A Sip of Desert Wilderness
Laughing and hurtling down a high dune, walking into the desert to the sound of camel bells, peeking out of a tent to see the Milky Way in the sky... You don't have to go to the Sahara to have these wonderful desert experiences!
Located on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, the fourth largest desert in China, Zhongwei is easily accessible and offers ultimate desert fun and special accommodation experiences as well as a special visit to taste the best wine in China.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Our China Highlights Beijing experience exceeded our expectations
![]() What an amazing experience. Jiang our guide blew us away with his passion for and knowledge of his country. He made our Beijing visit a memorable experience. He ensured that our daily activities were personalised and seamless. He was very pro-active and flexible, and applied a personal touch, often sharing personal stories and finer details. more
Mar 2025, Jacques
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Eye opening and amazing China
![]() In Beijing for 3 days. Laura is our private tour guide. She is amazing and very detailed oriented. She is also knowledgeable and always able to answers all our questions. Everything is taken care of by her from the moment we step into Beijing. Totally worry free. This is a amazing trip . She had also arranged a surprise for us once we know we came to China for our honeymoon, she arranged my wife to have traditional costume fitted so that we can have a memorable time at summer palace and greatwall. The pictures turned out amazing, and she helped us take so many great shots. At the end of the trip, she even surprised us with a small token gift, which was unexpected and very touching and sweet. Thank you for your warmth and sincerity, it's clear that she loves her job. Highly recommended to book with China Highlights. The entire process was great, and the staff is very responsive, very warm, very kind and helpful. more
Mar 2025, POWER W @powerw.369
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special time in Beijing
![]() great time in Beijing ! Our guide Ethan was amazing . Our flight arrived late at night and as soon as we got our bags we saw his smiling face . He always had great ideas of places to go and extra things to do at night. He even organized a celibration for our wedding aniversary on the great wall of China, imagine coming to the top of the wall and finding flowers,wine & and a banner saying ``Happy Aniversary`` truely a once in a lifetime event . thank you Ethan & China highlights more
Mar 2025, Barbara J
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Tour 'Wow' Points
Feel the Adrenaline Rush during Dune Bashing and Sand Sledding
Hop on the dune bashing bus and play Mad Max. Sled down a dune that's 156 meters high. How fast do you dare to go?


Go on a Desert Trek on a Two-humped Camel
Walk into the desert with camel bells clanging and the enjoy mystical landscape of shifting sand dunes.


Experience Sheepskin Rafting on the Yellow River
It's the oldest ferry method on the mother river of China.


A Starry Night in the Desert Tent
When was the last time you saw the Milky Way? A night in the desert has a good chance of fulfilling a starry wish in a spectacular way.


Enjoy the Taste of Helan Mountain Wine
The wine from the corridor on the east side of the Helan Mountains has been winning awards at international wine tasting events. Enjoy the wine and view in a unique winery.


Relax for a Night in a Hotel with the Perfect Balance of Wilderness and Luxury
Suji Yellow River, the boutique hotel by the Yellow River in the Tengger Desert, is a destination in itself.


Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
This trip is recommended from April to October.
Pickup at Yinchuan Hedong Airport is followed by a private transfer to Xige Winery. Enjoy wine tasting and an organic lunch alone with the view of the vineyard.
Stay overnight in a tent in the desert.
Have a whole day of fun in Shapotou, where you can experience dune bashing, sand sledding, camel trekking, and sheepskin rafting.
Learn how to make wheat grass squares and turn a little piece of desert into grassland.
Stay overnight at the Suji Yellow River. The butlers of the hotel will take you over from your tour guide and arrange the rest of your trip.
Desert, the Yellow River, the Great Wall, and an ancient village — where these elements come together, Suji Yellow River can simultaneously satisfy and surprise your imagination regarding northwest China, bringing you a unique holiday experience.
You may choose to stay there longer. The butlers of the hotel can also arrange the transfer to the airport for you when you're ready.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: nx-2