How to get to Zhongwei

If you are looking for information on how to get to Zhongwei, located in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China, a journey awaits you to an amazing land where the sands of the Tengger Desert meet the waters of the Yellow River. You can travel to Zhongwei in various ways: this colourful city boasts developed infrastructure, welcoming travellers arriving by plane, high-speed train, or intercity bus. Regardless of the route chosen, the road to this unique oasis will be a comfortable start to your acquaintance with the local natural beauties.

The fastest way to reach your destination is via Zhongwei Airport (ZHY), which handles scheduled flights and provides convenient connections to other regions. The airport is located close to the city limits, so the transfer to your hotel or major attractions will take very little time.

If a direct flight is not available, it is worth considering flights to neighbouring major cities, for example, to Yinchuan (142 km) or Lanzhou (201 km). Arriving in Guyuan is also an option, opening up excellent opportunities for planning an interesting route through this picturesque part of the country.

Getting to Zhongwei by rail is a simple and popular option among tourists. The city is well-integrated into the transport network and features two stations: Zhongwei Station for regular trains and South Station, which serves modern high-speed lines.

Rail connections link the city with important transport hubs in the region. Trains arrive here from Yinchuan, Lanzhou, and Xi'an. Travelling by high-speed train will not only save time but also allow you to comfortably enjoy the passing landscapes before arriving at your destination.

Bus travel is an excellent way to get to Zhongwei, allowing you to enjoy the colourful landscapes of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The most popular and fastest route connects the city with the administrative centre, Yinchuan: buses cover the distance of 160 kilometres in approximately 2.5–3 hours along a modern highway. An equally convenient road leads from Guyuan; the trip from there takes about 3–4 hours, offering views of the loess plateaus and the countryside.

Travellers coming from the neighbouring Gansu province often choose direct routes from Lanzhou. This path is longer — about 300 kilometres, so the travel time will be 4–5 hours; however, the comfortable interiors of the intercity coaches make the trip tireless. Most buses arrive at the central bus station, located within easy reach of the city's infrastructure, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the travel atmosphere.

Travelling by car allows you to plan your own schedule and enjoy the views on the way to the unique landscapes of Zhongwei. The fastest route runs from the administrative centre of Yinchuan: the distance of 205 kilometres along a modern highway can be covered in approximately 2 hours 25 minutes. An alternative route from the city of Guyuan will take slightly less time — about 2 hours 20 minutes for a distance of 219 kilometres.

For those departing from the neighbouring Gansu province, the road from Lanzhou, stretching 326 kilometres, will require about 3 hours 30 minutes of driving. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use taxi services, however, the cost of such a trip will be significantly higher than a train or bus ticket, so it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or use official aggregator apps.

To ensure your trip to Zhongwei is as comfortable as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself in advance with the features of this unique region at the junction of desert and civilisation. We have prepared a list of important recommendations that will help you avoid common difficulties during your trip to China.

1. Clothing and Climate. Since the city borders the Tengger Desert, significant temperature fluctuations occur here. Even if it is hot during the day, nights can be cool, so be sure to bring layered clothing and a windbreaker. Sunglasses, a hat, and high SPF cream are also critical, as the sun here is very active.
2. Transport. Taxis in the city are inexpensive and accessible; this is the most convenient way for a tourist to get around. It is recommended to save the names of your hotel and attractions in Chinese characters in advance to show them to the driver. To hail a car, it is convenient to use apps like DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber), which are integrated into payment systems.
3. Finances. Cash is accepted less frequently; the main payment method is via Alipay or WeChat Pay apps, to which you can link a foreign card. Nevertheless, it is worth keeping a small supply of cash yuan (in small denominations) for payments in small shops or markets. International Visa/Mastercard cards are accepted directly only in large hotels.
4. Health and Safety. The air in the region is very dry, so drink plenty of water and use moisturising creams and lip balms. You should drink only bottled water. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but finding an English-speaking pharmacist is difficult, so it is better to assemble a basic first aid kit at home.
5. Communication. English is practically not spoken in the city, with the exception of staff at large hotels. Be sure to download an offline translator app to your smartphone with photo translation capabilities (for menus and signs) and voice input.
6. Local Etiquette. Ningxia is the home region of the Hui people, who practice Islam. Please be respectful of local traditions: many restaurants serve Halal food and do not offer pork or alcohol. When visiting mosques or religious monuments, please choose modest, covered clothing.
7. What to Avoid. Do not agree to the services of "private guides" who intrusively offer help at stations or at the entrance to tourist zones — the prices will be inflated. Also, avoid consuming street food that has been lying in the open sun for a long time.
8. Protecting Electronics. If you plan to visit desert areas, such as Shapotou, take care to protect your camera and smartphone. Fine sand penetrates everywhere, so use sealed cases or protective bags for your electronics.

Following these simple rules will allow you to focus on the beauty of the sand dunes and the cultural richness of the region without being distracted by domestic inconveniences. Zhongwei is a hospitable city, and with proper preparation, it will leave you with only the warmest memories.