Shapotou Tourist Scenic Area is located in Yingshuiqiao Town, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area and a national nature reserve. The scenic area integrates the desert, the Yellow River, mountains, oases, wetlands, and lakes. It has the largest natural sand sliding field in China, the "First Rope of the Yellow River in the World" spanning the Yellow River, as well as the ancient waterwheel representing the Yellow River culture and the most ancient transportation tool on the Yellow River, the sheepskin raft. The scenic area is divided into two major areas: the desert area and the Yellow River area. The area where it is located is about 38 kilometers long and about 5 kilometers wide, with a total area of 14,043.09 hectares.
History and Culture
As far back as more than 30,000 years ago, humans multiplied and lived in Shapotou. Because it connects Shaanxi and Shanxi in the east, Gansu and Xinjiang in the west, Inner Mongolia in the north, and Sichuan and Yunnan in the south, it is a border fortress of the "Silk Road". With the danger of the Yellow River in the front and the solidity of the Helan Mountains in the back, it guards the west gate of Ningxia and has been a strategically important town in the northwest region since ancient times.
In the Spring and Autumn Period, it was a mixed settlement area of Qiang and Rong ethnic groups. After the Qin Dynasty unified the six states, Zhongwei was incorporated into its territory. After the establishment of the Western Xia Dynasty, it was established as Yingjili Stockade and Yingli Prefecture. In the first year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1403), it was changed from the Right Guard to Ningxia Zhongwei. In the second year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1724), Zhongwei County was established and belonged to Ningxia Prefecture. In 1954, it was incorporated into Yinchuan Special Region of Gansu Province. After the establishment of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 1958, it was successively under the jurisdiction of Yinnan Region and Wu Zhong City at the prefecture level. After the county was abolished and the city was established in 2004, the former jurisdiction of Zhongwei County was directly managed by Zhongwei City. In May 2012, the Party Working Committee and Management Committee of Shapotou District were established, which are dispatched institutions of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government. On August 19, 2016, the "Four Sets of Leadership Bodies" of Shapotou District were officially established and operated independently as a municipal district.
Shapotou District has advocated Confucianism, promoted education, and emphasized morality since ancient times. Historical legends such as "The Bell Ringing of Shapo" and "The Foreigner Waving" have been passed down. Many historical sites, such as the Paleolithic Site of Yiwan Spring, the "Caiyuan Culture" Site, the Rock Carvings in Damai Di, and Zhongwei Gao Temple, and the "White Horse Pulling the Reins" Yellow River Diversion Irrigation System demonstrate the long ancient civilization and profound cultural heritage of Shapotou District.
Main Scenic Spots
The Bell Ringing of Shapo
This is the largest natural sand sliding field in China. When sliding down from the top of Shapo, there will be a buzzing rumbling sound, just like the long ringing of a golden bell, so it is named "The Bell Ringing of Shapo". The slope is relatively high, and it is very exciting. The skateboard has a brake, and the speed can be controlled.
The First Rope of the Yellow River in the World
With a total length of 820 meters, it spans the Yellow River. Tourists can cross the Yellow River through the ropeway and experience the spectacular view of overlooking the Yellow River from the air.
Sheepskin Raft
The most ancient transportation tool on the Yellow River. Taking a sheepskin raft and floating downstream, tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Yellow River and listen to the singing of the boatman and the echo in the canyon.
Tengger Desert
In the part of the Tengger Desert in the scenic area, tourists can ride camels to cross the desert, take off-road vehicles for sand surfing, and also enjoy the wonder of "A solitary smoke rises straight up in the desert, and the setting sun rounds over the Yellow River".
Delicacies
Zhongwei Artemisia Noodles
It is a characteristic noodle dish in Zhongwei. The noodles are slender, with a chewy texture, and the soup is delicious. The unique flavor of artemisia is integrated into it, giving it a special taste.
Zhongwei Fried Pulled Noodles
The pulled noodles are of uniform thickness. Stir-fried together with vegetables such as bean sprouts and leeks, they taste spicy and delicious and are a very popular delicacy locally.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Select high-quality local mutton. After it is cooked, you can directly grab and eat it with your hands. The meat is tender and the taste is mellow. With seasonings such as pepper salt, it tastes even better.
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket: 80 yuan
Student ticket: 40 yuan
Sightseeing bus ticket: 40 yuan
For other entertainment projects in the scenic area, additional fees are required.
You can search for the WeChat official account "沙坡头景区" to get the latest updates.
Opening Hours
From April 1st to October 31st: 08:00 - 18:00
From November 1st to March 31st of the following year: 09:00 - 17:00
The opening hours may be adjusted due to factors such as weather changes, seasonal changes, and the number of tourists. Please get the latest updates from the official account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
If you have enough time, you can choose to buy a package ticket and follow the following route: First, take the shuttle bus to the Yellow River area, visit the viewing platform, experience sand sliding, then take a sheepskin raft, cross the narrow glass bridge, and finally take a speedboat. If you also want to visit the desert area, you can ride camels to cross the desert and take a desert surfing car, etc.
Transportation
- From Zhongwei urban area to Shapotou: It is recommended to take a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes.
- From Zhongwei South High-speed Railway Station/Train Station to Shapotou: You can choose to take the Shapotou tourist direct bus (it takes about 40 minutes), or take a taxi to Shapotou Tourist Scenic Area (it takes about 35 - 40 minutes).
Must-visit Scenic Spots
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The Bell Ringing of Shapo
The largest natural sand sliding field in China. Experience the exciting sand sliding project and feel the wonderful sound of "The Bell Ringing of Shapo".
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The First Rope of the Yellow River in the World
The ropeway spanning the Yellow River allows tourists to overlook the Yellow River and the scenery on both sides from the air.
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Sheepskin Raft
Take the ancient sheepskin raft on the Yellow River and feel the unique water experience.
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Tengger Desert
Ride camels, go sand surfing, and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery and the sunset wonder.
Tour Tips
- Check the weather in advance and choose a sunny day to visit to better enjoy the scenery.
- The ultraviolet rays in the desert are strong. Be sure to take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- It is highly recommended to bring a mask or face shield to prevent sand and dust from entering the mouth and nose.
- Wear loose and comfortable pants, which are convenient for riding camels and sand sliding. Clogs are very suitable for walking in the desert.
- If you want to experience desert camping, you can book a desert tent hotel in advance.
Notes
- Do not carry prohibited items when taking public transportation, and fasten your seat belt during the journey.
- When participating in high-risk projects such as high-altitude, high-speed, and diving activities, proceed according to your own health condition and under the guidance of professionals.
- Pay attention to fire prevention and disaster avoidance during outdoor travel. Do not smoke, barbecue, or use open flames in areas with flammable materials or where there are fire prevention reminders.
- When checking in at internet-famous scenic spots, abide by public order, good customs, and laws and regulations. Do not act willfully and always put safety first.
- Take good care of your personal belongings during the tour, especially in crowded places.