Shapotou Scenic Area is located in Yingshuiqiao Town, Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national nature reserve. The scenic area integrates deserts, the Yellow River, mountains, oases, wetlands, and lakes. It has China's largest natural sand-sledding slope, the "First Cable of the Yellow River Under Heaven" spanning the Yellow River, ancient waterwheels representing Yellow River culture, and sheepskin rafts, the oldest means of transportation on the Yellow River. The scenic area is divided into two major sections: 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 early as more than 30,000 years ago, humans lived and multiplied in Shapotou. Because it connected Shaanxi and Shanxi to the east, led to Gansu and Xinjiang to the west, reached Inner Mongolia to the north, and extended to Sichuan and Yunnan to the south, it was a frontier stronghold on the "Silk Road." It also had the natural barrier of the Yellow River and was backed by the strength of the Helan Mountains, guarding the western gate of Ningxia. Since ancient times, it has been an important town contested by military strategists in the northwest region.
During the Spring and Autumn period, it was an area where Qiang and Rong peoples lived together. After Qin unified the six states, Zhongwei was incorporated into the territory. After the founding of Western Xia, it was established as Yingjili Zhai and Yingli Zhou. In the first year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1403), the Right Guard was changed to Ningxia Zhongwei. In the second year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1724), Zhongwei County was established and placed under Ningxia Prefecture. In 1954, it was incorporated into the Yinchuan Special Region of Gansu Province. After the establishment of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 1958, it was successively placed under the jurisdiction of Yinnan Region and the prefecture-level city of Wuzhong. After the county was upgraded to a city in 2004, the original jurisdiction of Zhongwei County was directly administered by Zhongwei City. In May 2012, the Shapotou District Party Working Committee and Management Committee were established as dispatched agencies of the municipal party committee and municipal government. On August 19, 2016, the "four leading bodies" of Shapotou District were officially inaugurated and began operating independently as a municipal district.
Since ancient times, Shapotou District has advocated Confucianism, promoted education, and respected culture and morality. Historical legends such as "Shapo Mingzhong" and "Yangren Zhaoshou" have been passed down for generations. Many historical sites and scenic spots, including the Yiwangingquan Paleolithic Site, the "Caiyuan Culture" site, the Damaidi rock paintings, and Zhongwei Gaomiao, as well as the "White Horse Pulling the Rein" gravity-flow irrigation system drawing water from the Yellow River, display the long ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage of Shapotou District.
Main Attractions
Shapo Mingzhong
This is China's largest natural sand-sledding slope. When sliding down from the top of the sand slope, a buzzing roar is produced, like a golden bell ringing for a long time, hence the name "Shapo Mingzhong." The slope is quite high and very thrilling. The sandboard has brakes, so speed can be controlled.
First Cable of the Yellow River Under Heaven
With a total length of 820 meters, it spans the Yellow River. Tourists can cross the Yellow River by cableway and experience the spectacular view of the Yellow River from above.
Sheepskin Raft
The oldest means of transportation on the Yellow River. Riding a sheepskin raft downstream allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Yellow River and listen to the boatmen's songs and the echoes between the gorges.
Tengger Desert
In the Tengger Desert section within the scenic area, visitors can ride camels across the desert, ride off-road vehicles for sand surfing, and admire the wonder of "a lonely smoke rises straight in the vast desert, and the setting sun rounds over the long river."
Food
Zhongwei Haozi Noodles
A specialty noodle dish of Zhongwei. The noodles are slender and chewy, and the broth is delicious. The unique aroma of haozi is blended into it, giving it a distinctive flavor.
Zhongwei Stir-Fried Latiao
The latiao is uniform in thickness and stir-fried with vegetables such as bean sprouts and chives. It tastes spicy and delicious and is a popular local food.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Made with high-quality local mutton, it is eaten directly by hand after being cooked. The meat is tender and the flavor is rich. It tastes even better with seasonings such as pepper salt.
Tickets：
Adult ticket: 80 yuan
Student ticket: 40 yuan
Sightseeing bus: 40 yuan
Other amusement projects in the scenic area require additional payment.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Shapotou Scenic Area" to get the latest updates.
Opening Hours：
April 1-October 31: 08:00-18:00
November 1-March 31 of the following year: 09:00-17:00
Opening hours may be adjusted due to weather changes, seasonal changes, visitor numbers, and other factors. Please obtain the latest updates from the scenic area's official public account.
Tour Route：
If time is sufficient, you can choose to buy a package ticket and tour according to the following route: first take the shuttle bus to the Yellow River area, visit the viewing platform, experience sand sledding, then ride a sheepskin raft, walk across the glass narrow bridge, and finally take a speedboat; if you also want to visit the desert area, you can ride a camel across the desert, take a desert surfing vehicle, and so on.
Transportation：
From downtown Zhongwei to Shapotou: taking a taxi is recommended, about 30 minutes.
From Zhongwei South Railway Station/Railway Station to Shapotou: you can take the Shapotou tourist shuttle bus (about 40 minutes), or take a taxi to Shapotou Scenic Area (about 35-40 minutes).
Must-Visit Attractions：
Shapo Mingzhong: China's largest natural sand-sledding slope. Experience the thrilling sand-sledding project and feel the wonderful sound of "Shapo Mingzhong."
First Cable of the Yellow River Under Heaven: a cableway spanning the Yellow River that allows tourists to overlook the Yellow River and the scenery on both banks from above.
Sheepskin Raft: ride the ancient sheepskin raft on the Yellow River and enjoy a unique water experience.
Tengger Desert: ride camels, go desert surfing, and enjoy the beautiful desert scenery and spectacular sunset.
Travel Suggestions：
Check the weather in advance and choose a sunny day to visit so you can better enjoy the scenery.
The desert has strong ultraviolet rays, so be sure to take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and so on.
It is strongly recommended to bring a mask or face covering to prevent windblown sand from entering your mouth and nose.
Wear loose and comfortable pants to facilitate camel riding and sand sledding. Crocs are very suitable for walking in the desert.
If you want to experience desert camping, you can book a desert tent hotel in advance.
Precautions：
Do not carry prohibited items when taking public transportation, and fasten your seat belt while riding.
When participating in high-risk projects such as high-altitude, high-speed, and diving activities, act according to your own health conditions and under the guidance of professionals.
For outdoor tourism, pay attention to fire prevention and disaster avoidance. Do not smoke, barbecue, or use open flames in places where flammable materials gather or where there are fire prevention notices.
When checking in at internet-famous attractions, comply with public order and good customs as well as laws and regulations. Do not act willfully and always put safety first.
Keep your personal belongings safe while visiting, especially in crowded places.