Shapotou

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Spot Introduction

Shapotou is China’s first desert tourist attraction, featuring the three natural landscapes of “Yellow River, Desert, and Oasis.” It is a renowned scientific research base for desert control and a tourist destination, known as the “World Desert Control Museum.” This place integrates desert, Yellow River, mountains, and oasis, embodying both the magnificence of the northwest and the beauty of the scenery south of the Yangtze River. The undulating sand dunes and the winding Yellow River within the scenic area form a unique spectacle of “sand and river coexisting.” As a model of China’s desert control projects, Shapotou demonstrates the wisdom of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and its “straw checkerboard” desert control technique is world-renowned.

Shapotou has a long history, dating back to the Han Dynasty as an important post station on the Silk Road. The Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei once penned the eternal verse here: “A lonely smoke rises straight from the desert, the setting sun is round over the long river.” Nowadays, it is not only a significant ecological education base but also a comprehensive tourist area integrating sightseeing, leisure, science popularization, and exploration. Visitors can experience thrilling desert sliding and exciting Yellow River flying fox, or stroll through the desert control achievement exhibition area, feeling the great power of human transformation of nature.

The scenic area is equipped with comprehensive tourist facilities, including a Desert Museum and a Yellow River Culture Exhibition Hall, allowing visitors to learn about desert ecology and Yellow River culture while enjoying themselves. The annual International Desert Tourism Festival attracts numerous domestic and foreign tourists. Shapotou is not only a bright pearl of Ningxia tourism but also a model of China’s ecological civilization construction, showcasing a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Desert Recreation Area

    • Sand Sliding
    • Desert Surfing
    • Suggested playtime: 120 minutes

  2. Yellow River Viewing Platform

    • Scenery of the Yellow River
    • Harmony of Sand and Water
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  3. Sand Control Exhibition Hall

    • Science Popularization Education
    • Achievements in Sand Control
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

  4. Shapotou Cableway

    • Aerial Sightseeing
    • Extreme Experience
    • Suggested playtime: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Optimal Touring Route

    • Sand Control Exhibition → Desert Recreation → Yellow River Sightseeing → Cableway Experience
    • It is recommended to learn before playing

  2. Visiting Schedule Arrangement

    • Depart in the morning
    • Avoid noon
    • Rest adequately

  3. Practical Tips

    • Sunscreen is essential
    • Wear sports attire
    • Bring enough drinking water

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Zhongwei Shapotou Airport
  • Train: Zhongwei Station
  • Bus: Line 1 Shapotou Special Route
  • Self-drive: 20 minutes from Zhongwei downtown
  1. Yellow River Fish
  2. Goji Berries
  3. Grilled Mutton from Shapotou
  4. Zhongwei Local Snacks

Special Reminders

  1. Sunscreen is a must
  2. Wear sneakers
  3. Bring sunglasses and a hat
  4. Prepare drinking water
  5. Stay safe
  6. Bring a camera
  7. Suitable for families with children
  8. Avoid noon.