to Chengdu, concluding your wonderful adventure!
Important Reminder:
Please book your return transportation for 12:00 PM or later.
If your departure is scheduled for the morning, the visit to the film studio will be arranged on Day 1 after arrival, or the ticket cost will be refunded. For small private groups, the itinerary can be adjusted flexibly.
Meals: Breakfast

Tour 'Wow' Points

Ulan Lake – The Heart of the Earth

Located deep within the Tengger Desert, Ulan Lake has become a social media sensation for its naturally heart-shaped surface when viewed from above. This stunning oasis stands out like a beating heart in the golden sands — a poetic symbol of life in the desert. It’s a must-see for drone enthusiasts and desert dreamers alike.

Egg Yolk Lake / Guitar Lake

Nicknamed for their distinctive shapes, these two desert lakes are marvels of natural design — one shaped like a bright yellow egg yolk and the other resembling a guitar. Surrounded by vast dunes, their contrasting blue and golden hues create picture-perfect scenery, making them popular stops on the classic Tengger Desert “Three Lakes” route.

Alxa Desert Dream Park (Alxa Hero Festival Site)

A playground for off-road adventurers and motor enthusiasts, this park is home to the legendary Alxa Hero Festival — China’s biggest off-road event. Beyond the adrenaline, the park offers desert culture experiences, performance zones, and immersive desert-tech displays, blending motorsport excitement with Mongolian heritage.

Route 66 Zhongwei

Inspired by the legendary American Route 66, this short but scenic stretch of highway cuts through the desert landscapes of Zhongwei. Framed by wide skies and sand-swept plains, it’s a favorite stop for road trip photos and cinematic drone shots — a little piece of Western road trip magic in the heart of China.

Shapotou Scenic Area

Known as the "Land of Desert, River, Mountain, and Oasis," Shapotou combines natural wonder with thrilling adventure. Ride the famous Yellow River sheepskin raft, surf the world’s largest natural sandboarding slope, or take in epic views where the desert meets the river. This national 5A-rated site offers both serenity and excitement.

Helan Mountain East Foothills Winery

Nestled at the foot of the Helan Mountains, this region is China’s answer to Napa Valley. With its dry climate and rich soil, it produces world-class wines that have won over global sommeliers and Michelin-starred restaurants. At Longyu Winery, visitors can tour the underground cellars, taste award-winning vintages, and experience the rise of Chinese wine excellence.

Western Xia Imperial Tombs

Often referred to as the “Eastern Pyramids,” this site holds the remains of emperors from the mysterious Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227). The complex features royal mausoleums, ancient watchtowers, and immersive 4D film experiences that bring this lost civilization to life. It’s one of China’s largest and best-preserved imperial burial sites.


Price Includes & Price Excludes

Price Includes Price Excludes

Accommodation:

  • 1 night in a 5-star hotel in Yinchuan

  • 1 night at Manpu Scenic Area Resort Hotel

  • 1 night in a desert-view room in Zhongwei

  • 1 night at the Yellow River Suji Collection Boutique Hotel in Zhongwei
    (Please note: triple rooms and extra beds are not available.)

  • Expenses caused by force majeure (e.g., traffic delays, extreme weather, major government events)
  • Meals:

    • 4 breakfasts included

    • Lunches and dinners are at your own expense

  • Additional costs due to traveler’s own fault (e.g., breach of contract, illness, personal loss)
  • Professional English-speaking guides
  • Single Room Supplement: If a traveler stays alone in a designated hotel throughout the trip, an additional single room fee will be charged.
  • Transportation:

    • Round-trip second-class high-speed train tickets (Chengdu ⇄ Yinchuan)

    • Local transportation based on group size:
      • 2–3 people: 5-seater car
      • 4–5 people: 7–9-seater business van
      • 6–8 people: 9–14-seater business van

  • Travel accident and flight insurance (highly recommended for travelers to purchase)

Attractions:

  • Admission tickets to all listed attractions (extra activities within scenic areas are not included)

Child Policy:

  • Ningxia scenic areas follow this child pricing standard:
    • Children under 1.3 meters in height: free entrance + shuttle
    • Children above 1.3 meters: half-price ticket + shuttle fee

  • Child price includes: transportation, airport/train transfers, off-road vehicle for desert crossing, service fees, insurance

  • Child price excludes: all 4 nights of accommodation in Yinchuan and Zhongwei, hotel breakfast if over height, attraction tickets

  • If a child (1.3m+ or ages 6–18) is booked under the child rate but not eligible for free admission, a fee of CNY 220/person applies for tickets and shuttles:

    • Shapotou: ¥40

    • Helan Mountain Winery: ¥20

    • Western Xia Tombs: ¥70 (entry + shuttle)

    • Manpu Town: ¥50

    • Film Studio: ¥40
      (To be paid by the traveler or arranged by the driver)

  • Insurance:

    • Travel agency liability insurance (subject to the insurance company's compensation policy; we recommend purchasing additional personal travel accident insurance)

  • Personal expenses (e.g., alcohol, beverages, hotel laundry, phone calls, and other services not mentioned)
  • Complimentary Gifts:

    • Unlimited bottled mineral water daily

    • Desert sun protection scarf

    • Complimentary drone photo experience at Ulan Lake ("The Heart of the Earth")

  • Any item not listed under “Inclusions”

    Optional Experiences (Self-funded, prices subject to change based on the attraction’s official notice):

    • Shapotou Scenic Area:
      • Zone shuttle bus: ¥40/person
      • Desert off-road truck: ¥120/person
      • Camel ride (round trip): ¥100/person
      • Sandboarding: ¥50/person
      • Electric cart: ¥35/person
      • Traditional sheepskin raft + Yellow River speedboat: ¥120/person
      • Combo ticket: ¥299/person

    • Desert Camp Activities:
      • Camel ride: ¥80/person
      • Sand dune go-karts: ¥80/person
      • Sand gaiters: ¥10/person
      • Desert off-road truck: ¥120/person
      • Desert motorcycle: ¥80/person
      Desert Activity Combo Ticket: includes off-road truck + camel ride + motorcycle + gaiters

      • Original Price: ¥370/person

      • Discounted Price: ¥260/person

    Ningxia Travel Tips

    1. Be a Responsible Traveler
      Please respect the environment and cultural heritage. Do not damage plants, trees, or historic relics. Avoid carving or writing on ancient monuments or scenic spots.

    2. Weather & Packing Advice
      Ningxia has a temperate continental climate with strong sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night.

      • Summer daytime temperatures average around 30°C (86°F). We recommend wearing breathable clothing made of cotton or linen, such as light shirts, thin dresses, or T-shirts.

      • Nighttime temperatures drop to around 18°C (64°F). A single-layer outfit—like light cotton or linen suits, T-shirts, jeans, or casual wear—should keep you comfortable.

    3. Dining in Scenic Areas
      Due to natural and geographical limitations, restaurants near some attractions may not meet the same standards as those in major inland tourist cities. Northern Chinese cuisine also tends to be heavier and spicier. We’ll do our best to coordinate with local restaurants to accommodate different dietary needs.

    4. Water & Health
      Tap water in Ningxia mainly comes from underground sources and tends to have higher mineral content. Visitors not used to this may experience minor digestive or skin discomfort. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to allergies, please bring medications for digestion and antihistamines just in case.

    5. Desert Travel Advisory
      Camel trekking in the desert is a fantastic way to relax, reset, and challenge yourself. The jingling camel bells, vast golden dunes, and breathtaking desert sunrises and sunsets offer a unique and unforgettable experience. However, since desert travel is considered a form of adventure tourism, we strongly advise the following:

      • When riding a camel, hold on firmly when the camel stands up or sits down to avoid falling.

      • Follow the rhythm of the camel’s movement, adjust your posture as needed, and consider walking for part of the journey to reduce fatigue.

    Avoid Travel During Chinese Public Holidays:

    • New Year's Day: January 1

    • Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): January 28 – February 4

    • Valentine’s Day: February 14

    • Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6

    • Labor Day: May 1 – May 5

    • Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2

    • Mid-Autumn Festival: October 6

    • National Day Holiday: October 1 – October 8

    Change & Cancellation Policies

    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 7 day(s) before departure, no fee will be charged for cancellation.
    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 5 day(s) before departure, a fee of 30% will be charged.
    • If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 3 day before departure, a fee of 100% will be charged.
    • If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
    • *Partial refund not available
    • *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.

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