Ready for an adventure beyond the usual sights? Less than three hours away from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, this tour offers a unique experience for travellers of all kinds—residents, visa-free transit passengers, and more.
Journey through two of China’s most fascinating regions: Ningxia Hui and Inner Mongolia. Discover Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, with its ancient rock paintings, imperial tombs, and film backlots.
The true adventure awaits in the desert! Experience the thrill of desert glamping, sleep under the stars, and explore sweeping dunes. Take on ziplining, sand sledding, off-road buggy rides, and raft along the Yellow River. Savour local cuisine and enjoy stunning desert landscapes.
Whether you're a culture lover, thrill-seeker, or foodie, this tour has it all.
Activity location
Yinchuan
Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
Meeting/Redemption Point
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Ying Bin Gao Su Gong Lu
Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China
Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list
Check availability
5 Day Desert Adventure in Northwest China in English
Activity duration is 5 days5d
5d
Opening hours: Sat 0:00-23:30
English
Price details
S$1,567.92 x 1 AdultS$1,567.92
Total
Price is S$1,567.92S$1,567.92
includes taxes & fees
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What's included, what's not
What's includedWhat's included
Admission to the Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains
What's includedWhat's included
Local transport, including Yinchuan airport pickup and hotel/airport dropoff
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Admission to the Shapotou Theme Park (entry only)
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Dinner
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Five lakes crossing desert expedition tour, including drone photos and videos
What's includedWhat's included
Admission to Zhenbeibao West Film Art Centre
What's includedWhat's included
Admission to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs
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Four nights of accommodation, including one night in desert glamping
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Return-trip flights to and from the Yinchuan Hedong International Airport
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Additional paid attractions at the Shapotou theme park that are not covered by the entry ticket
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Day 1 free time activities and transport in Yinchuan
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Personal expenses
What's excludedWhat's excluded
Tips and service charge
Know before you book
Public transport options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Activity itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Yinchuan
1 stop
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight stay at a central Yinchuan hotel
Yinchuan
8h
Welcome to Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region!
Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting for you outside the baggage claim with a sign bearing your name. They will escort you to your hotel, assist with check-in, and hand you a welcome pack, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Yinchuan! Savour the city’s famous hand-pulled lamb at a local restaurant, or enjoy a picturesque sunset at Lanshan Park, with its Roman-inspired architecture. Explore the Huai Yuan Night Market, where you can indulge in local delicacies or unwind with a relaxing massage.
You’re welcome to arrive at any time of day—just send us your flight details once booked.
*Please note that return flights to Yinchuan airport are not included. If you need any assistance with flight arrangements, feel free to reach out to us.
Day 2: World Rock Art Museum of China–Route 66—Desert Glamping
3 stops
Meals: breakfast, snacks
Accommodation: Desert glamping hotel
Rock Paintings of Helan Mountain
2h
Admission ticket included
Visit the World Rock Art Museum of China, a unique cultural gem located in the foothills of the Helan Mountains. The museum features a fascinating blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, showcasing one of the world’s largest collections of ancient rock carvings. Inside, you’ll find an extensive array of artefacts, sculptures, and detailed displays that trace the evolution of rock art, offering insights into the region’s ancient civilisations.
The outdoor exhibition extends across stunning natural landscapes, where visitors can explore rock formations and petroglyphs carved into the cliffs, some dating back over 5,000 years. As you stroll through the museum grounds, keep an eye out for the wild blue sheep that roam freely in the area, adding a special connection to the natural beauty surrounding the museum.
Zhongwei
45m
Stop by one of the most scenic highways in China—Route 66! Sip a coffee while soaking in the breathtaking views or snap Instagram-worthy photos of the stunning landscapes. With its winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and wide-open skies, it's the perfect spot to capture the beauty of the journey and make lasting memories!
Alxa League
3h
Now we are officially in the desert!
Arrive at our desert glamping hotel, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as sand sledding, stargazing, and even a cultural show or a refreshing dip in the hotel’s pool—yes, a pool in the desert (subject to availability and weather)! Later, savour an included traditional meal, featuring delicious local dishes that will give you a true taste of the region’s unique flavours.
Early risers! Wake up early tomorrow to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the desert.
Day 3: "Shapotou" Desert Theme Park
1 stop
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at a central Yinchuan hotel
Shapotou District
6h
Known as the "Disneyland of the Desert," Shapotou offers a thrilling range of activities, from ziplining across the Yellow River to bungee jumping and off-road buggy rides (additional fees may apply). You can also immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert landscape, inspired by the famous poem of Wang Wei, which celebrates the serene "long river sunset." Whether you're seeking excitement or tranquility, Shapotou has something for every traveller!
Day 4: Western Xia Mausoleums–Five Lakes Crossing Desert Expedition
2 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay at a central Yinchuan hotel
Western Xia Imperial Tombs
2h
Admission ticket included
Explore the ancient Western Xia Imperial Tombs, a fascinating museum and historical site where the emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty were laid to rest. Wander through the sprawling tomb complex, featuring impressive mausoleums and intricate stone carvings. Learn about the fascinating history of this once-powerful dynasty and the significance of these tombs, set against the stunning backdrop of the Helan Mountains. A unique glimpse into China’s ancient royal history.
Alxa Zuoqi
3h
If you're a fan of high-speed thrills like Fast and Furious’ Race Wars, then get ready for the real-life off-road action in the desert! Hop into a four-wheel drive, buckle up, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure across China's rugged desert landscapes. We’ll take you to five incredible lakes scattered through the desert, including the mesmerising Ulaan Lake, shaped like a heart. If the weather is on our side, you’ll witness stunning reflections of vibrant colours that will take your breath away! Plus, our guide will capture every epic moment with a drone, giving you a bird’s-eye view of your wild ride (photos and videos included). This is one adventure you won’t forget!
Day 5: Zhenbeibao West Film Art Centre–Departure
2 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
Zhenbeibao West Film Art Center
2h
Admission ticket included
Step into the world of cinema at the Zhenbeibao West Film Art Centre, an immersive destination where China’s rich film history comes to life. Explore film sets, props, and exhibits showcasing iconic scenes from Chinese Western films. Discover how these desert landscapes have been transformed into epic film backdrops, offering a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking in the region.
Yinchuan
2h
We will drop you off at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport or the hotel where we stayed. Please ensure your return flight is no earlier than 3 PM.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
Yinchuan
Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLEPEOPLE
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Ying Bin Gao Su Gong Lu
Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China
PEOPLEPEOPLE
Yinchuan Hedong International Airport
750413, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
PEOPLEPEOPLE
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
2550号 虹桥路
200237, Chang Ning Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China
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