Must-Try Camel Riding in Zhongwei

A visit to Zhongwei is incomplete without exploring Shapotou Scenic Area, where the desert meets the Yellow River in perfect harmony—absolutely worth every penny! This iconic spot was featured in the show "Where Are We Going, Dad?" and is also home to the Star Hotel (though it's a bit pricey these days [Facepalm]). 💰 Fees: - Entrance ticket: ¥80/person - Activities: Priced separately; combo tickets available on Trip.com 🌈 Top Must-Try Activities at Shapotou: 1️⃣ Sheepskin Rafting is the experience! The craftsmanship of these rafts is astonishing—each is hand-inflated, which supposedly makes the leather more durable. Incredibly, a raft made of 14 sheepskins can carry 4+1 people! [Tiptop] Glide along the Yellow River on this ancient vessel while the boatman sings Ningxia folk songs—pure magic! 2️⃣ Camel Riding 🐫 So much fun! The desert zone offers 15–20 minute camel rides. Some camels can be stubborn (it took ages to coax one into letting my friend off, lol). A photographer captures your ride at the end—affordable digital or print options available. 3️⃣ Sand Sliding is a must! Zoom down towering dunes for an adrenaline rush and stress relief. 4️⃣ Dune Bashing is wild! Choose between solo or group buggies. The drivers’ skills are next-level as you rollercoaster over the sands—so cool! [Smart] 🌵 Pro Tips: 1️⃣ The park has Yellow River and Desert zones. Tackle one at a time to avoid shuttle bus back-and-forth. 2️⃣ SUNSCREEN! SUNSCREEN! SUNSCREEN! The desert is brutally sunny. Pack hats, sunglasses, UV clothing, and reapply sunscreen often. Many visitors snap pics in style, then immediately bundle up—hilarious! Professional photo services are available for Insta-worthy shots. 3️⃣ Wear solid dark or bright colors (black, white, blue, red) for photos—they pop against the desert. Light tones blend in too much. 4️⃣ Rent shoe covers! The ultra-fine sand gets everywhere. 📍 Getting There: - Drive: Navigate to "Shapotou Scenic Area"—ample parking. - From Yinchuan: Direct buses run frequently. - From downtown Zhongwei: ~30-minute taxi ride.