In Ningxia, step into China’s version of the Wild West!

You have to visit Zhongwei at least once, after all, life is short, and you must see the vastness of the world. This "China Route 66," sealed off for three years, has finally reopened and is breathing again. I set off from Xi’an, passed through Yinchuan, and headed straight to this western fantasy land. 🗺️ 【A Legendary Road Trip Route】 If you arrive in Yinchuan by high-speed train, be sure to follow this navigation: “Yinchuan — G307 — S218 — Zhongwei Route 66” This is no ordinary journey. You will cross the border of Alxa in Inner Mongolia, brush past the outline of the Helan Mountains, and finally drive onto a deserted road flanked by golden sand dunes. If you’re lucky, you’ll see herds of camels slowly crossing the road, and at that moment, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a western movie. Strongly recommend taking the national highway; the scenery itself is half the journey. ⏳ 【Best Time to Explore】 · Morning Assassin (9:00-11:00): The light is soft like an oil painting, the entire road is your private film set, almost no one around. · Sunset Return (17:00-19:00): The sunset is the most generous director here, gilding the road, you, and the distant mountains with golden edges, creating an epic atmosphere. ⚠️ 【Wilderness Survival Guide】 1. Sunscreen is life: The UV rays here are a physical attack. Missing a hat, sunglasses, face mask, or sunscreen will leave a “deep impression.” 2. Mindset management: The core of this road is photography. If you don’t like taking photos or are on a tight schedule, consider carefully. 3. Traffic strategy: The entrance often has traffic jams due to construction, don’t stop! Keep driving inward; there are more “66” landmarks and better photo spots ahead. 4. Recommended combo: You can link this with Shapotou (sand play) and Beichangtan Ancient Village (historical visit), but reserve a full day. The sand will make you squint, the scorching sun will burn your skin, but when you stand in the middle of the road and hear the wind roaring past, you’ll feel it’s all worth it. ——— Next up, my full self-driving guide for “Xi’an - Yinchuan - Route 66 - Shapotou.” Follow me to unlock more blank spots on the map.