Shizuishan

Shizuishan lies between the Helan Mountains and the Yellow River, with a mix of desert, lakes, forests, and historic buildings. Compared with more popular tourist cities, the pace of travel here is more relaxed, making it suitable for short leisure trips and family outings.

• Sand Lake Ecotourism Area: A 5A-rated scenic area where lake and desert sit side by side, creating a distinctive landscape of “half yellow sand, half blue-green water.” You can take a boat through large reed marshes and watch waterbirds. The desert area offers activities such as sand sliding, camel riding, and desert off-roading, and the evening light is especially good for enjoying the scenery.

• Bei Wudang Ecotourism Area: Located on the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, this scenic area centers on the ancient Shoufo Temple, built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty, and brings together Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist culture. The mountain trails are generally not difficult. From higher points, you can look out over Shizuishan’s urban area and the peaks of the Helan Mountains. The area is free to enter and is suitable for hiking and prayer visits.

• Xinghai Lake Wetland Park: This park has a large freshwater wetland, which is rare in northwest China. The lake is broad and the views are open. In the evening, you can walk or cycle along the lake and watch the sunset reflected on the water. After the lights come on at night, it is also a good place for a relaxed activity within the city.

• Dawukou Coal Washing Plant Industrial Heritage Park: Converted from an old coal washing plant, this free 3A-rated scenic area preserves industrial remains such as coal conveyor corridors, a green-painted small train, and steel-framed factory buildings. Rusted machinery, red-brick buildings, and the old factory site set each other off, making it a good place to learn about local industrial history and take industrial-style photos.

• Pingluo Jade Emperor Pavilion: One of the larger surviving Taoist ancient building complexes in Ningxia, featuring upturned eaves and an elegant overall layout. After climbing the pavilion, you can look out toward the Helan Mountains and the old town. The grounds are quiet, making it a good place to appreciate historic architecture and photograph traditional buildings.

• Shitanjing Industrial Culture and Tourism Town: This was once an area where 100,000 miners lived and worked, and was known as the “Little Hong Kong of the Northwest.” Today, it is also a filming location for productions such as *Minning Town* and *Home Coming*. Old apartment blocks, empty streets, and industrial relics preserve the former look of the mining area, making it suitable for retro and industrial-themed photography.

Classic 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Ecology and Industrial Heritage
  • Morning: Visit Shizuishan Museum to see exhibitions on paleontological fossils, rock art, and the city’s industrial history. The museum has a relatively rich collection and is free to enter.
  • Afternoon: Tour Dawukou Coal Washing Plant Industrial Heritage Park and see the old railway tracks, factory buildings, and other industrial remains.
  • Evening: Go to Xinghai Lake Wetland Park for a walk and to watch the sunset. Stay overnight in Dawukou District for convenient dining.
• Day 2: Sand Lake Landscape Experience
  • Full day: Visit Sand Lake Ecotourism Area. You can choose a package that includes admission, a large boat ride, and desert sightseeing activities. First take a boat through the reed marshes, then head to the desert area for sand sliding and camel riding, and enjoy the scenery where lake and desert meet.
  • Evening: Return to the city, or stay at a guesthouse near Sand Lake. For dinner, you can try the local Huangquqiao stir-fried lamb.
• Day 3: Ancient Architecture and Distinctive Scenery
  • Morning: Visit Pingluo Jade Emperor Pavilion to learn about the form and details of Ming dynasty architecture. Alternatively, go to Bei Wudang Ecotourism Area to climb the mountain, pray for blessings, and look out over the remaining range of the Helan Mountains.
  • Afternoon: If you have enough time, you can drive to Shitanjing Industrial Culture and Tourism Town or Dadenggou Emerald Lake. On sunny days, the water of Emerald Lake appears blue-green. After that, arrange your return trip.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport:
  • Self-driving: It takes about 1 hour from Yinchuan and about 2 hours from Zhongwei. Driving makes it easier to connect several attractions. Road conditions along the way are fairly good, and a regular car can make the trip.
  • Public transport: You can take a high-speed train to Shizuishan Station or Shahu Station. City buses and shared electric bikes are convenient to use, but for attractions such as Bei Wudang and Shitanjing, you will usually need to take a taxi or hire a car. On local buses, press the stop button or signal the driver before you get off, otherwise the bus may not stop.
• Accommodation:
  • Dawukou District is a good first choice, such as around Xinghai Lake or near the pedestrian street. Restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping facilities are concentrated here, transport is convenient, and hotel prices are about 150–300 yuan per night.
  • If you plan to go to Sand Lake early the next morning, you can stay at a guesthouse near Sand Lake or in Pingluo County to shorten the next day’s journey.

Practical Tips

• Sun and wind protection: UV rays are strong in northwest China, and sand and wind are noticeable around Sand Lake and the Helan Mountains. It is recommended to prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf.
• Prepare for temperature differences: The day-night temperature difference is large. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so also pay attention to wind and sand protection.
• Choose scenic area packages: When visiting Sand Lake, it is recommended to buy a package that includes the boat ticket. A standalone entrance ticket does not allow access to the desert area, and buying a boat ticket later is usually more expensive.
• Be aware of local flavors: Local food is mainly based on beef, lamb, and noodles, and the overall flavors are fairly strong. Visitors who prefer lighter food can tell the restaurant in advance. When eating lamb, you can pair it with herbal tea or cold dishes.
• Pay attention to safety: Some natural attractions, such as Emerald Lake and Guidegou, are not yet fully developed and may not have guardrails on site. Do not enter the water or climb, and watch your footing. Drones are usually prohibited in scenic areas.