Wuhai

Wuhai has a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, so bring a windproof jacket for mornings and evenings by the lake or in the desert.

Wuhai brings desert, lakes, and urban scenery together in one place. With relatively few tourists, it is well suited to a weekend or short trip.

• Wuhai Lake: A 118-square-kilometer desert lake where golden sands contrast with blue water. Visit Pier No. 1 to watch the sunset and feed black-headed gulls, or take an off-road vehicle from Dutai Post Station to a desert camp to see dead trees and highway scenery.

• Gandel Mountain: A giant 88-meter-tall statue of Genghis Khan stands at the summit. From the top, you can look out over the Yellow River, Wuhai Lake, the desert, and the city at the same time.

• Laseng Temple: This ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple stands halfway up Tuhai Mountain. Its red walls and golden roofs follow the mountainside, and it is often called the “Little Potala Palace of Northwest China.” Admission is currently free.

• Western Fantasy Grand Canyon: Located in the direction of Alxa, about a 2.5-hour drive from the city center, it features interwoven red-rock and yardang landforms. The canyon scenery has a strong desert character.

• Longyou Bay National Wetland: A long, narrow wetland formed by the Yellow River. In autumn, the reeds turn golden, and the area becomes a resting place for migratory birds such as black storks and great swans. It is ideal for a leisurely walk.

• Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy Art Museum: A landmark building of the “City of Chinese Calligraphy,” with sun-god rock paintings from Zhuozi Mountain decorating its dome. Admission is free, and the museum has a quiet, elegant atmosphere.

Itinerary Suggestions

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Lakeside Scenery
  • Morning: Start with the Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy Art Museum to learn about local culture and gradually acclimatize to the northwestern climate.
  • Afternoon: Head to Wuhai Lake. Navigate to Dutai Post Station and take an off-road vehicle to the desert camp to see dead trees and highway scenery, or go to Pier No. 1 for a boat ride on the lake.
  • Evening: Wait for the desert sunset by Wuhai Lake or at the foot of Gandel Mountain, then return to the city for a Mongolian hot pot dinner.
• Day 2: Mountain Views and Desert Experiences
  • Morning: Climb Gandel Mountain for a panoramic view of the city, or visit Laseng Temple to see Tibetan-style architecture beside the desert.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Ulan Buh Desert or Jinsha Bay for camel rides, desert off-roading, sandboarding, and other activities.
  • Night: If the sky is clear and the moonlight is weak, hire a car to go deep into the desert to see the Milky Way and meteor showers.
• Day 3: Natural Scenery or a Self-Drive Trip Nearby
  • All day: Visit Western Fantasy Grand Canyon for its desert-wasteland-style scenery. Alternatively, drive from Wuhai to Alxa for the “Five Lakes Crossing,” which requires hiring or sharing an off-road vehicle.

Local Specialties to Try

Besides full meals, you can also try fermented yogurt with milk skin, hawthorn milk-skin tanghulu, and fried milk skin sold at street-side shops. These also make good souvenirs.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to stay: Consider staying in Haibowan District first. It is in the city center, with plenty of dining options and convenient transport. Budget chain hotels start at around 150 yuan. For an overnight stay near the desert, choose a starry-sky tent.
• Getting there: Flights arrive at Wuhai Airport, a small airport. Take a taxi or the 1-yuan bus into the city. For high-speed rail, buy a ticket to Wuhai Station, which is in the city center; Wuhai West Station is relatively remote. The train from Yinchuan to Wuhai takes about one hour.
• Getting around: Attractions are far apart. For example, a round trip to Western Fantasy Grand Canyon takes about five hours, so renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is recommended. A private vehicle costs around 300 yuan per day. Shared electric bicycles are convenient within the city, but buses alone are not suitable for reaching the desert or temples.

Travel Tips

• Check water levels and sediment-discharge arrangements: From mid to late September, Wuhai Lake may be in the Yellow River water-release and sediment-discharge period. Boats may stop operating, and the scenic area may switch to overland shuttles. Check the latest notices from “Wuhai Culture and Tourism Group” before setting out, or call the scenic area directly to confirm.
• Protect yourself from sun and wind: Northwest China has strong ultraviolet rays. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a sun-protection face covering. Sand and wind can be strong in the desert, so consider bringing shoe covers.
• Pack layers: Daytime temperatures may reach the 20s Celsius, so a short-sleeved shirt may be enough. Add a windproof jacket or shell in the morning and evening, or when it gets windy by the lake.
• Observe religious-site etiquette: Keep quiet when visiting religious sites such as Laseng Temple, do not touch statues, and follow the rules for visitors on site.