Travel Gems for a May Day Getaway with Friends

**❤️Yinchuan 2-Day Budget Travel Guide** ❤️Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, blends the scenery of the Northern Frontier with Hui culture, making it perfect for an affordable and in-depth trip. Here’s a suggestion for a budget-friendly 2-day itinerary: --- *✅Day 1: Xixia Culture + City Vibe** **Morning**: - **Western Xia Mausoleums** (Ticket: CNY 68, half price for students) Take the tourist direct bus (CNY 15/person) to explore the "Oriental Pyramids." It is recommended to visit Mausoleum No. 3 and the museum. **✅Noon**: - **Huaiyuan Night Market** (CNY 20-30 per person) Take bus No. 102 (CNY 2) to Yinchuan's largest night market. Recommended: Spicy Paste (CNY 10), and Court Crispy Beef Cake (CNY 4/piece). **✅Afternoon**: - **Ningxia Museum** (Free, reservation required) Learn about the history of the Silk Road, focusing on the "Western Xia Cultural Relics" and "Hui Culture" exhibition halls. - **❤️Lanshan Park** (Free) Climb the Roman-style steps in the evening to overlook the Helan Mountains and the sunset. It's perfect for taking stunning photos. --- ✅*Day 2: Natural Scenery + Ancient Town Experience** **Morning**: - **🏖️Shahu Lake** (Ticket: CNY 120, optional free outer areas) 🚌Take a bus (CNY 25/person) to see the wonder of the sand and water blending together, or hike along the lake. **Noon**: - *💵*Yingbinlou Mutton Hotpot** (CNY 50 per person) A time-honored copper pot hotpot restaurant. Ordering half portions is more cost-effective. **🌱Afternoon**: - **Zhenbeibao Western Film City** (Ticket: CNY 80, half price for students) 🚌Take bus No. 57 directly to the filming location of *A Chinese Odyssey*. Take photos in costume (bring your own to save money). - **🏞️Helan Mountain Rock Paintings** (Ticket: CNY 70, free outer areas) If time permits, you can view the ancient rock carvings from a distance (some are visible outside the scenic area). --- 🏨*Accommodation Recommendations** - **Budget-friendly**: Youth hostels near the train station (CNY 40/bed) or chain hotels around the Drum Tower (CNY 150/night for a family room). **✈️Travel Tips** - The city's public transportation is comprehensive (CNY 2). You can choose the "You X" series of tourist bus routes between attractions. - Shared electric scooters (CNY 3/30 minutes) are suitable for short trips. **💵Total Budget (2 People, 2 Days)** - Tickets: Approx. CNY 200 (choose 1-2 paid attractions) - Food: CNY 150 - Accommodation: CNY 150 - Transportation: CNY 100 - *💵*Total: CNY 600** **💥Tips**: - Bring sunscreen and sunglasses as the ultraviolet radiation is strong. - Some attractions offer half-price tickets on Wednesdays. Check for discounts in advance. - Be sure to try hand-grabbed mutton and Babao tea. Small shops are cheaper than those in scenic areas.