2 Days Yinchuan Travel Itinerary, Plan a 2 Days Trip in Yinchuan

How would you plan a 2-day trip to Yinchuan? We offer carefully crafted itineraries for Hip attractions to exploring the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, Rock Painting of Helan Mountain, desert adventure, and everything in between. Each spot includes fun things to do, local food!

Actually, all the itineraries are flexible. If none of these suits your needs, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

2 days Yinchuan Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Arrival, History, and Local Life

Arrive in Yinchuan and check in to your hotel or store your luggage. Take some time to rest after the journey.

Begin your visit at the Ningxia Museum, a great place to introduce children to the history of the Western Xia Dynasty and Ningxia’s cultural heritage. Visit the Drum Tower, one of Yinchuan’s historic landmarks.

In the evening, head to Huaiyuan Night Market for dinner. This lively night market is perfect for families, with a wide variety of local snacks such as lamb skewers, noodles, pancakes, and fresh drinks. Arriving early in the evening is recommended to avoid crowds.

Day 2: Desert Adventure and Animal Encounters

Travel to Shapotou in the morning, is one of the most exciting experiences for children in Ningxia. Families can enjoy camel rides, gentle sand sliding, and a ride on traditional sheepskin rafts across the Yellow River. Try to arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

After returning to Yinchuan in the afternoon, visit Yinchuan Zoo for a relaxed and fun ending to the trip. Children can see a variety of animals and enjoy open spaces after the desert experience.

2 Days Yinchuan Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Easy City Leisure and Urban Exploration

After arrival, take time to settle in and rest. Later, head to the Yellow River Ancient Ferry (approx. 40 minutes’ drive), a quieter destination that blends natural scenery with local culture. Experience sheepskin rafting, drifting gently across the Yellow River while taking in the striking contrast between desert landscapes, fertile farmland, and flowing water.

End the day with a relaxed evening walk or drive along the China–Arab Axis Scenic Avenue, where softly lit architecture blends Chinese and Arab design, creating a peaceful nighttime atmosphere without strenuous walking.

Day 2: Western Xia Heritage and Helan Mountain Art

Start the day with a visit to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs (approx. 40–45 minutes’ drive) Explore the ancient mausoleums and museum to understand the history and grandeur of the Western Xia Dynasty. Electric shuttle carts are available, making the visit comfortable for seniors.

Continue to the Rock Painting of Helan Mountain (approx. 20 minutes’ drive), where thousands of prehistoric carvings depict hunting scenes, animals, and rituals. Focus on the main viewing areas to keep walking light and unhurried.

Nearby, the Han Meilin Art Museum offers a restful indoor experience, showcasing modern artworks inspired by Helan Mountain and traditional Chinese culture.

Return to City, drive back to downtown approx. 50–60 minutes

2 Days Yinchuan Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Helan Mountain Hiking

Arrive in Yinchuan, check in to your hotel, and take a short rest. In the afternoon, drive about 20 minutes to Helan Mountain for a rewarding hike.

Route: Songtao Mountain Lodge → Cable Car → Qingsong Ridge → Cliffside Walkway. Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

After the hike, enjoy a hearty dinner of local specialties such as hand-grabbed lamb or spicy stir-fried lamb at an authentic restaurant to replenish your energy.

Day 2: Shahu Lake and Film Studio

In the morning, travel to Shahu Lake (approx. 1 hour’ drive) and experience the rare charm of a landscape where desert and water meet. Take a traditional wooden boat through the reed marshes, stroll across sandy paths, and watch flocks of birds resting and feeding in what is often called a “kingdom of birds.”

After lunch, continue to Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio (approx. 40 minutes’ drive), one of China’s most famous filming locations. Once a backdrop for countless classic films and TV dramas, it has evolved into a vivid recreation of an ancient northern Chinese town. Wander through old streets, courtyards, and city walls, and step into scenes that feel both cinematic and historical.

Return to city, finish your unforgettable Yinchuan adventure.

2 Days Yinchuan Itinerary for Cultural Immersion

Day 1: Shuidonggou Ancient Human Site and Frontier Culture

After arriving in Yinchuan, head to Shuidonggou Scenic Area (approx. 30 minutes’ drive), one of China’s most important Paleolithic archaeological sites. Often called the “cradle of prehistoric archaeology in China,” Shuidonggou reveals evidence of human activity dating back over 30,000 years.

Explore Drum Tower and Gulou South Street, where old alleyways, mosques, and traditional shops reflect Yinchuan’s blend of Han, Hui, and Silk Road cultures. Enjoy a local dinner to sample classic Ningxia lamb dishes and Eight Treasures Tea.

Day 2: Western Xia Civilization and Museum Exploration

In the morning, travel to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs (approx. 40 minutes’ drive). Walk among the vast rammed-earth mausoleums scattered across the desert plain, backed by the Helan Mountains. The quiet, open setting allows you to truly absorb the power and mystery of the Western Xia Dynasty. A visit to the on-site museum provides deeper insight into imperial rituals, tomb layouts, and the unique Tangut culture.

In the afternoon, return to the city and visit the Ningxia Museum, where exhibitions on Western Xia history, Silk Road trade, ethnic traditions, and Islamic cultural heritage help tie together everything you have seen over the past two days.

Customize Your Unique Yinchuan Tour

If you are interested in the Yinchuan itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Yinchuan Tour, please visit our Ningxia Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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