5.23 Just Back from Ningxia with Kids, Here's My Advice...

We took the 8am flight on the 17th and spent 6 days and 5 nights. After extensive planning, we ended up joining a reliable family tour because we couldn't book the Desert Star Hotel in advance. The wooden cabin opened directly to sand play areas - kids played from dawn to dusk while adults could supervise through the room's glass windows. Super convenient with free sand toys and sandboards included. The Star Hotel offers many kid-friendly activities: morning desert hikes (actually just behind the hotel's massive dunes), afternoon crafts, evening star lectures and stargazing at Star Valley. Unlimited sandboarding in the desert was incredibly fun, though we got thoroughly sun-darkened! Countless children's programs featuring astronomy, plants, and DIY activities made desert living truly wonderful - pure bliss! Pro tips: ✅ At Desert Star Hotel, always book twin rooms (not king beds) - they're on the first floor with fantastic views ✅ Bring your own laser pointers and shoe covers - hotel prices are steep ✅ During peak times, dine early to avoid queues and missing the evening star lecture ✅ Western Xia Tombs suit those interested in cultural relics or familiar with Western Xia history ✅ Avoid bringing cameras to the desert - even wrapped in plastic bags, fine sand inevitably gets in and is impossible to clean completely ✅ Pack snacks and water before desert adventures - supplies aren't available in the vast dunes where you'll spend hours ✅ Zhongwei is fun but not budget-friendly - whether independent or group travel, plan ample funds 🥰 Kid-Tested Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Yinchuan D2: Shuidonggou Ruins - "Sheep Village" Adventure D3: Western Xia Imperial Tombs - Manpu Town D4: Hui Ethnic Village - Star Hotel D5: Shapotou - Yellow River Folk Village D6: Yellow River Great Wall - Disband in Yinchuan