2 Days in Yinchuan: Journey Through a Millennium of Western Xia, Desert Film City Fairy Tale
2 Days 1 Night in Yinchuan, Experience the Charm and Romance of Northwest China for 1500 RMB!
Hello everyone, I’m your travel blogger Xiao Xi! If you’ve always thought that traveling in Northwest China costs four or five thousand RMB, this guide will definitely change your mind—two days and one night, with a budget of 1500 RMB, I’ll take you to explore the most iconic sights of Yinchuan and taste authentic Northwest flavors! Perfect for a spontaneous weekend trip.
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📅 Itinerary Overview
Total Budget: 1500 RMB/person (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, meals)
Best Season: April to October (autumn skies are clear and perfect for photos)
Packing Tips: Comfortable shoes + sun protection + a light jacket (big temperature difference between day and night)
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🚗 Day 1: Travel Through a Millennium of Western Xia, Romantic Desert Sunset
🌞 Morning: Arrive in Yinchuan, head straight to the Western Xia Tombs
· Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle from Yinchuan Train Station/Airport to the Western Xia Tombs, about 40 minutes, cost 15 RMB.
· Tickets: 85 RMB (includes sightseeing bus), half price with student ID.
· Highlights: Known as the “Eastern Pyramids,” the Western Xia royal tombs are grand and historic—every photo looks like a historical epic. It’s recommended to visit the Western Xia Museum to quickly learn about this mysterious dynasty.
🍜 Lunch: Huaiyuan Night Market snacks (about 30 RMB per person)
Return from the Western Xia Tombs to the city and head to Huaiyuan Night Market (open during the day too). Must-try list:
· Imperial crispy beef pancake (5 RMB each, crispy outside, tender inside)
· Spicy hotpot skewers (1 RMB per skewer, a spicy Northwest specialty)
· Sweet fermented milk tea (12 RMB per cup, refreshing and cleansing)
🌵 Afternoon: Zhenbeibu Western Film City, transform into the Fairy Zixia
· Transportation: Taxi from Huaiyuan Night Market about 25 RMB, or direct bus.
· Tickets: 80 RMB.
· Activities: Filming location of “A Chinese Odyssey” and “Red Sorghum.” Rent a Fairy Zixia costume (50 RMB/hour) and take classic shots by the city walls and willow alleys—full of nostalgia!
🌇 Evening: Sunset at Yuehai Park
· Free attraction, about 20 RMB taxi from the film city. Known as Yinchuan’s “Mirror of the Sky,” the wide lake and sunset glow are breathtaking.
🏨 Accommodation: Budget hotel near Drum Tower
· Recommendation: Chain hotels or unique guesthouses, around 180 RMB/night (cheaper if booked early).
· Advantages: Convenient transportation, perfect for evening strolls to enjoy the Drum Tower night view.
🍲 Dinner: Lao Mao Hand-Pulled Lamb (about 70 RMB per person)
You can’t visit Ningxia without eating lamb! This old brand serves tender, non-gamey hand-pulled lamb, paired with eight-treasure tea—the hearty flavor of Northwest China in every bite!
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🏜️ Day 2: Desert and Yellow River Symphony, Enjoy the “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall” Before Departure
🌅 Morning: Shuidonggou Site (stunning geological landscape)
· Transportation: Tourist shuttle round trip about 40 RMB.
· Tickets: 130 RMB (includes hidden military caves, camel carts, and other transport, great value!).
· Experience: Prehistoric site + Ming dynasty military tunnels + desert canyon—all in one place, like traveling through time with the Great Wall, ravines, camel bells, and lakes.
🥘 Lunch: Simple meal inside the scenic area or bring your own (about 25 RMB per person)
🌊 Afternoon: Choose between the Yellow River Ancient Ferry or Shahu Lake
· Option A: Yellow River Military Culture Expo Park + Ancient Ferry (60 RMB ticket, watch the mighty Yellow River and try a sheepskin raft).
· Option B: Shahu Lake (120 RMB ticket, a rare sight where desert meets lake, with birds flying and fish jumping).
· Tip: Choose A if short on time, B if you prefer natural scenery.
🛍️ Evening: Buy local specialties before heading back
· Recommendations: Goji berries (small pack about 30 RMB), eight-treasure tea (25 RMB/can), Zhangye apricot peel tea.
· Location: City supermarkets or specialty stores, prices are transparent.
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💰 Budget Breakdown (per person)
· Transportation (city + scenic spots): about 150 RMB
· Accommodation: 180 RMB
· Tickets: about 375 RMB (depending on itinerary choices)
· Meals: about 200 RMB
· Others (snacks, costume rental, etc.): 100 RMB
· Reserved funds: 200 RMB
Total: about 1305 RMB, plenty of flexible spending room!
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✨ Blogger’s Tips
1. Yinchuan has strong UV rays, be sure to protect yourself! Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are all must-haves.
2. Northwest dishes are large portions, order accordingly to avoid waste.
3. Many attractions offer free admission to visitors from Zhejiang, Fujian, and other provinces (support policies), check your eligibility before departure.
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Yinchuan, this ancient city by the Yellow River, has the grandeur of desert smoke and the gentleness of lakes and waters. Two days and one night, 1500 RMB is enough to understand half of its poetry and passion.
“There was once a sincere travel guide placed before you; once you read it, you will fall in love with this land.” Follow Xiao Xi for a budget-friendly and in-depth journey. Where do you want to go next? Tell me in the comments!
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Follow me to see the biggest world with the smallest budget! 🌍❤️