Ningxia Travel | Shapotou Nanny-Level Travel Guide

| Shapotou Nanny-Level Travel Guide. Who understands! After playing in the desert for a week, I was completely amazed by the beauty of Ningxia Shapotou. It is simply the pinnacle of desert travel. I have compiled this super detailed Shapotou travel guide, so those planning to go, bookmark it 📖 📍Scenic Area Overview Shapotou is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, integrating desert, Yellow River, mountains, and oasis. It features the grandeur of Northwest China’s landscape and the elegance of Jiangnan scenery. It has been rated by "Chinese National Geography" as one of "China’s Five Most Beautiful Deserts" and gained fame as a filming location for variety shows like "Where Are We Going, Dad?" 🕙Opening Hours Peak season (April 1 - October 31) 08:00 - 19:00; Off-season (November 1 - March 31) 08:00 - 18:00 🎫Ticket Prices Peak season 80 RMB/person; Off-season 45 RMB/person; Round-trip sightseeing bus ticket 40 RMB (strongly recommended to buy, the scenic area is large and it saves a lot of energy and time) 🚗Transportation Guide ✈️Airplane: The nearest is Zhongwei Shapotou Airport, about 15 km from the scenic area. You can take a taxi (about 30 RMB) or the tourist shuttle bus (one per hour) 🚄Train: Zhongwei Railway Station has a direct tourist shuttle to the scenic area (about 40 minutes), ticket price 10 RMB. You can also choose to charter a car (about 80 RMB/car) 🚗Self-driving: From Yinchuan, take the G6 Jingzang Expressway west, then switch to S201 Provincial Road. The total distance is about 220 km, about 3 hours to reach. The scenic area has a large ecological parking lot (10 RMB/day) ✨Activities 1. Desert Surfing: 120 RMB/person, ride a professionally modified off-road vehicle speeding between sand dunes, experience the thrill of a 45-degree plunge. It is recommended to choose the "Chasing the Sun Tour" at sunset for the best light and shadow effects. 2. Yellow River Zipline: 100 RMB/person, an 800-meter high zipline across the Yellow River, with a top speed of 60 km/h. Weight must be between 40 - 90 kg. Not recommended for those afraid of heights. 3. Sheepskin Rafting: 80 RMB/person, an ancient water transportation tool made of 14 inflatable sheepskins. It is recommended to choose the combined route from the desert area to the Yellow River area, about 1 hour in total. 4. Desert Starry Sky Camping: 300 RMB/tent, the scenic area has a professional camping base offering telescope stargazing services. You can see the Milky Way clearly in summer and Orion in winter. 5. Camel Riding: 50 RMB for a half-hour loop, guided by a professional camel team. Ride slowly on the camel’s back through the desert and experience the desert charm. 6. Sand Sliding: A natural sand slope of hundreds of meters, skateboard rental 20 RMB/time. Slide down the sand slope at high speed with the wind whistling by your ears, super stress-relieving. 📸Photo Check-in Spots 1. Desert Ladder Viewing Platform: Overlooking the S-shaped bend of the Yellow River, an excellent spot for photos, every shot is a masterpiece. 2. Wang Wei Viewing Platform: Recreates the scene of "The desert’s lone smoke rises straight, the long river’s sunset is round." Stunningly beautiful at sunset. 3. Desertification Control Achievement Display Area: Features very distinctive wheat straw grid lines with strong linear sense. 4. Desert Hotel Rooftop: Frame the starry sky and sand dunes together, perfect for night star photography. 🍱Food Recommendations 1. Desert Watermelon: Ripe from June to August, especially sweet and crisp due to the large temperature difference between day and night. One bite is very refreshing. 2. Artemisia Noodles: Intangible cultural heritage food, 15 RMB/bowl, noodles are chewy and the soup is delicious. 3. Yellow River Carp: Freshly caught and cooked, steamed is recommended, 88 RMB/jin, with tender meat. 4. Zhongwei City Xiangyang Pedestrian Street Night Market: You can taste special snacks like selenium melon and fried huobo. ❗Notes 1. Sun Protection: The desert area has very strong UV rays. Essential items include SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, face scarves, and sun hats. 2. Sand Protection: It is recommended to equip phones and cameras with sandproof covers to avoid sand damage. 3. Clothing: Large temperature difference between morning and evening, prepare windproof jackets; lightweight clothing can be worn during the day. 4. Environmental Protection: Do not litter. The scenic area has classified recycling points. Everyone is responsible for protecting the desert environment. 5. Activity Selection: Some activities have weight and age restrictions. Understand your own condition in advance and choose suitable activities.