10 Days Dream Tour to Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai

As your plane touches down in Yinchuan, you'll immediately feel the magic of the Northwest——crisp air, endless blue skies, and the promise of adventure. Let the warm hospitality of this desert oasis welcome you as you check into your comfortable hotel. 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.  

Wake up to a day that will take your breath away! At Sand Lake, you'll witness nature's perfect paradox——golden sand dunes rising from turquoise waters, where flocks of elegant swans glide between swaying reeds. Feel the soft sand between your toes as you board a traditional boat to explore this desert miracle.  

Next, we transport you to the wild west at the Western Film Studio, where legendary movies like "Red Sorghum" were born. Walk through authentic frontier towns, peek into vintage movie sets, and maybe even recreate your favorite western scenes!  

As the sun begins to dip, we'll take you to the ancient Helan Mountain Rock Paintings, where mysterious symbols carved by nomadic tribes thousands of years ago tell stories of a forgotten world. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes this the perfect spot for stunning sunset photos.  

Today is a journey through time! At Shuidonggou, you'll explore ancient caves where early humans lived, walk through Ming Dynasty military tunnels, and ride a bumpy camel cart across the desert——all in one incredible site!  

Then, we'll introduce you to Ningxia's "red gold" at the Goji Berry Museum. Taste these antioxidant-packed superfruits in everything from chocolate to wine, and learn why they've been treasured for centuries.  

The serene Haibao Pagoda awaits next——climb this 1,500-year-old Buddhist treasure for panoramic views of Yinchuan. As evening falls, prepare your taste buds for the sensory explosion of Ningxia Night Market, where sizzling lamb kebabs, steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles, and sweet glutinous rice cakes will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).  

We'll unravel the mystery of the lost Western Xia Kingdom at their magnificent tombs today. These eerie, pyramid-like structures hold secrets of a civilization that vanished without a trace.  

Then, prepare for one of China's most breathtaking sights——the Qingtong Gorge. Cruise past the mystical 108 Stupas, their white spires tumbling down the canyon walls like a frozen waterfall. Legend says counting all 108 brings good fortune——will you be the one to succeed?  

As dusk paints the desert sky in fiery hues, we'll arrive in Zhongwei, where the scent of roasting cumin lamb welcomes you to your desert retreat.  

Rise with the sun as we begin our day at the mesmerizing Gao Temple, a labyrinth of colorful prayer halls where Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions intertwine. Climb to the rooftop for a breathtaking view of Zhongwei waking up beneath the desert sun.  

Then, the adventure truly begins! Mount your camel and sway through the golden waves of the Tengger Desert, where the silence is broken only by the soft crunch of hooves on sand. Feel your heart race as you try sandboarding down towering dunes or hop on a roaring ATV for an adrenaline-pumping ride across this sandy ocean.  

The highlight awaits at Shapotou, where the mighty Yellow River makes a dramatic turn against the desert. Walk across the thrilling glass bridge suspended high above the dunes, then experience the magical "singing sands" as you slide down the slopes——the desert literally sings beneath you! As the sun sets, watch how the river paints the sand gold in one of nature's most spectacular shows.  

Let's have a glimpse of China's mother river——the Yellow River. Today, We'll journey to one of China's most surreal landscapes——the Yellow River Stone Forest. Cruise past towering stone pillars that look like an ancient city frozen in time, then explore narrow canyons where echoes of the wind sound like ghostly whispers. Don't forget your camera——every turn reveals new fantastical shapes carved by nature over millions of years!  

As evening falls, we arrive in Lanzhou, where the scent of cumin and roasting lamb fills the air. Walk across the iconic Iron Bridge as the city lights reflect on the Yellow River, then join locals at the buzzing night market for what many claim to be China's best hand-pulled beef noodles!  

Begin your morning along Lanzhou's Yellow River Scenic Belt, where giant ancient waterwheels still turn slowly beside teahouses. Try your hand at making traditional river pottery or simply enjoy a cup of jujube tea while watching local artists create beautiful sand paintings.  

Then we ascend to the spiritual realm at Kumbum Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's holiest sites. Marvel at intricate butter sculptures that monks recreate annually, watch devout pilgrims prostrating themselves in prayer, and soak in the haunting beauty of golden roofs against blue mountain skies. The scent of burning juniper and the murmur of prayers create an atmosphere you'll never forget.  

Ready to be amazed by the azure! Today brings what many call the trip's most breathtaking sight——the jewel-blue Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland sea. Depending on the season, you'll either see:  

Summer: A vibrant tapestry of golden rapeseed flowers stretching to azure waters  

Other seasons: A serene, endless blue merging with the sky  

Stop to chat with friendly Tibetan nomads, perhaps holding a baby lamb or trying authentic yak butter tea. As we continue to Chaka, watch how the landscape transforms minute by minute——one moment alpine meadows, the next dramatic red cliffs.  

Arriving at our salt lake hotel, step outside after dinner to witness a celestial spectacle——with minimal light pollution, the Milky Way shines so brightly you can almost touch it!  

On your final day, you'll experience what photographers dream of——the Chaka Salt Lake, where on calm days the sky and earth become indistinguishable. Walk barefoot on the crunchy salt crystals as you create fun mirror images for unforgettable photos. Our included vintage train ride takes you deep into this white wonderland where salt sculptures rise like ice castles.  

Don't miss the chance to:  

Collect natural salt crystals as souvenirs  

Try "floating" in the super-buoyant salt water  

Taste unique salt-infused ice cream  

Returning to Xining, we celebrate our final night with a grand mutton banquet, where you'll learn the proper way to eat hand-torn lamb——a true Northwestern experience!  

Bid farewell to the Northwest's untamed beauty as you transfer to the airport. May the memories of deserts, lakes, and ancient whispers linger until we meet again!