Photographer's Secret Paradise! The 24-Hour Light and Shadow Transformation of Ningxia Route 66

• Route: Located in Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia, connecting Zhongwei City and North Longtan Ancient Village, with a total length of about 39 kilometers. Exit the expressway at Mengjiawan toll station from Dingwu Expressway, and follow the North Longtan direction onto Mengbei Line to begin your journey. • Features: Traverses rolling valleys along the winding Yellow River, with some sections stretching straight to the horizon, earning it the title of "China's Most Beautiful Route 66." • Best travel time: May to September, when the climate is pleasant, but remember to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. II. Recommended Attractions Along the Way • Route 66 Road Sign: • A classic photo spot. Stand next to the sign with the road and distant mountains as your backdrop to easily capture stunning highway shots. • U-shaped Road: • A highly photogenic location. Shooting upward from the bottom of the U-shape captures the spectacular view of the winding road extending to the horizon; shooting downward from higher ground showcases the unique curves of the road. • Roadside Hills: • Climb the small hills beside the road to capture layered photos with the vast Gobi Desert and Yellow River as background. • Huanghe Juji: • A popular attraction consisting of several distinctive homestays. Both the architecture and environment are unique, perfect for photos and experiencing Ningxia's rural charm. • North Longtan Ancient Village: • The end point of the route, full of primitive charm. Here you can admire ancient residential buildings, experience the authentic lifestyle of people living along the Yellow River, and taste local specialties. III. Recommended Local Cuisine • Hand-pulled Lamb: • Zhongwei specialty, tender meat without any gamey taste. Dip it in garlic vinegar sauce for a truly satisfying bite. • Desert Leek with Scrambled Eggs: • Crisp, tender, and slightly spicy desert leeks stir-fried with eggs - so delicious it'll make your eyebrows raise. • Wormwood Noodles and Flat Bean Noodles: • Chewy and flavorful, every bite captures the essence of northwestern cuisine. • Roadside Snacks: • Options like grilled sausages, spicy noodles, and lamb noodles are perfect for a quick meal on the go. The parking area also offers spicy noodles and lamb noodles at reasonable prices. IV. Accommodation Recommendations • Route 66 Self-driving Campsite: • Offers cabin accommodations in a beautiful environment near the Yellow River and ancient village, suitable for self-driving tourists. Rooms are small but clean with shared bathrooms, adequate for a one-night stay. The campsite is surrounded by date trees and the ancient village, creating a unique atmosphere. • Desert Star Hotel: • Beautiful environment with an excellent experience, perfect for travelers wanting to feel the tranquility and mystery of the desert. Here you can enjoy magnificent desert views and participate in various desert activities. V. Practical Tips • Transportation: • Self-driving is recommended so you can stop anytime to enjoy the scenery, but be mindful of driving safety, especially in mountainous areas and sections along the Yellow River. Some parts of the road have no mobile signal, so remember to download offline maps in advance. • Safety Tips: • Check your vehicle condition before driving and fill up with gas, as gas stations are scarce along this route. • Be careful when taking photos - don't stand in the middle of the road, and make sure to park your vehicle safely on the side. • Photography Tips: • The best times for photography are early morning and sunset when the light is soft. Arrive an hour before sunset to capture beautiful photos using the soft evening light and afterglow. • Various styles like workwear, hippie, or Y2K fashion are perfect for this setting. You can also rent astronaut costumes to create a moonwalk effect. • Other Tips: • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats as the UV rays are strong in this area. • Respect local customs and protect the environment by not littering. • Toilet facilities are basic portable dry toilets. Consider drinking less water or finding alternatives along the way to avoid waiting in line. Parking spaces are very limited, so you might need to drive far to find a spot. Travel light with minimal luggage.