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Pingluo Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com
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Yinchuan 3 days 2 nights | Experience the frontier autumn scenery for 1,000+, the reeds and migratory birds are breathtaking
Yinchuan in late October is truly as beautiful as a painting! 🏜️ This 3-day itinerary connects Shahu, Zhenbeipu, and Helan Mountain. It costs 1,000–1,600 yuan per person. Travelers who want to see the frontier autumn scenery and wetland reeds, just follow this plan! 👇 First, the conclusion: Go to Shahu for water and birds, and Zhenbeipu for photos and the film studio. The two places are in opposite directions (east and north), so it is more relaxed to spend 1 day at each~ 🌟 Why visit in late October? After the frost season, Yinchuan is 14°C during the day and 2°C in the morning and evening. It is mostly sunny, but the wind is a bit biting 💨 By late October, the reeds at Shahu are all white, and the migratory birds in the lake are gathering! There are many more swans and grey cranes than in September, and it is truly stunning! The camel thorn on the Gobi Desert under Helan Mountain has turned yellow, and the earth walls of Zhenbeipu have a warm color in the setting sun. Compared to summer, there are no mosquitoes and it is not too sunny, making the experience top-notch! 🌾 📍 Quick trip overview ✅ Suitable for: Photography / families / those who like deserts and wetlands ✅ Recommended duration: 3 days 2 nights | Physical intensity: Low to medium ✅ Cost per person: 1,000–1,600 yuan (excluding long-distance travel) 🗺️ 3-day itinerary breakdown Day 1️⃣ Wetland route Morning: Shahu (admission 50 yuan + boat ticket 80 yuan, opens at 9:00, take the boat first 🛶) Afternoon: Bird Island (included in the boat ticket) > Reed Maze Evening: Return to the city to watch the sunset at Lanshan Park 🌅 Day 2️⃣ Film studio and rock paintings Morning: Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio (100 yuan, opens at 9:00, see the Moon Gate first 🎬) Afternoon: Helan Mountain Rock Paintings (70 yuan) > Baisikou Twin Pagodas (30 yuan) Evening: Eat snacks at Huaiyuan Night Market 🌙 Day 3️⃣ Mausoleums and old town Morning: Western Xia Imperial Tombs (75 yuan, includes sightseeing bus) > Western Xia Museum Afternoon: Chengtian Temple Pagoda (15 yuan) > Drum Tower and Yuhuang Pavilion (free) Evening: Return trip ✈️ 🍜 Hidden gem food (where locals go) 1. Xingqing District "Laomao Shouzhua" (Drum Tower branch): Hand-grabbed lamb, 80 yuan per person. A time-honored brand that locals have eaten since childhood. The dipping sauce is salt and garlic, it is amazing! 🤤 2. Jinfeng District Xinhua Street "Tongxinchun": Lamb offal soup + Eight Treasure Tea, 35 yuan per person. A common breakfast spot for locals, paired with a fried dough cake (youxiang), it is warming and satisfying~ ☕ 3. Xixia District Huaiyuan Night Market "La Huhu" stall: La Huhu skewers, 30 yuan per person. A late-night hangout for local young people, the atmosphere is very lively after 8:00 PM 🔥 ⚠️ Pitfalls I encountered (save this to avoid them!) ❌ The first time I bought a Shahu admission ticket, I didn't notice the boat ticket was separate. I only realized I needed another 80 yuan after entering the park. Buying a combo ticket is more worry-free! ❌ The first time I arrived at Zhenbeipu at noon, tour groups were arriving one after another. The light is better and there are fewer people before 9:00! ❌ The first time I wore light-colored shoes to the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings, they got covered in Gobi dust. Dark-colored sneakers are more suitable! ❌ The first time I drove to Shahu, I parked in the wrong parking lot and had to walk 2 kilometers to the pier. The main entrance parking lot is closer to the pier! ❌ The first time I rented a full set of ancient costumes at the film studio, it was charged by the hour and went over budget. Negotiate the price before wearing them! ❌ The first time I only brought a thin jacket to watch the sunset in October, my hands went numb from the wind at the mountain pass. Bring a windbreaker with you! 💰 Cost breakdown (per person) Admission tickets 420 yuan (Shahu 130 + Film Studio 100 + Rock Paintings 70 + Twin Pagodas 30 + Western Xia Tombs 75 + Chengtian Temple 15) City transportation 2–10 yuan/trip Accommodation 160–380 yuan/night Dining 40–90 yuan/meal 3-day total 1,000–1,600 yuan ✨ 💡 Practical tips 🚌 Transportation: Shahu is about 50 km northeast of the city, and Zhenbeipu is about 30 km northwest. Both have buses or special lines 🏨 Accommodation: Stay in the Drum Tower area of Xingqing District if you want to visit the night market, or Jinfeng District if you want quiet 🧥 Clothing: In late October, it is 14°C during the day and 2°C in the morning and evening. Bring a windbreaker + warm inner layers. It is windy in the Gobi, so a scarf is recommended 📸 Photography: The reeds at Shahu have great layers when backlit; the earth walls of Zhenbeipu have very warm colors at 4:00 PM 🎫 Booking: You can buy tickets for Shahu and the Western Xia Tombs online to save queuing time; you can buy tickets on-site for the film studio — ❓ Shahu or Zhenbeipu, which frontier autumn scenery would you visit first? Let's chat in the comments section~ 💬
Ningxia Travel Guide!
Ningxia Travel Guide: Experience the Yellow River, vast deserts, ancient cities, and the Helan Mountains in one trip✨ Ningxia may be small, but it offers a wealth of experiences: head to the western line of Yinchuan for cultural heritage sites, visit Zhongwei to chase the Yellow River and deserts, or choose free city spots for easy photo opportunities. The comprehensive route below connects classic attractions with lesser-known gems, perfect for first-time visitors who want to avoid extensive planning. I. Must-Visit Attractions in Ningxia 1. Yinchuan Suburbs: Culture, Film, and the Helan Mountains · Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio: Ancient loess city with a cinematic feel, perfect for photos. · Helan Mountain Rock Art: View ancient carvings and experience the wild atmosphere at the foot of the Helan Mountains. · Western Xia Imperial Tombs: Relics of the Western Xia dynasty at the foot of the Helan Mountains, offering a sense of desolation and history. · Shahu Lake: A place where lakes, reeds, and deserts meet, suitable for family trips. 2. Zhongwei Line: Yellow River, Desert, and Scenic Roads · Shapotou: The iconic spot where the Yellow River meets the desert. · Route 66: A road featuring deserts and distant mountains, great for photos. · Yellow River Scenic Belt: Perfect for walking and watching the sunset. 3. Free Lesser-Known Spots · Lanshan Park: A great place to watch the sunset in Yinchuan. · Yinchuan Culture City: Atmospheric night views, perfect for a night tour. · Yinchuan Drum Tower: Located in the center of the old city, ideal for a city walk. · Yellow River Scenic Belt: Relaxing, free, and easygoing. II. Recommended Comprehensive Routes One-Day Trip Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio → Helan Mountain Rock Art → Sunset at Lanshan Park Suitable for those with limited time who want to experience Yinchuan's representative attractions in one go. Film the studio in the morning, see the rock art in the afternoon, and head to Lanshan Park for the sunset in the evening. Two-Day Trip Day 1: Western Xia Imperial Tombs → Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio → Lanshan Park Day 2: Yinchuan → Shapotou → Route 66 → Return Suitable for first-time visitors to Ningxia who want to experience Western Xia history, the film studio, and the Yellow River desert. Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended for a more stress-free trip. III. Travel Tips for Ningxia Accommodation · In Yinchuan, stay near the Xixia District, Jinfeng District, or the old city for convenient dining and transportation. · In Zhongwei, stay around Shapotou to experience the desert atmosphere, or in the Zhongwei city center for convenient dining and lodging. Dining · Must-try dishes: Hand-grabbed mutton, sheep offal soup, beef noodles for breakfast, braised meat, youxiang (fried dough), and eight-treasure tea. · Portions in Ningxia are generally large; ordering three dishes and one soup is usually enough for two people. Travel Reminders · The temperature difference between day and night in Ningxia is significant, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket even in summer. · The climate is dry, so drink plenty of water and focus on sun protection and moisturizing. · Distances between scenic spots are long; self-driving or hiring a car is more convenient. · Pay attention to the opening hours of historical sites and museums, as many are closed on Mondays. · When taking photos on the road, be mindful of oncoming traffic and do not occupy the road for long periods. Ningxia is truly perfect for a short trip! It has the grandeur of the Helan Mountains, the gentleness of the Yellow River, the vastness of the desert, and the vibrant life of ancient cities. The route doesn't need to be complicated: spend one day exploring the Yinchuan western line and another day visiting Zhongwei to see the Yellow River and desert. If you have more time, connect the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio, Helan Mountain Rock Art, Shapotou, and Route 66. In the evening, head to Lanshan Park to wait for the sunset. There are no crowded itineraries here, just the wind, distant mountains, and time slowing down.
Follow "Dragon Restaurant" to Ningxia! Filmed until my phone died
Ladies!!! Shen Teng's new film "Welcome to Dragon Restaurant" was actually filmed in Ningxia!! I went for it immediately! This incredible route—"Film Mining Area → Desert Lake → Prehistoric Ruins"—is legendary after a 3-day trip👇 Stop 1: Shitanjing Industrial Cultural Tourism Film Town (1 day) Drive into the heart of the Helan Mountains. Red brick factories, mottled railway tracks, and rusty mining lamps—the industrial vibe is off the charts! This is the "natural film studio" for nearly 60 movies and TV shows, including "Welcome to Dragon Restaurant," "Home Coming," and "Minning Town"🎬 Must-visit: 🔥 Xinhua Street Film Street—Find the exact filming spots by comparing with movie screenshots; 100% photo success rate! 🔥 No. 8 Spring Cement Plant Ruins—The same scene from "Home Coming"; every shot is a blockbuster 🔥 Red Lake + Emerald Lake—One blood-red, one emerald-green like silk; a stunning secret spot after Helan Mountain's ecological restoration 🔥 "Old Mining Area Time Restaurant"—The owner, Ge Yihong, is a 64-year-old "living map." The shop is full of vintage items like black-and-white TVs and sewing machines; pure nostalgia! 💡Tips: After "Dragon Restaurant" is released in 2026, it receives 2,000+ visitors daily! We recommend visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds. The "Travel with Movies" themed activities are super fun, so remember to keep an eye out in advance! Stop 2: Shahu Scenic Area (1 day) Transfer from Shitanjing to Shahu in Pingluo County—a "desert-water symbiosis" spectacle with 45 km² of water and 22.5 km² of desert, unique in the country!🌊 Must-experience: 🏜️ Ride a camel through the desert → take a boat through the reed marshes → scream as you slide down the sand slide cableway; unlock both "desert + Jiangnan" modes with one ticket 🦢 Bird watching at the Bird Paradise—over 130 species of birds, 1.5 million in total! Black cranes, white cranes, and scaly-sided mergansers all make their home here 🎨 Sand Sculpture Garden + Lotus Garden + Western Desert; there are so many photo spots you won't be able to capture them all 💡Tips: Admission is CNY 50, opens at 8:00 AM. Taking a boat to see the reflection of the Great Wall is amazing—the Great Wall and cliffs are reflected in the water, with blue skies and white clouds covering the lake surface; every shot is wallpaper-worthy! Stop 3: Shuidonggou Scenic Area (1 day) The last stop is back to Lingwu, Yinchuan! A 30,000-year-old Paleolithic site + 500-year-old Ming Dynasty Great Wall + millions-of-years-old Yardang landforms; travel back ten thousand years in a second⏰ Must-see: 🏯 Zangbing Cave (Hidden Soldier Cave)—The only complete ancient three-dimensional military defense system preserved in the country; it's full of underground intrigue and feels incredibly immersive! 🦕 Shuidonggou Site Museum—Over 30,000 stone artifacts unearthed; the birthplace of Chinese prehistoric archaeology, so stunning it leaves you speechless 🐎 "Song of the Northern Frontier" live-action equestrian epic—Mongolian stunt riders + 100 horses; a perfect blend of people, horses, and scenery, with 50 minutes of non-stop excitement! 🏜️ Devil City + Grand Canyon + Hongshan Lake—The Yardang landforms are a masterpiece of nature; taking a boat to see the Great Wall is also a unique experience 💡Tips: Admission is CNY 60, closes at 6:00 PM from April–October. You can enter from the South Gate or the North Gate in Otog Front Banner, Inner Mongolia; plan flexibly! 🚗 Itinerary suggestion: Depart from Yinchuan → Shitanjing (approx. 1.5 hours) → Shahu (approx. 40 mins) → Shuidonggou (approx. 1 hour); 3 days and 2 nights is just right! Ningxia is truly severely underrated! This route takes you from industrial ruins to desert galaxies and prehistoric times; every frame is like a movie scene. Ladies, go for it!🔥
Yinchuan weekend tour | A detailed guide to visiting the Western Xia Imperial Tombs
📍Basic information 📍Address: Xixia District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia, east foot of Helan Mountain ⏰Best time to visit: May–October; sunset offers the best views; avoid midday heat 🕒Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours 🚗Transportation · Self-drive: About 40 minutes from downtown Yinchuan, parking available at the site · Public transport: Tourist shuttle available from downtown; taxis and ride-sharing also options · On-site: The ruins cover a large area, so taking the sightseeing shuttle is highly recommended 🎫Ticket information · Adult pass: 95 yuan (includes museum and Tomb No. 3 site) · Sightseeing shuttle: 20 yuan, must buy, as the ruins are far apart · Discounts: Half price for students; free admission for seniors 60 and older, shuttle fare not included 🚶Tour route Visitor center → Western Xia Museum (must visit to understand the history) → Sightseeing shuttle → Tomb No. 3 site (core area) → Que platform and offering hall ruins → Burial area Recommended order: Visit the museum first, then the ruins. Understanding the history before seeing the rammed earth ruins greatly enhances the experience. 🗓Sample itinerary Yinchuan one-day tour Morning: Western Xia Imperial Tombs, 3–4 hours Afternoon: Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio, evening return to Yinchuan city to watch the sunset at Lanshan Park Ningxia 2–3 day itinerary Day 1: Western Xia Imperial Tombs + Lanshan Park Day 2: Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio + Shahu Lake Day 3: Shapotou (optional) 🍜Local must-try foods ✅Hand-pulled lamb: Ningxia specialty, tender meat ✅Lamb offal soup: Yinchuan breakfast specialty ✅Ningxia sandy lamb hot pot and stewed snacks ✅Niangpi (cold noodles), sweet fermented rice drink, northwest snacks 💰Cost reference · Accommodation: Downtown Yinchuan, off-season 160–280 yuan, peak season 260–450 yuan · One-day tour per person (excluding major transport): 260–450 yuan ⚠Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The Gobi area has very strong UV rays. Be sure to use sun protection, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 2. Large temperature difference between day and night. Bring a light jacket for sunset viewing. 3. The ruins are rammed earth relics. Do not climb or step on the earth mounds. 4. No large trees for shade at the site. It feels very hot at noon, so try to arrive early or in the afternoon or evening. 5. The site sells Western Xia cultural products. Purchase as needed.
Yinchuan Zhongwei | Capture stunning sunset and starry sky shots for just 185 per person! \
Wow! Discovered an absolutely beautiful photo route 📸 Yinchuan Zhongwei is truly a hidden gem for unique and photogenic spots! Today, I’m sharing 9 must-visit locations Every shot is a guaranteed hit on social media 💥 🌟 [Tengger Study Camp] A breathtaking campsite in the wilderness ⛺️ Stay in a star tent for just 185 per person The night sky and Milky Way are simply breathtaking! 📸 [Route 66] China’s version of Route 66 🚗 Desolate roads and stunning canyons A must-visit for cool girls! 🌙 [Shapotou Scenic Area] A magical experience of hot pot under the stars ✨ Desert sunset paired with hot pot Romance level maxed out! 🌾 [Ming Great Wall Ruins] A perfect blend of desolation and grandeur A clash of history and modernity Every angle is incredibly photogenic! 🌞 [Beichangtan] A primitive village by the Yellow River Experience authentic northwest culture Every snap is a cultural masterpiece! 🌵 [Jinsha Island] The sapphire in the desert 💎 A magical fusion of lake and desert Go capture the Maldives in the desert! 🏜️ [Shahu Lake] A stunning scene where water meets sky Reeds + desert + lake It’s like God spilled a paint palette 🎨 🎈 [Gaomiao] A century-old ancient architectural complex Red walls and green tiles with classic charm Effortless shots for traditional Chinese style! 💫 [Shapotou Starry Sky Campsite] Lie in bed and watch the stars 🌌 The Milky Way and meteor showers all in view A paradise for photography lovers! Each of these spots offers breathtaking photo opportunities Save this and get ready to go! Don’t forget to bring enough power banks and scarves haha
Stayed in a starry sky room on the edge of the desert. The night was so dreamy
🌟Everyone! I found a seriously underrated treasure spot! Shizuishan Shitanjing industrial cultural tourism and film town This place is a paradise for photography lovers! Vintage industrial style + Gobi desert vibe, every shot looks like a blockbuster! 📍First stop: Shitanjing industrial cultural tourism and film town Ticket: 60 yuan (half price for students/seniors) Opening hours: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM Parking: free This is the filming location for over 40 movies and TV shows including "Homecoming" and "Minning Town"! It preserves a complete set of industrial and mining buildings from the 1960s to the 1990s Walking in feels like traveling back to that era 🎬Must-see spots: · Abandoned factory - full of industrial ruins vibe · Old mining district street - strong sense of the era · Circular plaza - the core area of the entire park · Vintage dress-up - military coats, work pants, old bicycles Tested myself! Photos here come out amazing! Recommended to wear vintage or workwear style Every shot looks like a movie poster Plus, there aren’t many tourists, so no waiting! ⚠️Important reminder: Tickets are not sold on site! You must book at least 3 days in advance through official channels Daily visitor limit is 15,000. Book early during peak season There is a shuttle inside the park for 15 yuan per person If you’re fit, you can walk. The main scenic loop takes about 2 hours 📍Second stop: Dawukou coal washing plant industrial heritage park Free! Free! Free! This is a historical witness from the Third Front construction period Carrying memories of several generations The plant area is spacious and retains many original facilities Industrial style fans definitely can’t miss this! 🏠Accommodation recommendation: ⛰️The guesthouse is near the south gate of Shahu Scenic Area, just a few minutes’ drive into the park. The surroundings are very quiet, with no commercial noise ⛰️The room has two huge floor-to-ceiling windows plus a circular viewing window, with incredible natural light! The balcony faces west☀️ so you can watch the desert sunset lying in bed ⛰️At night, open the window to see a sky full of stars. The balcony has a lounge chair and a small tea table🍵 so you can count stars while enjoying the breeze. It’s breathtakingly romantic✨ This starry sky room is truly amazing! The roof has a skylight design You can watch the stars without going outside at night In July, the Milky Way is clearly visible This kind of experience is impossible in the city! 📍Third stop: Huaxia Qishi Mountain cultural tourism area Located by Xinghai Lake, a national 4A-level scenic spot Features a rare stone appraisal area, stone carving art area, and hot spring leisure area The most amazing thing is that this used to be a power plant ash disposal site Now it’s transformed into a cultural tourism area A model of eco-friendly renovation! 📍Fourth stop: Galaxy Bay ecological tourism area There is a professional ecological science corridor here You can deeply learn about the wetland ecosystem Walking through, the reeds sway in the wind The red willow forest is graceful Taking a walk here on a July evening Is truly very healing! 🚗Transportation guide: Strongly recommend driving! It’s about a 40-minute drive from Shizuishan city center to Shitanjing About 30 minutes to Shahu The distances between attractions are not short It’s really inconvenient without a car If starting from Yinchuan: Take the Jingzang Expressway to the Shizuishan exit About 1.5 hours total Toll fees are reasonable and the road conditions are good 🍽️Food tips: There aren’t many restaurants near Shitanjing It’s recommended to bring some snacks and water Or return to the city for meals Dawukou district has many authentic Ningxia dishes Hand-pulled lamb, lamb offal stew, wolfberry chicken stew All must-try dishes! 💰Cost breakdown (3 days 2 nights): Shitanjing ticket: 60 yuan Shahu combo ticket: 238 yuan Other attractions: mostly free Accommodation: starry sky room 300–400 yuan per person per night Meals: 150 yuan per person per day Fuel + tolls: 100 yuan per person Total: 1,200–1,500 yuan per person ✨Exclusive tips: Avoid the 10:30 AM–2:00 PM peak visitor hours at Shitanjing Bring enough water and snacks, there are limited options inside the park Starry sky rooms are very popular, book at least one week in advance July nights drop to about 20 degrees Celsius, bring a jacket Be careful when photographing industrial heritage sites, don’t climb on dangerous facilities Galaxy Bay is most beautiful at dusk, with excellent lighting This deep trip to Shizuishan was truly rewarding! From industrial heritage to natural ecology From vintage nostalgia to starry romance Every day brought new surprises Shizuishan in July is definitely worth a special visit!
Yinchuan (including Inner Mongolia) 10-day, 9-night car rental self-drive independent travel guide!
The 10-day, 9-night trip to Yinchuan (including Inner Mongolia) has ended. This is my 24th long-distance trip since retirement (trips within 3 days are not counted). Yinchuan, Ningxia (including Inner Mongolia) 10-day, 9-night car rental self-drive independent travel guide: Yinchuan city: South Gate Tower, Chengtian Temple Pagoda, Yuhuang Pavilion, Gulou (Drum Tower), Ziqiang Alley, Catholic Church, Nanguan Mosque, Lanshan Park, Ningxia Museum, Ningxia People's Theater; Shahu Lake, Shuizhong (Troop-Hiding Cave), Ningxia Yellow River First Bridge, Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon, Yellow River Tower (exterior view), Shapotou (scenic area and desert area), Yellow River Suji, Zhongwei Route 66; Inner Mongolia: Tonghu Grassland, Tengger Desert, off-road vehicle five-lake crossing – Swan Lake, Ulan Lake, Camel Lake, Hailiuqi Lake (also known as Egg Yolk Lake), Guitar Lake; Manpu Town "See Helan" Performing Arts Center, Turandot Wine Town, Longyu Winery, Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio, Ancient Rock Painting Site Park, Han Meilin Art Museum. Back home to continue planning trips [Grin][Grin][Grin] Always on the road [Joyful][Joyful][Joyful]
Stayed at a desert hotel in Ningxia and completely relaxed.
🌅 Slow Life in Pingluo|Two days in the "South of the Great Wall" that healed me completely To be honest, before going to Pingluo, I didn’t have high expectations. I thought it was just a small county town—what fun could there be? But after spending two days there, I didn’t want to leave. The pace here is so slow—you can spend an entire afternoon watching clouds drift by, walk around the lake again and again, and suddenly realize that life doesn’t have to be so rushed. · -- I left Yinchuan on Friday afternoon and drove for an hour to get there. When I first arrived in Pingluo County, my first impression was quietness. The roads are wide, there aren’t many cars, and the trees along the street are lush. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. After settling my luggage, I went out for a stroll. My first stop was Yuhuang Pavilion, right in the town center, within walking distance. Honestly, I wasn’t very interested in ancient buildings before, thinking they all looked the same. But Yuhuang Pavilion is different—it’s not a ticketed tourist spot fenced off; it’s right in the middle of the town, surrounded by vegetable markets, small shops, and kids coming home from school, full of everyday life’s warmth. I went there at dusk; the sunset lit up the pavilion’s eaves in golden hues. Downstairs, old men played chess, ladies danced in the square, and children ran around. The blend of history and daily life felt magical. The entrance fee to climb the pavilion was just a few yuan, and from the top, you can see a panoramic view of the whole county. Standing on the pavilion looking down, rows of single-story houses stretch out, with the outline of the Helan Mountains in the distance. The sunset dyed the sky orange, and as the wind blew, everything calmed down. At that moment, I suddenly understood why so many people love small cities. Because here, time is yours—you don’t have to rush, worry about KPIs, or scroll anxiously on your phone. You just stand there, watch the clouds, watch the sunset, and that’s enough. · -- The next day, I went to Tianhewan Wetland Park. This place is truly a hidden gem with very few people; when I was there, I almost had it all to myself. The wetland park is built along the Yellow River, with vast reed beds. Walking on the wooden boardwalk, reeds sway on both sides, and the rustling sound of the wind is very soothing. Along the boardwalk, you occasionally see water birds flying out of the reeds, fluttering over the water, then diving back into the other side. I walked on the boardwalk for almost two hours and met very few people. Just walking slowly alone, listening to the wind, water, and birds, with an empty mind, looking at the green scenery and breathing in the moist air. Honestly, those were the most relaxing two hours I’ve had in the past six months. Usually, in the city, my mind is always racing, always handling something, always rushing to the next deadline. But here, you don’t have to think about anything—just walk, watch, listen, and that’s enough. At noon, I found a small local restaurant near the park, ordered a bowl of noodles for just over ten yuan. The portion was generous, affordable, and the taste was excellent. The owner was a local and very friendly. He told me that summers here are especially comfortable, and at night you need a blanket to sleep because it’s much cooler than Yinchuan. · -- In the afternoon, I visited Miaomiao Lake Ecotourism Area. This place is quite interesting—it has a lake, desert, and grassland all together, a very magical combination. The lake is small but very clear, with a sandy beach where you can dip your feet. The desert isn’t large either, but the sand dunes are beautiful. Climbing up, you can see the entire lake panorama. I sat on the dune for a long time, watching the sparkling lake surface, the distant grassland shining green, and the wind making waves in the grass. The clouds that day were especially beautiful, fluffy like cotton candy, drifting very slowly. I just sat on the sand, watching the clouds float, the water ripple, the grass sway, and the birds fly. Doing nothing, just sitting. Normally, I would think this is a waste of time, but that day I felt this is what life really is. We are so busy every day, but what is it all for? Isn’t it for moments like this? No rushing, no thinking, just quietly being, feeling the wind, the sunlight, and the breath. · -- In the evening, back in town, I found a street stall and ordered some skewers, eating while enjoying the breeze. July nights in Pingluo are especially cool, around 20°C, making outdoor dining very comfortable. The streets are quiet with few people, and the occasional car passes by slowly. I suddenly understood why so many people flee big cities to live in small towns. It’s not that small towns are better, but their pace and atmosphere let you slow down, catch your breath, and remember how life is supposed to be. · -- The two days passed quickly, and I felt a bit reluctant to leave. Pingluo doesn’t have any particularly stunning attractions, no trendy check-in spots, and no must-try foods. But it has a kind of magic that makes you slow down, relax, and realize life doesn’t have to be so exhausting. If you’ve been feeling stressed, suffocated, or that life is meaningless lately, I really recommend you take a weekend and spend two days in Pingluo. No need to rush to attractions or plan a detailed itinerary—just wander, look around, and sit wherever you like. You’ll find the wind is cool, the clouds move slowly, and life doesn’t have to be so hurried. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Yinchuan Helan Anmo Hotel A wild luxury resort hotel at the foot of the Helan Mountains, perfectly blending desert style with a vineyard. It combines design and comfort, is not far from Pingluo, convenient for self-driving, and a top choice for quality vacations. 🏨 Shahu Holiday Hotel A resort hotel inside the 5A-level Shahu Scenic Area, beside the lake and sand, with lake views from the window. The environment is quiet, facilities are complete, perfect for both vacation and leisure. Staying one night in the scenic area doubles the experience. 🏨 Pingluo Glamping Shadao Jimei Camping Hotel (Shahu Scenic Area Branch) A light luxury camping hotel on the south shore of Shahu Lake, with wild luxury tents built by the lake. You can watch the sunrise and sunset from bed, enjoy stunning starry night views, and the atmosphere is perfect for young people and couples. 🏨 Shahu Meiyu Villa (Shahu Scenic Area Branch) A standalone villa next to Shahu Scenic Area, very private, spacious, and fully equipped. Suitable for family trips or friends traveling together. The scenic area is right outside the door, convenient and comfortable. · --
July Exclusive! A Thousand-Mu Lotus Garden Hidden in the Desert
Who would have thought, family! At the edge of the vast northwest desert, there’s actually a lotus garden spanning over a thousand mu! You might not believe it when I say it, before the trip, I was even complaining, · otus flowers in the northwest desert? That must be a joke. But when I got there, I was completely proven wrong, the lotus ponds stretch endlessly over a thousand mu, pink and white lotuses crowded among the lush green leaves, a breeze carries the full scent of lotus, and when you turn around, you see golden sand dunes, this striking contrast between desert and Jiangnan scenery is truly amazing and breathtaking! July is the peak blooming season, and it’s said there are dozens of lotus varieties here, ranging from pink to white to pale green, · ayer upon layer blooming vibrantly. The most incredible thing is the scale of the lotus garden, it’s not just a small pond in a park, it’s really thousands of mu connected as one, standing on the wooden boardwalk looking far away, the lotus flowers stretch all the way to the foot of the desert, this visual impact, photos can’t even capture one ten-thousandth of it. 🌿 Best Time to Enjoy the Lotus From 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM is when the lotus flowers are fully open, after a night of nourishment, each flower blooms especially plump, with dewdrops sparkling on the petals, few people and soft light make for amazing photos! Also, the temperature is low in the morning, making it very comfortable to stroll, unlike the scorching midday sun. From 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM you can capture sunset silhouettes, the orange-red sky reflecting on the water, even the lotus flowers are edged with golden light. The light is softest at this time, perfect for portrait photography, making skin look smooth like it’s been airbrushed. Plus, most visitors have left by evening, the whole lotus pond feels like it’s just you, quiet except for the sound of wind rustling the lotus leaves, that feeling is truly healing. 🚶 Recommended Lotus Viewing Route Enter through the scenic area gate, first take a boat through the reed marsh, about a 30-minute ride to reach the Lotus Garden. The boat ride itself is a pleasure, passing through a maze of reeds covering thousands of mu, the reeds on both sides taller than a person, rustling in the wind, occasionally water birds fluttering up. At the Lotus Garden, the wooden boardwalk winds through the lotus pond, walking on it, lotus flowers bloom on both sides, the leaves are big enough to use as umbrellas, you can reach out and touch them. There are several viewing platforms along the boardwalk, each offering a different view, it’s recommended to stop at each and take some photos. At the deepest part, there’s a pavilion in the middle of the lake, sit there to enjoy the breeze, smell the full pond of lotus fragrance, and gaze at the distant desert, it really feels like a time travel experience. 💡 Photo Tips ▫️Wear light-colored long dresses or modern Chinese-style clothes, they match the lotus perfectly; pale green and off-white are the best for photos ▫️Use lotus leaves as the foreground to create depth and make the picture less monotonous ▫️Natural poses like looking down to smell the flower or gently touching petals work best, avoid stiff standing poses ▫️Shooting from a low angle can avoid crowds and capture the stunning full pond of lotus, with the sky as a clean background ▫️Bring small props like a round fan or oil-paper umbrella for atmosphere ▫️For close-ups, half-open buds look best, more charming than fully open flowers 🦢 Nearby Must-Visit Spots Don’t rush to leave after enjoying the lotus, right next door is Bird Island, where you can see egrets, swans, and other water birds, if lucky, you might witness the spectacular sight of migratory birds flying in groups. You can bring some bread to feed the swans, they will swim right up to you, very friendly and great for photos. Further inside is the desert area, where you can try sand sliding, camel riding, and desert dune buggy rides. In the morning, enjoy the Jiangnan-style lotus pond, in the afternoon, experience the grandeur of the desert, two completely different sceneries in one day, this trip is truly worth it! Especially at sunset, the desert turns golden, complementing the lotus pond and reeds in the distance, the beauty is beyond words. ⏰ Practical Information Scenic area opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Recommended visit duration: 4-6 hours Remember to bring sun protection in July, the sun at the desert edge is quite strong, make sure to have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a bottle of water, it’s not very convenient to buy things inside the scenic area. If you want to shoot morning lotus, it’s best to stay near the scenic area, enter right when it opens in the morning, when there are the fewest people and the flowers are at their best. · -- Accommodation 🏨 Pingluo Glamping Shadao Jimei Camping Hotel (Shahu Scenic Area Branch) A camping hotel inside Shahu Scenic Area, with vast sandy sea as the backdrop, experience ultimate luxury camping 🏨 Shahu Meiyu Villa (Shahu Scenic Area Branch) 500 meters east of Shahu Scenic Area exit, standalone villa design, private, quiet, and beautiful environment 🏨 Ningxia Shahu Holiday Hotel Garden-style business resort hotel, Spanish architectural style, pleasant scenery by the sand and water 🏨 Shahu Lake Resident Homestay (Shahu Scenic Area Branch) Open the window to reed marshes, listen to the water waves lull you to sleep at night, immersive wetland ecological experience · --
Ningxia · Adventure into the Desert Planet with Kids!
Ultimate family travel route, kids keep talking about it after coming home👇 📸 Shapotou & Tengger Desert & Sand Lake Sand sliding, camel riding, and Yellow River zipline at Shapotou—kids have a blast! Camp under the stars in Tengger Desert, desert dune buggy rides are even more thrilling than roller coasters. At Sand Lake, take a boat to see the reeds and enjoy both sand and water activities. 🎬 Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio & Helan Mountain Rock Art & Western Xia Tombs Dress up as Zixia Fairy and Supreme Treasure at the film studio, kids also wear warrior costumes. Search for the Sun God pattern in Helan Mountain rock art, like a treasure hunt game. Ride a horse carriage around the Western Xia Tombs and listen to fascinating stories. 🔍 Shuidonggou & Yellow River Grand Canyon & Lanshan Park Explore tunnels, ride donkey carts, and climb the Great Wall at Shuidonggou—travel back 30,000 years in one day. At Qinglongxia, ride a sheepskin raft and see the 108 towers. Chase the sunset in front of Roman columns at Lanshan Park, kids run wild flying kites. 🚗 Family Tips: ✔️ Sunscreen and neck gaiters for Shapotou/Tengger Desert ✔️ Bring an extra jacket 💬 Kids say: We want to come dig in the sand again next time! Shapotou
What people are saying about Pingluo
Sand Lake
The direct shuttle bus between Yinchuan and Shahu Lake is incredibly convenient! Multiple pick-up points in the city, scheduled departures, and a direct route to the scenic area. Clean vehicles, steady driving, pure sightseeing with no shopping stops or hidden costs. Includes boat ticket. Return trip at 4:30 PM during the National Day holiday. Reasonable travel time and affordable price.
Anonymous userShahu Scenic Area - Loulan Ancient City
It's worth going to see the ancient city of Loulan that has been completely preserved in the desert!
爱旅游的【楠】Helan Mountain Rock Painting
The scenic area is quite large, but its main attraction is rather singular: the various rock paintings carved into the cliff faces. However, since they are remnants of the daily lives of ancient people, they are still worth seeing.
M41***34China West Film Studio
This shopping experience truly exceeded my expectations. The quality and workmanship of the products were exceptionally solid, and the brand's dedication was evident in the details. The logistics and delivery were also very fast, and the packaging was intact. The customer service was patient and meticulous in answering my questions. I will definitely come back again if I have any future needs, and I will also recommend it to my friends.
拓海零零狗Ningxia Museum
The building is grand and the facilities are good, but the introduction of the value of key cultural relics needs improvement. The museum should strive to leave a deeper impression on visitors.
M62***79Xinghai Lake
Xinghai Lake is located in the eastern part of Dawukou District, Shizuishan City. The Shanshui Avenue passes through the lake, with a total area of 43 square kilometers and a lake area of more than 20 square kilometers. The scenic area consists of six distinctive scenic spots: Hundred Birds Singing, Golden Western Region, Nansha Sea, Crane Valley, Crescent Sea, and Egret Island.
M22***22Huangshagudu Tourism Scenic Spot
1. This place is amazing! Although I was a bit confused when I entered, the beach buggy ride was super exciting and fun. Everyone on board, young and old, was very happy and didn't want to ride for too long! 2. Finally, we got to ride a camel! 3. There was hardly any queuing throughout the ride, which was so great!
娜娜子2023Xixia Imperial Tombs
I booked free admission for Mondays, but I still needed to buy a shuttle bus ticket, which didn't apply to the number of tombs I visited. Normally, you first visit the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Museum to learn about that period of history, then walk along a rather long path to take the shuttle bus. Generally, you visit Tomb No. 3 first, then take the shuttle bus and horse-drawn carriage to Tomb No. 4, and then take the shuttle bus back to the starting point. The overall route was smooth, and the shuttle bus service was quite timely. However, the distance from the entrance to the shuttle bus station is a bit far, which might be inconvenient for disabled or elderly tourists. Overall, it was a good experience.
_We***91Shapotou Scenic Area
It's definitely worth a visit. The autumn scenery is breathtaking, perfect for taking amazing photos. The experience was great and I'd definitely come back again. I'd love to come back and try other attractions. The staff at the scenic area were very friendly and provided excellent service. Thumbs up!
M32***97Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
Helan Mountain National Forest Park primarily offers a close-up view of the Helan Mountains. The mountain has relatively low vegetation cover and is mainly composed of rocks. You need to take a shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, and then choose to take a cable car or hike to the summit (approximately 20-40 minutes). There are many snacks available on the mountain, as well as spectacular high-altitude acrobatic performances. Along the way, you can also spot wild animals such as blue sheep.
M34***87Pingluo FAQ
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