The Great Northwest Hides China’s Most Stunning Ancient Temple Complex Travel Guide

Who says the Great Northwest is only about sand? This little-known small city, passed by 99% of people, hides China’s most breathtaking ancient temple complex! Originally, I just wanted to take the kids to check out Zhongwei Shapotou, but then— a millennium-old ancient temple hidden in the bustling city completely overturned my imagination of the “Northwest”! It’s not endless yellow sand, nor a desolate desert, but a Ming Dynasty architectural marvel with flying eaves soaring in the air and layered buildings stacked high— ✨Zhongwei Gao Temple✨ The three-story pavilion is built against the mountain, symmetrical like a phoenix spreading its wings, with interlocking brackets, winding corridors, and upturned eaves pointing to the sky. Every step feels like traveling through 600 years of history. Even the National Architectural Society has certified it: 👉 “A classic masterpiece of ancient Chinese temple architecture!” At that moment, I realized— Zhongwei is not just the “Desert Capital,” but a seriously underestimated cultural treasure! — 🌟 Why am I raving about this family trip? Because here, there’s more than just sand—there’s history and nature lessons kids can actually touch! ✅ Hand-printing Xixia script movable type, “publishing” a page like the ancients ✅ Desert archaeology simulation, kids scream with excitement when they “unearth” artifacts ✅ Sand sliding down Tengger Desert, laughter freer than the wind ✅ Making woodblock prints and brewing eight-treasure tea, experiencing the daily life of the Hui people ✅ Overnight stay at the desert star hotel, with the Milky Way overhead🌌 ✅ Floating down the Yellow River on a sheepskin raft, listening to the boatman sing a haunting folk song Fun and educational— this is a true “classroom on the move.” — 📅 Our 5-day 4-night family itinerary (relaxed and unhurried) DAY 1｜Arrive in Yinchuan · Lamb feast night begins Stay in Zhongwei or Yinchuan, recommended to settle in Yinchuan first. Head straight to Huaiyuan Night Market! Must-eats: 🔥 Freshly grilled lamb skewers (rich milky flavor! Juicy and tender) 🔥 Spicy porridge + sugar oil cake = Northwest’s version of a “carb bomb” DAY 2｜Explore Xixia + Move to Zhongwei Morning: Visit the [Xixia Tombs], tell the kids the story of the lost dynasty Afternoon: Drive to Zhongwei, check into a Yellow River courtyard guesthouse, enjoy a healing desert afternoon tea☕️ DAY 3｜Full day at Shapotou + Stargazing night Daytime: Sheepskin raft floating on the Yellow River + desert slide + camel caravan ride Night: Join the [Starry Sky Lecture], lie on the sand dunes watching shooting stars✨ DAY 4｜Discover hidden beauty: Route 66 + Hui family visit Early morning desert sunrise chase🌅 Check in at “Northwest Route 66,” shoot epic road photos! Afternoon visit to a Hui village by the Yellow River, knead dough and brew eight-treasure tea with the aunties, kids so busy they don’t want to leave… DAY 5｜Choose one cultural finale 📍Shuidonggou Site: crawl through tunnels, ride a donkey cart, experience prehistoric survival challenges 📍Helan Mountain Rock Art: search for mysterious symbols left by ancient humans — 📌 Tips for traveling with kids｜Learned the hard way 1️⃣ Strongly recommend booking a private car tour🚗, one order one group, worry-free and safe 2️⃣ Desert winds are strong! Phone cases, camera dust covers, and masks are must-haves! 3️⃣ Diet mainly beef, lamb, and noodles; families with sensitive stomachs remember to bring probiotics💊 4️⃣ UV rays are intense during the day! Hat🧢, sunglasses🕶, and sunscreen🧴 are essential! — After this trip, my child asked, “Mom, when will we go back to that desert with the stars?” I want to say— Don’t just focus on popular spots, sometimes the most beautiful scenery is in that fleeting glance as you pass by.