Ningxia Travel Guide

Below is a 6-day Ningxia travel guide with a budget of about 5000 RMB, covering major attractions, food recommendations, and practical tips to help you enjoy Ningxia with ease. Ningxia 6-Day Travel Guide (Budget: 5000 RMB) 1. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Yinchuan City Day 2: Shahu Lake and Western Xia Imperial Tombs Day 3: Zhongwei Shapotou Day 4: Helan Mountain National Forest Park Day 5: Guyuan and Surrounding Cultural Experience Day 6: Return to Yinchuan, Shopping and Summary Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Yinchuan City Morning: Ningxia Museum (free admission, learn about Ningxia’s history and culture) Western Xia Imperial Tombs (ticket about 30 RMB, learn about Western Xia culture) Noon: Taste Yinchuan specialties: lamb stew with bread, hand-pulled lamb (per person 50-80 RMB) Afternoon: Drum Tower Square and South Gate Night Market (experience local life, buy unique handicrafts) Accommodation suggestion: Budget hotel or youth hostel, about 150-200 RMB/night Budget: Transportation: bus or taxi about 30 RMB Tickets: 30 RMB Meals: 150 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB Total: about 410 RMB Day 2: Shahu Lake and Western Xia Imperial Tombs Morning: Shahu Lake (ticket about 70 RMB) Take a Shahu Lake boat tour, camel riding, desert experience (about 100 RMB) Noon: Dine inside Shahu Lake scenic area, try roasted whole lamb or specialty barbecue (per person 60 RMB) Afternoon: Continue enjoying Shahu Lake, return to Yinchuan in the evening Budget: Transportation: charter or tour bus about 200 RMB (carpool) Tickets + activities: 170 RMB Meals: 60 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB Total: about 630 RMB Day 3: Zhongwei Shapotou All day: Early departure (recommended charter or join a day tour) Shapotou Scenic Area (ticket about 100 RMB) Experience desert sand sliding, camel riding, Yellow River rafting (about 150 RMB) Noon: Dine inside the scenic area (per person 50 RMB) Evening: Return to Yinchuan or stay overnight in Zhongwei (about 200 RMB) Budget: Transportation: charter or tour group about 400 RMB Tickets + activities: 250 RMB Meals: 50 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB (Zhongwei) Total: about 900 RMB Day 4: Helan Mountain National Forest Park Morning: Take bus or taxi there (about 50 RMB) Hiking and sightseeing, photography (free) Noon: Picnic at the foot of the mountain or dine near the scenic area (per person 50 RMB) Afternoon: Visit Helan Mountain Rock Paintings (ticket about 30 RMB) Return to Yinchuan Budget: Transportation: 50 RMB Tickets: 30 RMB Meals: 50 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB Total: about 330 RMB Day 5: Guyuan and Surrounding Cultural Experience Morning: Take high-speed train or bus to Guyuan (ticket about 100 RMB) Visit Longde Ancient City or Liupan Mountain (ticket about 20 RMB) Noon: Local specialty restaurant (per person 50 RMB) Afternoon: Experience Hui ethnic culture, taste halal cuisine Evening: Return to Yinchuan Budget: Transportation: 200 RMB (round trip) Tickets + meals: 70 RMB Accommodation: 200 RMB Total: 470 RMB Day 6: Yinchuan Shopping and Summary Morning: Buy handicrafts, goji berries, dried lamb at Ningxia specialty market Noon: Enjoy the last Ningxia specialty meal Afternoon: Leisure walk, prepare for departure Budget: Shopping: 200 RMB (as needed) Meals: 50 RMB Transportation: 30 RMB Total: 280 RMB Budget Summary (Approximate Estimate) Item Cost (RMB) Transportation (local + long distance) about 800 RMB Tickets and attractions about 300 RMB Accommodation (6 nights) about 1200 RMB (200 RMB/night) Meals about 600 RMB (about 100 RMB/day) Others (shopping, souvenirs) about 300 RMB Total about 3200 RMB Reserve funds and unexpected expenses: about 1800 RMB to ensure total budget stays within 5000 RMB. Travel Tips Book accommodation and transportation in advance, especially during peak holidays. Bring some snacks and water to save time and money on meals. Respect local culture and customs for a better experience. Pay attention to safety, especially during desert and mountain activities. Hope this guide helps you explore Ningxia easily and happily! If you need more detailed recommendations or a customized itinerary, just let me know!