6 Days Ningxia Luxury Homestay Tour with Winery and Desert Camping

Full Itinerary Day by day

Day 1 Yinchuan Arrival

Welcome to Yinchuan, the capital city as well as the transportation hub of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. You will be greeted by our tour guide at Yinchuan airport/train station after your arrival, then be transferred to check in to you hotel in downtown. The rest time is free to explore this exotic northwestern city.

Free time idea: 1) go to watch the night view of Drum Tower; 2) stroll around Huaiyuan Night Market.

Day 2 Yinchuan Day Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, meet your tour guide to start today’s exploration of Ancient Xixia Kingdom, Helan Mountain Nomadic Rock Painting and Winery Experience.

The first place to visit is the Western Xia Imperial Tombs which is located about 30km from Yinchuan downtown. Being built from the 11th century to the 13th century, it is one of the largest existing imperial cemeteries with the most complete ground sites in China. There are 9 emperors' tombs and more than 200 tombs of princes and nobles. Each imperial mausoleum is an independent building group that sits north to south and is a vertical rectangle, and its scale is comparable to that of the Ming Tombs in Beijing but with completely different style like Egyptian Pyramid.

After the Western Xia culture exploration, you will take an interesting visit to Yuanshi Chateau who produces one of the best wines in the region of Helan Mountain. Thanking to the special environment and weather, the grape growing there is high in sugar content and moderate in acidity, which ensure the high quality of wines production. During your chateau visit, you will be treated to try several kinds of wines (depending on your package). The architecture of Yuanshi Chateau is also very impressive and environment-friendly with a classic Chinese garden style. Please enjoy your time!

After the winery experience, move to next site - Rock Paintings of Helan Mountain which recorded the living scenes of ancient human beings 3,000 to 10,000 years ago in northwestern China, such as grazing, hunting, sacrificial ceremony, war, dancing, etc. It is an important treasure house for the study of the culture and history of mankind in ancient time.

After all the visits and activities, drive back to Yinchuan downtown.

Day 3 Yinchuan - Qingtongxia (B)

Today you will travel to Qingtongxia which is about 100km (about 1.5 hours’ drive) to visit Yellow River Canyon & 108 Pagodas and Xige Winery.

Qingtongxia Yellow River Canyon is the place where the mighty Yellow River menders through the sinuous canyons then races to the plains of central China. The 108 Pagodas is the no.1 highlight in the scenic area. It was built in the Western Xia Dynasty (1038~1277). It is the largest existing Tibetan Buddhist pagoda group in China. There are a total of 108 pagodas arranged in odd numbers of one to nine to form a large tower group of an equilateral triangle. Buddhist believers believe that there are 108 kinds of sorrows in one's life, and praying to the 108 pagodas can relieve all the sorrows. Travelers usually take a cruise to visit the 108 Pagodas. There are two visiting routes: Route A is a short cruise on the Yellow River then take escorsion visit to the 108 Pagodas; Route B is more expensive than Route A but takes you to visit the 108 Pagodas, but also lets you cruise through the canyons with a length around 16km. To enjoy the highlights to the fullest, you will take the Route B. (If you want to save time, we can also arrange Route A.)

After visiting the Yellow River Canyon, you will go to Xige Winery where you will have lunch in its elegent restaurantand stay over the night. Xige Winery is good at wine and beautiful in architecture. It was established in 2017 by Zhang Yanzhi who graduated from the Bordeaux Wine Academy in France and is also the first Chinese member of the Académie du vin de Bordeaux. The winery has 20,000 acres of vineyards, of which 15,000 acres are old vine vineyards over 20 years old. There are more than 20 existing grape varieties, such as Snake Dragon Pearl, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, etc. During your Xige Winery visit, you will be provided an opportunity to try several amazing wines produced here in the factory, also go to find out how the Xige wines are produced by visiting their grape fields and production areas. There are two packages available: A - trying 3 kinds of wines + visiting about 2 hours; B - trying 4 kinds of wines + visiting about 2 hours. Please let your travel consultant know your preference before booking.

Accommodate at Xige Winery. Please note there are only 12 rooms available in Xige Winery. It usually sells out quickly. You'd better make booking as early as possible.

Day 4 Qingtongxia- Zhongwei (B, L)

Today you will travel to Zhongwei City which is about 110km (about 1.5 hours’ drive) away.

After arriving at Zhongwei city, go to visit Gaomiao Temple(The High Temple). It is a not just a temple but a complex of temples of not only Buddhist, but also Taoist and Confucianist, which is very unique in the world. Besides the religious culture, the architectures of Gaomiao are magnificent with complicated structures and ornate decorations. Most of the houses, temples, towers and arches were constructed during Qing Dynasty (1636~1912) and the Republic of China (1912~1949). Gaomiao Temple even provides you an insight into “Chinese Hell Culture” in its underground world.

In the afternoon when it's not very hot, you are going to enjoy desert fun in Shapotou Scenic Area on the southeastern edge of Tengger Desert which is believed as one of the five most beautiful deserts in China. What makes Shapotou unique is that both the wildness of northern China and the elegance of the southern China can be enjoyed at the same time in a single place as you standing on the high sand dunes and watching the desert extending to the north while the Yellow River is surrounded by boundless oasis.

Exploration in Shapotou Scenic Area can be different. For those who want to enjoy outdoor fun, you can take part in many activities (not included in the entrance fee), such as Sand Dune Sliding, Camel Riding, Sand Motor Riding, Floating along the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft, etc. For those who want to skip these commercial experiences, you can also find your own things to do, such as enjoying a desert walking, sitting on a sandhill to watch Yellow River flowing, visiting Desert Museum, etc. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide who will help you accordingly.

Have you ever camped in the desert? Tonight, you will have the chance to camp in a private yurt-style tent in the desert. (If you are not interested in desert camp, you can also stay in Zhongwei city.)

Day 5 Suji Yellow River (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Suji Yellow River where you will stay a wonderful night. Suji Yellow River is the Chinese version of Morocco, the hottest wild luxury homestay cluster on the edges of the Yellow River and Tengger Desert. Here the nine famous Chinese hotel brands have combined high-end resorts with northwestern China’s wild terrain as well as the mighty Yellow River, keeping a perfect balance between wilderness and luxury. They also emphasize on preservation and promotion of local culture and living style which can be found on their architecture design, materials of food and drinks, etc.

Enjoy some peaceful and comfortable time in the homestay is not the only things to do in Suji Yellow River, here you can also go to cafes, bars, galleries, bookstores, picnic, etc., even to walk on the ancient ruins of Great Wall. The Dawan Village nearby, a century-old village also offers you a rare chance to explore local culture. Meals are provided in Wine & Dine, the only restaurant in the homestay areas, with flexible choices.

Day 6 Zhongwei Departure (B)

Today is free until being escorted to catch your flight/train back home or to next destination. You can either depart from Zhongwei's airport or train station, or transfer to Yinchuan to catch your flight/train. Feel free to discuss with us. Tour ends!

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Jack,

My wife and I returned from our China trip yesterday. The crowds at most sites were overwhelming and something that we are not used to. However, I want to let you know that we had a wonderful time mostly due to China Discovery's wonderful tour guides!

Each guide enriched our experience with both their knowledge of the cities, sites, cultures, people, and foods. They were all prompt, patient, and engaging. They were very helpful in navigating the complexities of visiting China. My wife and I enjoyed their company and conversation greatly. I don't believe we would have had the same experience in China if we had traveled there by ourselves.

All the drivers were also very courteous, on-time, and helpful!

Unfortunately, my wife caught a respiratory illness on the Yangtze River Cruise and was quite sick at ZJJ. Our guide Tim, however, was there to assist at night and brought her to the hospital to see a doctor. Tim helped us navigate the Chinese health system, stayed with us throughout the hospital visit, and brought us back to the hotel late at night! We are very grateful to Tim's extraordinary assistance!

Although we provided a paper review at the end of each location, if China Discovery has an overall review of our trip that needs to be completed, please let me know!

Again, thank you for your assistance in all the planning prior to the trip and your quick responses to my questions during the trip. Knowing you were there to assist us throughout our journey was a great source of comfort!

Regards,

Alex

Alex‚ USA, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Yes, you responded swiftly and clear. Both drivers pick up and drop off were good. Our guide, Gavin was a very good guide, and driver, he's attentive, knows history well, kind and well organized. We're very happy with him. Hotels Holiday Inn Express were OK, they served good breakfast. Location might be a bit stranded but perhaps chosen because most our trips are outskirts and not inner city.

Vivi

Vivi‚ Indonesia, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Yes! The suzhou & hangzhou tour are fantastic. I will prepare the review soon when I return to Singapore tomorrow.

Shirley

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Shirley‚ Singapore, October 31, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Very lucky whole journey no rain at all...The weather was good...So we can enjoy amazing view.

Stevany

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Stevany‚ Indonesia, October 30, 2024

Hi Reya,

Loved the entire trip planning and journey. Ms Lily our tour guide was remarkable and very informative. We had a great journey throughout the trip.

You were very responsive and what can I say, our guide Lily made the trip enriched with her hospitality. Beijing is indeed memorable.

Tqvm. This is really so kind of a 7-seat private car and thoughtful of your agency. Transportation in Beijing is so convenient and your upgrade did help. Tq again.

It was indeed a great trip! Loved every moment of it.

Thank you and your agency have made this trip memorable. Tq China Discovery!

Dan

Dan‚ Malaysia, October 30, 2024

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Ginagerri

"My email to China Discovery started in April, 2024 for a trip to Cheng du in September. Our travel consultant Phoebe Gao from Chengdu office was patience and extremely helpful. She had put together..." read more »

Reviewed on October 13, 2024

Lily T

"My trip to Guilin was successfully planned & executed with the help of Reya, our travel consultant with Chengdu Bamboo tours (part of China Discovery). We're a group of 4 elderly people..." read more »

Reviewed on October 31, 2024