9 Days Epic Tour to Ningxia & Inner Mongolia

Welcome to Yinchuan, a city cradled by the Yellow River, where vast deserts meet fertile plains. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and soak in the vibrant local culture. Tonight, the city is yours to explore! Wander through vibrant night markets where the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers and freshly baked naan bread fills the air. Don't miss the chance to try Ningxia's famous hand-pulled lamb——tender, flavorful, and utterly unforgettable.  

Lights, camera, action! Today, you'll step onto the set of classic Chinese films at Western Film Studio, where crumbling forts and sun-bleached streets transport you to the frontier. Strike a pose where legends once stood! Then, journey deeper into history at Helan Mountain Rock Paintings, where mysterious carvings—left by nomads centuries ago—tell tales of hunts, dances, and forgotten gods. Cap it off in a sea of red at a Goji Berry Farm, plucking antioxidant-rich "wolfberries" straight from the vine. 

Tonight, feast like royalty on succulent roast duck—a reward for your inner explorer.  

Let's unlock the secrets of Shuidonggou, where prehistoric caves, Ming Dynasty tunnels, and desert hideouts collide. Clamber over Great Wall ruins, then glide across emerald waters on a boat ride straight out of an adventure novel. Next, the Yellow River reveals its mystical side at Qingtong Gorge—where 108 white stupas spiral down the hillside. Legend says counting all 108 brings good fortune——will you be the one to succeed? 

As twilight paints the sky, dive into Ningxia Night Market: let sticky-sweet liangpi (cold noodles) and cumin-dusted kebabs ignite your senses. 

Pro tip: Save room for a fiery lamb stew that locals swear by!  

Can you imagine a pyramid in China? Today, meet China's answer to the pyramids: the Western Xia Tombs, silent sentinels guarding an empire lost to time. Then—hold tight!—your 4WD plunges into Tengger Desert, where dunes roll like ocean waves. Suddenly, a mirage becomes reality: Ulan Lake, a blood-red wonder nicknamed "Earth's Heartbeat." Nearby, Camel Lake shimmers pink as a desert rose. Snap that once-in-a-lifetime shot before sunset turns the sands to liquid gold. 

Tonight, swap stories over a bowl of hearty Mongolian hotpot beneath a sky ablaze with stars.  

Brace for sensory overload at Western Dream Canyon, where wind and water have sculpted cliffs into a psychedelic dreamscape—stripes of crimson, ochre, and violet glow under the sun. Around the bend, the towering Genital Peak stands tall, inspiring fertility legends. 

As the day winds down, sip salty milk tea in a sleepy Mongolian village, listening to tales of Genghis Khan's conquests.  

Ready to saddle up for the Ordos Grassland, where the horizon stretches forever! Feel your pulse race as daredevil riders perform amazing stunts in The Hero show, then lose yourself in the exciting rhythms of a Nadam Fair—archery, wrestling, and horse races galore. 

As dusk falls, join a bonfire party: dance to fiddle tunes, try kumis (fermented mare's milk), and bed down in a cozy ger (yurt), lulled by the distant howl of prairie winds.  

Pay homage at Genghis Khan Mausoleum, where flickering butter lamps and chanting monks keep the conqueror's spirit alive. Then, the Ringing Sand Dunes beckon—kick off your shoes and sled down slopes that "hum" beneath your feet. At Yue Sha Island, camel caravans and desert pools await; cool off with a cocktail by the oasis. 

Tonight, toast to your journey in cosmopolitan Baotou with a glass of mellow Ningxia wine.  

In the shadow of mountains, Wudang Lamasery's golden roofs gleam—a Tibetan jewel where prayer flags flutter like whispered wishes. Later, in Hohhot, Dazhao Temple's 400-year-old silver Buddha watches over you, while Saishang Old Street's cobblestones echo with the clink of silversmiths and the aroma of milk tea. Grab a bag of dairy candy—the perfect sweet farewell.  

After a final Mongolian breakfast, bid farewell to this land of contrasts—where deserts kiss rivers, and history echoes in every dune. Safe travels home, carrying memories of starlit sands and nomadic smiles!