8D Explore NorthWestern China – Inner Mongolia, Gangsu and Ningxia – 2024
From USD18,480.00
With its rich history, diverse cultures, and abundant natural resources, China is home to many ethnic groups. Among them, the Hui of Ningxia stands out, with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region housing one-fifth of China’s Hui population. The Hui presence in Ningxia dates to the Tang Dynasty when Arab and Persian merchants arrived via the Silk Road. This cultural exchange continued through the Yuan Dynasty, as Muslims from Central Asia and the Middle East settled as soldiers, artisans, and traders. By the Ming Dynasty, Hui culture had taken a distinct shape, marked by unique customs and beliefs.
Key Cultural Aspects of the Ningxia
• Religion: In the practice of Islam, the Hui gather in mosques, serving as worship spaces and community centres.
• Customs: They follow Islamic teachings, observing Halal dietary laws and avoiding pork, dog meat, and animal blood.
• Festivals: Major celebrations like Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr unite the community, highlighting their cultural heritage and unity.
Local delicacies to try on this trip
● Ningxia-Style Lamb Hot Pot (Clear broth)
● Traditional Mongolian-style banquet
● Charcoal-grilled Pulled Lamb Leg
● Double-boiled free-range Chicken soup
● “Saozi” Noodles (Savory Minced Meat Sauce)
● Osmanthus Fish with Scallion Oil
● Hand-Pulled Noodles
● Braised Beef Ribs
● crispy Spiced Lamb Ribs
● Braised Chicken Feet with Hand-Pulled Noodles
Day 1: Arrive in Yinchuan
There are many mosques in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region because most Hui people are Islamic. Nanguan Mosque is a famous mosque among thousands of mosques in Ningxia. You can visit the Nanguan Mosque, which is a great place to spend an afternoon in Yinchuan. Enjoy the sunset at Lanshan Park and enjoy the special food with locals at Huaiyuan Night Market.Day
2: Yinchuan – Alxa Left Banner (Inner Mongolia)
We’ll depart from Yinchuan and head towards Alxa Left Banner (Southwest Inner Mongolia). We’ll take a relaxed drive to the Three Lakes, where you can soak in the sweeping desert landscapes and discover each lake’s unique beauty. As night falls, we’ll host a bonfire party, singing and dancing under the starlit sky.
Day 3: Zhongwei – Yellow River Stone Forest
We will go from Zhongwei to Yellow River Stone Forest, a comprehensive geopark that integrates geomorphic geology, address structure, natural landscape, and human history. It cleverly combines the ancient stone forest group, the Yellow River, the desert, and so on, perfectly presenting a paradise landscape.
Day 4: Zhongwei – Guyuan
On the fourth day, we’ll head to Shapotou, where you can see both oasis and desert in one view, with plenty of activities to enjoy. Next, we’ll visit the Zhongning Goji Museum. Finally, we’ll make our way to Huoshizhai to marvel at the unique landscapes of the Danxia landform, which is a unique Chinese petrographic landscape featuring steep cliffs and red bedrock.
Day5: Guyuan-Wuzhong
We’ll begin our journey by visiting the Yellow River Grand Canyon in Qingtongxia, where we’ll cruise along the river through the breathtaking ten-mile gorge, immersing ourselves in the stunning natural scenery. Afterwards, we’ll head to Guyuan to visit the Tongxin Grand Mosque, Ningxia’s oldest and largest Islamic architecture. Finally, we’ll visit Dongta Folk Village, where we’ll try making traditional Hui delicacies like Youxiang (fried pastries) and Sanzi (crispy noodles).
Day 6: Wuzhong-Yinchuan
Today, we’ll visit the Helan Mountains Rock Paintings and learn the history of the ancient tribes. A 30-minute hike takes you to Helan Waterfall, and if time permits, you could continue hiking longer whilst enjoying the lovely scenery. Next, visit Zhenbeibu West China Film Studios, the best outpost for filming ancient and Western Chinese movies. More than 60 movies and TV series were recorded here, including “A Chinese Odyssey” and “New Dragon Gate Inn”.
Day 7: Yinchuan
Today, we’ll visit the Shuidonggou, that is China’s earliest excavated Paleolithic cultural site. More than 20 spectacles of enormous magnificence include Ghost Town, Cyclone Cave, Lying Camel Ridge, Ferris Cliff, Cloud-broken Valley and Strange Willow Gully was created by the unique Yadan-landform and uncanny workmanship that records the life and growth of human beings continued endlessly, making the land mysterious and vigorous.
The three-dimensional composition of the ancient Great Wall military defence system, composed of “Cross-City Edge,” beacon smoke stations, city barriers and camps, as well as the Ancient Troop Hiding Cave contributes the place a kaleidoscope of military defensive architectures best preserved in China.
Day 8: Yinchuan – Hong Kong
After enjoying a pleasant breakfast, our trip will end, and then we will transfer you to Yinchuan Airport for the corresponding flight.
Day | Itinerary | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Hotel |
1 | Hong Kong > Yinchuan Car tour of the Yellow River Bridge, Tuanjie Road landscape Avenue, Ningxia sightseeing night market | N/A | Meal on Plane | Ningxia night market meal vouchers
| 4* |
2 | Yinchuan > (about 1 hour drive) Alxa Left Banner Wulan Lake three lakes crossing (4 rounds of off-road vehicle limited to 4 people, 3 hours tour) > (3 hours’ drive) Zhongwei (about 40 minute’s drive) > Alxa Left Banner Tonghu grassland including bonfire party (3 hours tour) | Hotel Breakfast | Local cuisine from Axia Left Banner | Traditional Mongolian-style banquet | 4* |
3 | Zhongwei > Yellow River Shilin (3 hours’ drive, 3 hours tour) (including tickets, round-trip bus, round-trip battery car, cruise ship, panoramic sightseeing bus) > (3 hours’ drive) Zhongwei | Hotel Breakfast | Jingtai Farm-to-Table dining | Ningxia cuisine(lamb hotpot) | 4* |
4 | Zhongwei (0.5 hours’ drive) > Shapotou (3 hours tour, including shuttle car + escalator + ferry + glass bridge and 3D experience) > Zhongning barbary wolfberry Hall (2.5 hours visit) > Huoshi Village (including interval car including explanation) (1 hour drive) > Xiji | Hotel Breakfast | Camel-themed banquet | Xiji-style hot pot | 4* |
5 | Guyuan Xumi Mountain Grottoes (2 hours tour) including shuttle car, explanation) (2 hours’ drive) > Wuzhong > 108 tower including cruise (2 hours tour), Dongta folk village including handmade oil incense, sanzi (3 hours tour) | Hotel Breakfast | Guyuan-style traditional dishes | Mu people’s traditional cuisine | 4* |
6 | Sand Lake (3 hours tour, including shuttle car & ship ride) > (about 50 minutes drive) Zhenbeibao West Cinema (3 hours tour) > (about 30 minutes drive) Helan Mountain rock painting (2 hours tour) including shuttle car | Hotel Breakfast | Sand Lake fish head | Wolfberry-themed banquet | 4* |
7 | Yinchuan Yi Parkson Sheep fetal pavilion (2 hours) > (30 minutes) tunnel ditch site (4 hours) site museum + Local souvenirs shop + live soldiers hole + transfer) > (about 1 hour) Yinchuan > (30 minutes) xiguan folk garden (2 hours) include explanation & ethnic costumes photo) | Hotel Breakfast | Yellow River Carp-themed Banquet | Ningxia local delicacies: spring mutton saozi noodles | 4* |
8 | Yinchuan> Hong Kong Car tour: Great Unity Square | Hotel Breakfast | N/A | N/A |
IMPORTANT GUIDELINE
Travel Tips for Ningxia
1. Prepare for the Climate: In China’s northwest, Ningxia has a temperate continental climate, featuring long sunshine hours and intense UV rays. Guests should bring essentials like a water bottle, sunglasses, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a sunshade fan for protection. It’s also recommended that some essential medications be packed for personal use.
2. Temperature Range: Summer temperatures in Ningxia typically range from 15°C to 35°C, with significant variations between day and night. Consider bringing warmer clothing to layer up when temperatures drop, even in summer.
3. When travelling to Ningxia in winter, because Ningxia is in the northwest of China, the climate is relatively dry, and the temperature difference between day and night is large, so it is necessary to prepare clothes suitable for low temperatures and dry environments.
4. Stay Hydrated: Ningxia’s dry climate requires frequent hydration and replenishing salts and vitamins to maintain good health. Drink plenty of water during hot days to stay calm and prevent heat exhaustion.
5. Local Culture and Cuisine: Ningxia is home to a diverse population with unique cultural customs. The local cuisine mainly features beef and lamb, reflecting the regional dietary habits of the Hui people and other ethnic communities.
6. Fruit Paradise: Known for its abundant produce, Ningxia offers a wealth of fresh fruits during summer. Make the most of this by enjoying the delicious local varieties!
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