Zhongwei, a poetic symphony of desert, Yellow River, and starry skies

Zhongwei, a poetic symphony of desert, Yellow River, and starry skies Zhongwei, known as "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" and "Desert Water City" in western Ningxia, is the only place where the Yellow River crosses the Tengger Desert. Here, there are no cookie-cutter tourist attractions, only the grandeur of mountains and rivers embracing each other, the profound weight of history, and stars within reach – truly a "quality choice" for Northwest travel. Must-Play: Three Wonders Coexist, Every Step a New View ✅Shapotou | A National 5A Tourist Attraction, where the world wonders of "Yellow River, Desert, and Oasis" converge. Experience exhilarating sand sliding, listen to the waves while rafting on sheepskin rafts, and zipline over the winding Yellow River. In the evening, ascend the "Desert Sunset Observation Deck" to watch the golden sunset spill over the dunes, and camel silhouettes slowly move, a silent spectacle. ✅Tengger Desert Starry Sky Hotel | China's first luxury desert hotel, with architecture resembling meteorites scattered across the desert, and all-glass rooms facing the Milky Way. At night, enjoy guided stargazing, desert camping, and bonfires. In the morning, open the door to an endless desert and the rising sun. ✅Beichangtan | The most well-preserved ancient village in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Earth-rammed cave dwellings built into the mountains, century-old jujube trees, and old boats at the Yellow River ferry crossing make it feel like time has forgotten this place. You can hike the Yellow River Homestay Cluster section (approx. 3km) or paddle a kayak upstream. ✅Gaomiao Baoan Temple | A landmark of Zhongwei Ancient City, where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist in one architectural complex. Three layers of pavilions stack upwards, with suspended corridors and exquisite dougong brackets. Ascend to the top for a panoramic view of the ancient city and the winding Yellow River. Must-Eat: Gifts from the Yellow River, Authentic Northwest Flavors 🔹Zhongning Goji Berry Sprout Scrambled Eggs | A spring-exclusive, subtly bitter with a sweet aftertaste, nourishing and tender. 🔹Crispy Chicken | A Zhongwei old brand, chicken is crispy but not dry, with a rich peppery aroma, excellent with Eight Treasures Tea. 🔹Se-rich Watermelon (Summer) | "Watermelons grown from cracks in rocks," sweet and juicy due to high selenium content and large day-night temperature differences. Cut it open to reveal red flesh and black seeds, refreshingly cool to the heart. 🔹Yellow River Carp | Primarily steamed, with tender flesh and no muddy taste, served with local scallion sauce. 🔹Street Food Delights: Youxiang (fried pastry), Sanzi (fried dough twists), Lamb Roujiamo noodles at Gulou South Street, and freshly baked "Sea Buckthorn Fruit Cake" – sweet and sour, appetizing, and packed with Vitamin C. From Luxury to Local Flavors, Something for Everyone 🔸Starry Sky Hotel, deep in the desert, requires reservations and includes experiences like stargazing and desert SPA. 🔸Yellow River Homestay Cluster (Design Aesthetic) | Located by the Yellow River in Beichangtan, it consists of five boutique guesthouses (e.g., Nan'an, Xipo, Daluzhiye). White walls and gray tiles blend with the landscape, perfect for photography and relaxation. 🔸Zhongwei Ancient City Guesthouses (Value for Money) | Such as "Qiyun Shanshe" and "Shijian," just a 5-minute walk to Gaomiao and Gulou. In the morning, you can enjoy a steaming bowl of Artemisia noodles. 【Practical Tips】 ✔️ Best Season: May–October (especially June–September for pleasant weather and clear starry skies); fewer crowds and better prices in winter, but some desert activities may be suspended. ✔️Transportation: Yinchuan to Zhongwei by high-speed rail takes 1.5 hours; within the city, it's recommended to hire a car/taxi (attractions are spread out, public transport coverage is limited). ✔️Desert Protection: Prepare goggles, high-top shoes, lip balm, and sunscreen; drones require prior registration at Shapotou. ✔️Niche Extensions: You can also visit "Sikouzi Scenic Area" (Danxia canyon + suspended plank road) or the ruins of "Yiwanquan" ancient post station, which are less crowded and offer serene views. The charm of Zhongwei lies not in its "grandeur," but in its "authenticity" – authentic mountains and rivers, authentic sand and stars, authentic flavors and intentions. Come here, and you will understand: the so-called poetry and distant lands are nothing more than the Yellow River rushing, the dunes silent, and looking up to see the entire Milky Way falling.