6D Ningxia & YinChuan

Arrive at Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Comprising a third of Yinchuan’s population, the Muslim Hui minority’s influence is evident in the city’s architecture and cuisine. Visit a local mosque (either Nanguan Mosque or China Huixiang Culture Garden) and learn more about how Islam is practiced in Ningxia.

Take a coach to Shahu Lake in Pingluo County (~1hr). A little oasis surrounded by sand dunes, the reed marshes in the Lake is home to a variety of birds including cranes, swans, seagulls and ducks. It is one of the best places in China for bird watching. In the late afternoon head back to Yinchuan. 

Head to Western Xia Imperial Tombs (~2hr coach ride) - the royal mausoleums of the emperors in the Western Xia Dynasty. The Tombs include nine imperial mausoleums, 254 subordinate tombs, one large architectural complex and more than 10 brick-and-tile kiln sites, all lined up along the eastern slope of the Helan Mountains. In the afternoon visit China Western Film Studio (~40min coach ride). Over 200 films have been shot here and the site is divided into Qing Dynasty Town, Ming Dynasty Town and Yinchuan Old Street.

Transfer to Shapotou, located in Zhongwei City (~2.5hr by coach). Enjoy the spectacular desert scenery; ride on a camel, try sand sliding or sit on a sheep skin raft down the Yellow River. Note: suggested activities are optional.

Visit Zhongwei High Temple, a multi-religious site built during the Qing Dynasty. In the late afternoon head back to Yichuan (~3.5hr coach ride).