Your Adventure Awaits
The Ningxia Wine Philosophy
In the shadow of the rugged Helan Mountains, Ningxia has emerged as China’s "Bordeaux of the East," where ultra-modern chateaus rise like architectural mirages from the Gobi Desert’s edge. This high-altitude terroir, nourished by the ancient pulses of the Yellow River, produces award-winning Marselan and Cabernet Sauvignon that pair exquisitely with the region’s famed aromatic salt-roasted lamb. Yet, the true soul of Ningxia lies in its juxtaposition of New World viticulture and deep antiquity like the "Pyramids of the East"— the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, whose weathered, beehive-shaped earthen mounds have guarded the secrets of a lost Tangut civilization for a millennium. From the prehistoric petroglyphs of the Helan Mountain Rock Art site to the meditative silence of the 108 Pagodas, a luxury escape here offers a rare, heady blend of sophisticated enology and the haunting grandeur of the ancient Silk Road.
History & Culture
Art de Vivre
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
Experience differentiated styles of inspiring hotels that reflect the pulse and landscapes of Ningxia. From the Star Wars-esque Desert Diamond Hotel in the dunes of the Tengger Desert to the "albergo diffuso" inspired settings of the Lost Villa set against the mighty Yellow River and the inspiring high-altitude vineyard-surrounding Amnor Hotel against the backdrop of the Helan Mountains.
Experiences
China has risen to the top of the viticulture world in the last decade and the work behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed and on this sojourn, we get into the aspirational deep end of Ningxia Province's winemakers while exploring the impeccable geology and history that lends it its identity.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Yinchuan
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On arrival at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport, we begin a comfortable drive and orientation in the heart of Yinchuan, capital city of Ningxia Province. En route, we will make stops including the remarkable Yinchuan Contemporary Art Museum designed to mimic layers of sediment left by the gradual shifting of the Yellow River. We will also stop at the Nanguan Mosque, the most important mosque of the Hui people in Ningxia, endowed with Islamic architectural style characterized by its large green domes. Admire the impressive 9-storey Haibao Pagoda against the backdrop of the Beita Lake.
Thereafter, we retreat to JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan, adorned with elegant and luxurious rooms in the heart of the city. In the evening, we will enjoy a unique lakeside dinner sampling the fine cuisines of Ningxia Province.
DAY 2: Yinchuan (Western Xia Tombs & Wines of Domaine Chandon
We depart this morning for an excursion to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the arid foothills of Helan Mountain. Covering 53 square kilometers, this site comprises nine imperial tombs and 254 smaller burial mounds, blending Tangut, Han Chinese, and Tibetan architectural influences. Guided by an expert, you will travel through a millennium to decode the historical secrets hidden in the pyramid-like mounds and stone stele pavilions. We will also visit the Western Xia Museum to admire its enigmatic religious art, including murals and porcelain, among other precious artifacts from the Western Xia period. The specially arranged woodblock printing experience lets you touch the warmth of history. Following ancient techniques, under the guidance of a craftsman, you will carve the block, apply ink, and print, replicating Western Xia characters (a logographic script with over 5,000 characters) or classic patterns on paper.
Thereafter, we dedicate the afternoon visiting Domaine Chandon by LVMH, nestled against the stark, majestic backdrop of the Helan Mountains standing as a poetic fusion of French winemaking heritage and the wild, sun-drenched spirit of China’s "Golden Zone." The winery's architecture is a contemporary masterpiece of understated luxury, featuring a unique dual-tone façade where cool gray concrete walls mirror the winter-buried vines and warm yellow accents pay homage to the ancient loess plateau. Upholding the pioneering spirit of never-ending exploration, Chandon spent nearly 20 years conducting surveys, finally settling in the iconic wine-producing region - the eastern foothills of Helan Mountains in Ningxia in 2013, thrived in this new wine-producing area, launching the first batch of Chandon sparkling wines. You can enjoy the different three types of sparkling wines, admire the vineyards at the foot of Helan Mountain, and learn about the production process of their wines.
DAY 3: Yinchuan / Shuidonggou / Zhongwei
This morning, we depart Yinchuan and head to Shuidonggou Scenic Area, one of China’s earliest excavated Paleolithic cultural sites, known as the "cradle of prehistoric archaeology in China." Wandering through the scenic area, you will see relics of ancient human life, visit the ingenious Tibetan Soldier Cave, and experience the unique landscape where the Great Wall, canyons, and lakes interweave. Touch the traces of ancient civilization in the river of time and explore the code of human evolution. Later, we drive to Wuzhong to savor the region’s most iconic delicacy, the hand-pulled lamb.
In the afternoon, journey to Zhongwei and travel into the heart of the Tengger Desert, fourth-largest in China, where we arrive at the incredible Desert Diamond Hotel, a haven nestled amidst the vast expanse of the Tengger Desert. Walk up to the mesmerizing sight of endless golden dunes and unwind in plush, elegantly designed suites with top-tier amenities. Enjoy private desert excursions, or ride camels to hidden oases or sand board down 200-meter slopes, embark on a thrilling off-road adventure through the desert dunes. As the sun sets, be captivated by the sky ablaze with vibrant hues, creating a magical atmosphere and stargazing under the clear desert sky.
DAY 4: Zhongwei
Awake to a mesmerizing morning and after breakfast, we head to the Shapotou Scenic Area, located at the southeast edge of the Tengger Desert where we admire diverse landscapes of the desert, the inspiring Yellow River, dramatic mountains and oases. Consider an exciting sand-sliding experience or speed down the steep sand dunes to feel the thrill and adrenaline (OPTIONAL). Descending down to the Yellow River, we embark on a sheepskin raft, drifting downstream accompanied by the boatman’s chant and watch the picturesque scenery along the river, soaking into the grandeur of China’s most iconic river.
Later, we visit the Zhongwei Gaomiao, a unqiue ancient architectural complex that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It was initially built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. Known for its compact and perilous architectural style, the temple features nearly a hundred multi-story pavilions densely constructed on a high platform of just over 4,000 square meters, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, hence the name "High Temple." Inside, deities from the three religions—such as Buddha, the Jade Emperor, and Wenchang - all enshrined together in one courtyard reflecting the syncretism of Chinese folk beliefs.
Ending the day, we arrive at the unique Lost Villa, an accommodation cluster by the Yellow River where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure to unwind and appreciate some of the finest scenery and surroundings.
DAY 5: Zhongwei / Qingtongxia / Helan Mountain
Today, we depart Zhongwei returning north and stop by the Yellow River Grand Canyon in Qingtongxia on the way to visit the famous 108 Stupas, China’s largest existing group of Lama stupas. Standing on the observation deck, you can see the stupas interweaving with the Yellow River and canyon, a magnificent sight that makes you marvel at the wisdom and courage of ancient craftsmen, and you'll cross the Yellow River in a speedboat. Wander through the area to feel the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture, and find inner peace.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at the spectacular Chateau Mihope. Nestled at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, Chateau Mihope stands as a model where contemporary architectural aesthetics, boutique winemaking, and natural terroir seamlessly converge. Its artfully designed, flowing structure appears to rise organically from the earth, engaging in silent dialogue with the majestic Helan landscape. Adhering to the philosophy of “reverence for nature, meticulous winemaking, the estate selects grapes from its own managed vineyards, crafting elegant and nuanced wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan with exceptional skill — all of which have garnered consistent international acclaim. More than just a destination for tasting premium Chinese wines, Mihope offers an immersive poetic space where strolling through the vines, savouring fine wines, and appreciating curated artworks come together, allowing guests to fully experience the harmony of art, terroir and masterful craftsmanship.
Thereafter, visit the Gojiberry Manor, a model work for the dissemination and experience of gojiberry culture. Gojiberry is one of the most renowned local specialties in Ningxia, famous for excellent health properties as recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica. We will visit Goji Manor on the east of Helan Mountain, witness the vividly live and unforgettable landscape in Ningxia. Here you can picking Goji berry with local farmers, tasting the sweetness of freshly-picked gojiberries from the branches. Excitingly, the most grand thing is to enjoy the Goji berry-themed vegetarian banquet created according to Chinese 24 solar terms health principles.
Finally, we will arrive at the stunning Amnor Hotel. Derived from the combination of “Amora” and “Manor”, the hotel echoes its expression to present an inspiring and warm atmosphere of the surrounding wineries to visitors.
DAY 6: Helan Mountain
Early this morning, we embark on an excursion to the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings Scenic Area, a canyon rich in petroglyphs and Buddhist motifs, linking to nearby Buddhist temples and imperial cemeteries. These rock paintings, created from the late first millennium BCE to the Ming and Qing dynasties, feature diverse imagery including animal representations, face outlines, hand prints and inscriptions. Learn about Western Xia inscriptions related to Buddhism, which comment on the petroglyphs’ spiritual meaning, showing the Tangut people’s awe of pre-existing rock engravings.
In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the award-winning Silver Heights Winery, a remarkable winery and one of China’s highest vineyards, with ideal terroir for viticulture run by acclaimed winemaker, Emma Gao. Step into the vineyard managed by biodynamic methods and feel the special natural atmosphere, taste wines like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and more. This evening, we will visit Yilong Winery for a wine-pairing feast with exquisite dishes. Enjoy a fitting finale against the silhouette of the Helan Mountains at dusk, under a canopy of stars and embraced by distant peaks and intimate atmosphere. The evening is designed to achieve a perfect pairing of wine with creative local Ningxia cuisine. Each dish is crafted to highlight or complement specific flavor notes of a selected wine.
DAY 7: Helan Mountain / Departure Yinchuan
After breakfast, we will depart Amnor Hotel to Yinchuan Hedong International Airport for your flight return home or continue on your journey in China.
Featured Hotels
JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan
JW Marriott Hotel Yinchuan is located in the Jinfeng District which is the administration center of the city. Adjacent to landmark buildings such as Yinchuan People's Square, Yinchuan International Exhibition Center, Ningxia Museum and etc.A total of 279 designed fashion and elegant guest rooms and 2 food and beverage outlets enable you to get ultimate taste feast experience. Covering an area of 2910 sqm, ballrooms and meeting rooms can sufficiently meet your actual needs and fully-equipped gym, in-door heated swimming pool.
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
Priority Room Upgrade*
Lost Villa
Ningxia may not loom large on most people’s itineraries, but the region, knifed through by the Yellow River in China’s central north, features some of the country’s most spectacular countryside. All of which makes the bucolic 15-room Lost Villa a convenient base from which to make exploratory strikes to the surrounding loess plains and desert. Located near the region’s capital Zhongwei, within a 2,000m2 site in the village of Dawan, the hotel complex consists of clusters of low, unobtrusive rammed-earth style buildings that harmonise with both the natural landscape of austere mountains and dusty plains, and the local village architecture.