# Shapotou Scenic Area (沙坡头旅游景区)

Central and Southern Ningxia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shapotou-scenic-area
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Peak season ¥80; off season ¥50
- **Good for:** Mountains & Adventure, Nature

## About Shapotou Scenic Area

One of Ningxia's most famous scenic areas, where the Yellow River and the Tengger Desert come together to create this stunning landscape.
Shapotou Scenic Area is known above all for its desert adventures and Yellow River rafting. Sand sliding, camel riding and crossing the river on a hutuo (sheepskin raft) are all must-do activities. The area has two sections. One is Shapotou itself, famous for sand sliding, zip-lining across the Yellow River and sheepskin raft rides; climb the sand dune for a view of the Yellow River, desert and green oases all side by side. The other is the Tengger Desert Botanical Garden, where riding a camel or trekking across the dunes is most thrilling. In 2013, Shapotou was the filming location for the second episode of 'Dad, Where Are We Going?'.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Activities: There are many paid activities here, such as camel rides across the desert from ¥100, sand sliding for ¥40 and Yellow River surfing from ¥60.
- 2. Rafting: A one-way sheepskin raft ride costs ¥90 per person. May to October is the best rafting season.
- 3. Fish: Be sure to try the Yellow River carp at Shapotou, ideally stewed in a clear broth so that its true flavour shines through!

---
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 801. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.