Zhongwei is a prefecture-level city in the western part of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Bordering by Gansu to the west and Inner Mongolia to the north, it had been a strategic trading center for thousands of years. Today, it is also a culturally diverse city home to many minorities, such as Hui, Mongol, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Tibetan, etc. Many travelers are attracted by its desert fun – both scenery and activities. Located on the range of Tengger Desert and beside the Yellow River, Zhongwei is rather attractive with the wild nature and lots of exhilarating activities. Moreover, there are some sweet fruits as well.
In Zhongwei, there are different kinds of attractions to explore. Except for the most famous Shapotou, there are parks, golden sand resort, temples, etc.
It once was praised as one of the most beautiful deserts in China and one of the best places worth-visiting for foreign travelers. Here you can enjoy the amazing desert nature as well as take part in several screaming activities.
Golden Sand Sea Tourist Resort is a comprehensive desert game base with plenty of desert entertainment. The three-layer-tall Sea View House is fantastic place to take an bird’s-eye view of the surrounding desert.
Golden Sand Island Scenic Area is reputed as the "Pearl of Tengger Desert". The golden sands of the desert disappear here, while an ideal wetland park with lush plants, lovely birds and tranquil rivers open in from your eyes.
Gaomiao Temple is a large group of ancient buildings where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucius are worshipped together. Visiting these buildings allows you to get a great insight into the old architectural features.
Sizikou, known as North Sea in the ancient times, has a rich culture and unique nature. You can see the magnificent gorge view in the eastern part and the historical site of Suwu tending sheep in the western part.
Zhongwei not only offers great things to do but great things to experience. Apart from the sightseeing in natural and cultural spots, you can also have some other activities to join in.
Shapotou is the greatest place to enjoy outdoor activities, including cable car experience, sheepskin rafting, camel riding, desert crossing, etc. The Golden Sand Sea Tourist Resort offers plenty of desert entertainments as well.
Zhongwei offers various kinds of noodles (such as Lamian Noddles, Haozi Noodles, cold noodles). Other recommended local dishes include Steamed Pigeon-shaped Fish in Clear Soup, Dough Lumps and Jiaozi Dumplings…
Want to taste some sweet fruits? Zhongwei is an ideal place. What you can’t miss are wolfberry and watermelon. As a famous fruit to preserve people’s health, wolfberries are always given to family of friends as a gift.
Zhongwei City belongs to a typical Temperate Continental Monsoon Climate. Due to the influence of the desert, it has abundant sunshine and a large temperature gap between day and night. The hottest month in Zhongwei is July when the highest temperature reaches about 28°C, and the coldest months are December and January when the lowest temperature reaches below -10°C. We suggest you avoid visiting Zhongwei in winter because of the cold weather and fierce wind. August and July receive most rainfall with a precipitation count of 79.23mm. The best time to visit Zhongwei is May to October because of the comfortable weather. It is important to bring sunblock, sunglasses, hats, etc. to protect your skin from the strong sunlight.
Though Zhongwei is a small city, you can get there easily from some big cities. Taking a flight is the most effective way to get to Zhongwei City, and many travelers also prefer a train journey from Yinchuan after a Yinchuan exploration.
By Flight: It is available to take a flight to Zhongwei Shapotou Airport from Beijing (2.5 hours), Shanghai (5 hours), Xian (1.5 hours), Chongqing (2 hours), Hohhot, Urumqi (3 hours), Wuhan (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), etc.
By train: There are 3 daily high speed trains running from Yinchuan Railway Station to Zhongwei South Railway Station, with duration of only about 1.5 hours. They also take a stop at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport. If you don’t mind the long duration, you can also take a normal train to Zhongwei Railway Station from Lanzhou (5 hours), Xining (8.5 hours), Beijing (11.5 hours), Xian (12.5 hours), Urumqi (18 hours), Chengdu (21 hours), Lhasa (29 hours), Shanghai (30.5 hours), Changchun (35 hours), Guangzhou (38 hours), etc.
Related Links: How to Get to & Get around Yinchuan | Yinchuan Airport and Flights to Yinchuan
Honestly, the luxury starred hotels are rather limited in Zhongwei City, but you can still find some wonderful stays. Generally, the city area of Zhongwei offers more choices, but Suji Yellow River is also a superb place with amazing boutique hotels.
Downtown Area: Accommodating in the downtown area allows you to have quick access to the restaurants and shops. There are several luxurious hotels and some comfortable hotels for your choice. Recommended hotels include Zhongwei Jinmutu International Hotel (5 stars), Zhongwei Lanuo Hotel (4 stars), Zhongwei Hotel (3 stars)
Suji Yellow River: If you want several days’ stay far from the city and immerse yourself in the peaceful wild nature, don’t miss Suji Yellow River, which is a cluster of boutique hotels, including Nanan, Stray Birds, Hillside Village, Lost Villa and Xuli. In addition to five top-level guesthouses, there are restaurants, bookstores, art galleries, cafes, teahouses, and swimming pools as well. You can also take some nice shot on the resorted Great Wall.
Usually, many travelers start a Zhongwei tour from the provincial capital – Yinchuan which is Ningxia’s tourist distribution and transfer hub with many attractions. If you have more time, you can also to go to Guyuan (Xumishan Grottoes), Shizuishan City (Sand Lake) and Wuzhong City (Qingtong Gorge).
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