Zhongwei

Early autumn is a comfortable time to visit Zhongwei, but temperatures vary greatly between day and night in the desert, so bring warm clothing.

Zhongwei brings together desert, Yellow River, Gobi and starry-sky landscapes, making it suitable for a 3-day, 2-night trip.

• Shapotou: A national 5A-rated scenic area where you can see both the Yellow River and the desert. Activities include sandboarding, camel riding, sheepskin-raft rides and desert off-road vehicles, making it suitable for visitors of different ages.

• Tengger Desert: Less crowded than the main scenic area, it is suitable for a Five Lakes crossing, desert camping and stargazing. Light pollution is low, and on clear nights you may see a distinct Milky Way.

• Highway 66: The straight road crosses the Gobi and stretches toward the Yellow River, offering a strong western road landscape. The soft light at dusk is ideal for taking photos along the way.

• Beichangtan Ancient Village: Located at the end of Highway 66, it preserves loess houses and a century-old waterwheel. It was also a filming location for *Minning Town*, and the surroundings remain quiet and rustic.

• Yellow River Lodge Collection: Located near the Yellow River, this group of design-oriented guesthouses features distinctive rammed-earth architecture and is known as the “Morocco of the East.” It is suitable for relaxing and taking photos.

• Gaomiao Bao'an Temple: Located in the city center, this Ming-dynasty architectural complex combines Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist elements. Its buildings rise in layers, and colorful sculptures depicting the “Eighteen Levels of Hell” are preserved underground.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Zhongwei, explore cultural sights and the night market
  • After arriving in Zhongwei in the afternoon, first visit the ancient architecture at Gaomiao Bao'an Temple, then explore around Zhongwei Drum Tower.
  • In the evening, eat at Zhongwei Mall or the Xiangyang Street night market, trying spicy hulu, stir-fried pig tripe strips and grilled gluten.
  • Accommodation: Staying near the Drum Tower makes getting around easy, with plenty of restaurants nearby.
• Day 2: Visit Shapotou and experience the desert at night
  • Head to Shapotou in the morning. Entering through the Waterwheel Gate (Yellow River area) is convenient; start with a speedboat, sheepskin-raft ride and sandboarding.
  • In the afternoon, take the scenic-area shuttle to the desert area for camel riding and a desert off-road vehicle ride, then look out over the Yellow River’s great bend from Wang Wei Viewing Platform.
  • Before dusk, head into the Tengger Desert or to a desert hotel to watch the sunset. In the evening, join a bonfire party and stargaze.
  • Accommodation: Desert Star Hotel or Tengol suits visitors who value the lodging experience. For a lower budget, choose a guesthouse or tent hotel near the desert.
• Day 3: Follow Highway 66 to Beichangtan Ancient Village
  • Head to Highway 66 in the morning. Arriving between 7:00–9:00 or 17:30–19:30 means softer light and fewer visitors; do not stand in the middle of the road when taking photos.
  • Navigate to Beichangtan Ancient Village, where you can take in the character of a northwestern village along the Yellow River and near the old trees.
  • If time allows in the afternoon, visit Chenmo 128 or Morian Art Museum for photos before heading back.

Must-Try Foods in Zhongwei

Choosing Where to Stay

• Desert hotels: Suitable for visitors who want to stay in a desert setting and view the stars. For upscale lodging, choose Desert Star Hotel (2500+), or stay at a nearby guesthouse (around 500). These accommodations are far from the city, making meals less convenient, so confirm whether transportation is provided before booking.

• Yellow River Lodge Collection: Suitable for those who prefer distinctive architecture, photo-friendly surroundings and a slower pace. The architectural style is striking, but prices are high (1000–3000+), and desert off-road activities are unavailable.
• City hotels: Suitable for visitors on a budget who want convenient dining and transportation. Chain hotels near the Drum Tower, such as Atour and Hampton by Hilton, cost 200–500 yuan per night, and a taxi from the city to Shapotou takes about 30 minutes.

Practical Tips and Clothing Suggestions

• Sun and sand protection: UV rays are strong in the desert, so bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun-protection face covering and a hat. Choose high-top shoes or bring gaiters to keep sand out and prevent hot sand from burning your feet.
• Day-night temperature difference: In October, daytime temperatures in Zhongwei may still suit short sleeves, but mornings and evenings cool down noticeably. Bring a windbreaker or light down jacket.
• Getting around: The attractions in Zhongwei are far apart, so driving or hiring a car makes planning easier. For the Tengger Five Lakes crossing, you must use a local off-road vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with the route; self-driving is not recommended.
• Combined tickets: You can usually buy a Shapotou package ticket online in advance (about 360 yuan), which is generally better value than buying activities separately. During holidays, package tickets may be unavailable, requiring separate tickets.
• What to wear for photos: For desert and roadside photos, consider a bright dress, denim style or modern Chinese outfit, paired with sunglasses and a scarf.