Zhongwei, China
Region: Ningxia
Geographic Coordinates: 37.513900, 105.188000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Dry and arid with low precipitation, hot summers, and cold winters.
Population: 1067336
Language: Mandarin
Zhongwei is a beautiful city located in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. It sits on the banks of the Yellow River, Enhancing its picturesque beauty. The city boasts a long history and culture that dates back to ancient times. Zhongwei used to be an important stop on the Silk Road, Serving as a significant trading post for merchants traveling between China and Central Asia. One of Zhongwei’s most popular tourist attractions is Shapotou Scenic Area, Featuring stunning sand dunes that constantly shift due to wind erosion.
Visitors can enjoy sandboarding or take camel rides through the dunes for an unforgettable experience. The scenic area also includes other attractions such as an amusement park, Water park, And museum. Another attraction worth visiting in Zhongwei is Gao Temple. This ancient temple has been around for over 1, 000 years and is one of the oldest temples in Ningxia Province. Its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture showcase traditional Chinese design elements. For those interested in learning more about local culture, Several museums are worth checking out in Zhongwei.
The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum provides insight into both local history as well as Islamic culture within China’s borders while the Yellow River Museum focuses on river ecology and human impact on this vital waterway. Food lovers will find plenty to satisfy their cravings in Zhongwei! One local specialty not to be missed is Guyuan Roast Lamb marinated with over 20 different spices before roasting it until tender perfection – it’s sure to leave your taste buds tingling!
Another dish worth trying out here would be Ningxia Fried Noodles made with hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with vegetables like cabbage or carrots along with meat like beef or mutton. Overall, Zhongwei offers something for everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs and foodies alike. With its stunning natural beauty, Rich cultural heritage, And delicious cuisine, It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China.
- Shapotou Scenic Area is a well-known tourist destination in Zhongwei, offering visitors the chance to explore sand dunes, desert landscapes, and the Yellow River.
- Gao Temple is a historic temple located in Zhongwei that dates back to the Ming Dynasty and boasts stunning architecture.
- Xiangshan Mountain provides breathtaking views of the city from its summit.
- The Shuidonggou Ruins are ancient ruins dating back to 8000 BC that provide insight into China’s prehistoric past.
- Qingtongxia Reservoir is a picturesque area featuring waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
- Helan Mountains National Forest Park offers hiking trails and scenic vistas for those looking to experience Zhongwei’s natural beauty.
- The Huiyuan Temple Pagoda is an iconic landmark with unique architecture and cultural significance in Zhongwei.
- Guyuan Museum of Artifacts showcases artifacts from various periods of Chinese history and culture for guests to explore.
- Moon Lake Scenic Area features a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains with boating activities available as well as camping facilities nearby.
- The Huanghezhou City Wall Relic Park houses an ancient city wall constructed during the Ming dynasty for military defense purposes.
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Tourism
- Chemical industry
- Mining industry
- Food processing industry
- Textile industry
- Machinery manufacturing
The city is known for its:
- Agricultural products such as wheat, corn, millet and sorghum
- Abundant coal reserves and a large thermal power plant
- Tourist attractions like the Shapotou Scenic Area, Gao Temple and the Yellow River Stone Forest
There are several chemical plants in the city producing:
- Caustic soda
- Sodium carbonate
- PVC
The city has rich mineral resources such as:
- Iron ore
- Lead-zinc ore
- Copper-gold ore
Many food processing companies produce various food products such as:
- Noodles
- Snacks
A large textile manufacturing base produces:
- Cotton yarns
- Fabrics
Machinery manufacturing companies also produce equipment for:
- Agriculture
- Mining industries in Zhongwei
- Zhongwei is home to one of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, known as the Yumen Pass.
- Zhongwei was once a part of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom, which was an important center for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
- The famous Italian explorer Marco Polo visited Zhongwei during his travels in China and wrote about its bustling markets and impressive fortifications.
- During the Qing Dynasty, General Ma Hongbin played a key role in defending Zhongwei against invading forces from Mongolia.
- In 1935, Communist revolutionaries led by Mao Zedong passed through Zhongwei on their Long March to escape Nationalist forces.
- Throughout history, Zhongwei has been affected by devastating floods from the nearby Yellow River, including major floods in 1887 and 1938 that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
- Due to desertification caused by climate change and human activities such as overgrazing and deforestation, much of the surrounding area around Zhongwei has become barren desert land over time.
- A Tang dynasty poet named Li Bai (Li Po) lived near present-day Shapotou Scenic Area in Tengger Desert where he composed some famous works like “The Hard Road” (《庐山谣》), “Quiet Night Thoughts” (《静夜思》) etc., which are still widely read today.
- A Chinese warlord named Zhang Xueliang had control over Northeastern China during 1920s-30s had built a mansion named Zhenguo Gong at Tengger Desert’s Shapotou Scenic Area where he would stay during his travels.
- Gao Temple is an ancient temple situated on a hill that provides breathtaking views of Zhongwei.
- Shapotou Scenic Area is a popular tourist spot with sand dunes, camel rides, and outdoor activities set in a desert landscape.
- Zhongwei City Museum showcases the history and culture of Zhongwei through exhibits and artifacts.
- Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum, located in Yinchuan, features exhibits on the history and culture of the Hui ethnic group.
- Xumi Mountain Grottoes are Buddhist grottoes dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) known for their intricate carvings.
- Qingtongxia Reservoir offers water sports, hiking trails, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains in its scenic area.
- Shuidonggou Site Museum located in Lingwu County features exhibits on early human civilization in China dating back over 30,000 years.
- Helan Mountains National Forest Park offers hiking trails through beautiful mountain scenery with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- The Ningxia Zhongwei Water-Splashing Festival is an annual event that takes place during the Dragon Boat Festival. It’s a tradition to splash water on each other as a way of wishing for good luck and blessings.
- The Xumishan Grottoes International Cultural Tourism Festival is a celebration of the ancient Buddhist grottoes located in Xumishan. The festival includes cultural performances, exhibitions, and tours of the grottoes.
- The Ningxia International Sand Lake Tourism Festival is held every August and showcases the natural beauty of Sand Lake, offering activities such as horse racing, camel riding, and sand skiing.
- Yinchuan city near Zhongwei hosts the annual Yinchuan International Film Festival which attracts filmmakers from around the world to showcase their works.
- The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Cultural Tourism Week is a week-long event that celebrates the rich culture of Ningxia province through art exhibitions, food festivals, cultural performances and more.
- Helan Mountain near Zhongwei city hosts China’s Helan Mountain Grape Wine Festival every September where local wines are showcased along with cultural performances while visitors can taste wine too!
- Every April in Pingluo county near Zhongwei city takes place Ningxia Pingluo Peach Blossom Festival celebrating blooming peach blossoms with music performances and food stalls selling local delicacies made from peaches among others!
- Yellow River carp: This is a famous dish in Zhongwei that uses fresh carp from the Yellow River.
- Lamb skewers: This is a popular street food in Zhongwei that features grilled lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili powder.
- Noodle soup: There are many noodle soup shops in Zhongwei that serve handmade noodles with various toppings such as beef, pork or vegetables.
- Hui-style dishes: The Hui ethnic group has a strong presence in Zhongwei and their cuisine is highly regarded, featuring dishes such as braised lamb and steamed buns stuffed with meat.
- Baijiu (Chinese liquor) bars: There are many bars in Zhongwei that specialize in serving baijiu, a strong distilled liquor made from grains such as sorghum or wheat.
- Xiangyuan Restaurant (香园餐厅): A popular restaurant known for its seafood dishes and hot pot.
- Laochengyi Restaurant (老城一饭店): A traditional Chinese restaurant serving local specialties such as Yellow River carp and Hui-style dishes.
- Shuyuanlou Restaurant (书院楼餐厅): A high-end restaurant located inside an ancient building that serves classic Chinese cuisine with modern twists.
- Lanzhou Beef Noodles (兰州拉面): A chain of noodle shops famous for its hand-pulled noodles served with various toppings including beef, pork or vegetables.
- Huanghe Hotel Dining Room (黄河宾馆餐厅): Located inside the Huanghe Hotel, this dining room serves a variety of Chinese dishes including Cantonese dim sum and Sichuan spicy hot pot.
- Shapotou National Forest Park: This park is situated on the southern edge of the Tengger Desert and provides spectacular views of the sand dunes, oasis, and Yellow River. Visitors can indulge in activities such as camel riding, sand sliding, hiking, and camping.
- Zhongwei Water-Splashing Festival: This yearly festival is celebrated in August and honors the local Hui ethnic group’s culture. The festival showcases water fights, dragon boat races, music performances, and traditional food.
- Xiangshan Park: Located in the city center, this park offers a serene escape from busy city streets. It features a lake with paddle boats, walking paths along with gardens adorned with flowers and trees.
- Zhongwei Grand Canyon: Situated about 40 km from downtown Zhongwei this picturesque area has towering cliffs that offer breathtaking views of deep valleys below along with hiking trails through lush forests.
- Gao Temple Scenic Area: This area encompasses several attractions such as Gao Temple (an ancient temple), Damaidi Rock Paintings (dating back to 10th century BC), Gaojiayuan Village (an old village), etc., making it an ideal place for cultural sightseeing.
- Qingtongxia Reservoir Scenic Area: Located about 50 km southeast of Zhongwei this area has many recreational activities like boating on Qingtongxia Reservoir or fishing in nearby rivers along with beautiful scenery around it including mountains & valleys.
- Zhuyuan Garden: A classical Chinese garden located near Xiangshan Park which was built during Ming dynasty featuring rockeries, ponds, pavilions, etc.
- Moon Lake Park: A small park which surrounds Moon Lake offering scenic views, boating facilities & also have some historical sites like Moon Lake Pavilion.
- Liancheng Forest Park: A natural forest reserve located at Liancheng village which offers hiking trails through the forest along with scenic views of mountains and valleys.
Some recommended restaurants to try out include:
