Shapotou Scenic Zone [Photo/IC]
Shapotou scenic zone, 16 kilometers west of Zhongwei county in the northwestern Ningxia Hui autonomous region, has become a must-see for tourists who visit Ningxia. Wang Wei, one of the most well-known Chinese poets of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), recorded the beauty of Shapotou in a poem in which he talked about how "in the vast desert rises straight, lonely smoke, the grand, long river reflects the round setting sun".
Shapotou means "the end of a desert" in Chinese. In fact, Shapotou lies at the junction where the Yellow River meets the Tengger Desert, allowing visitors to enjoy both splendid desert scenery and beautiful riverside views.
The park has a plenty of activities on offer, including drifting on the Yellow River and sliding from the top of a sand dune on a sand board.
Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA
Ideal Sightseeing Season: May to early October
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00 during the peak season (April 1 to Oct 31)
9:00 -- 17:00 during the low season (Nov 1 to March 31)
Ticket Price: 80 yuan ($11.7)
Free Tickets:
① Children below 6 years old or below 1.2 meters;
② Disabled persons, active servicemen, retired army officers and those aged 60 or above with a valid certificate.
Half Price:
① Minors between the ages of 7 and 18;
② Full-time university bachelor or junior degree students with a registered student ID card.
Address: Shapotou scenic zone, Zhongwei city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region
Note:
1. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized as the air is dry on-site.
2. Protect yourself from sunburn.
3. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sand.
4. Visitors can enjoy half-price tickets from Dec 2 to 12 (only adults).
5. Travel insurance is optional.
6. Zhongwei residents can enjoy discounted tickets with a valid ID.
The scenic zone provides visitors with a magnificent view of the Yellow River, the vast desert and its oases. [Photo/IC]
The once barren and bleak Shapotou has evolved into a must-see destination for tourists in the wild west of China. [Photo/IC]