Shapotou, Zhongwei

Shapotou, Zhongwei

(中卫市沙坡头旅游景区 zhōng wèi shā pō tóu lyǔ yóu jǐng qū)

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.