Plan at a glance
Confirm where visitors can go
Yellow River Suji is in Dawan Village, Changle Town, Shapotou District, Zhongwei, Ningxia. It is a cluster of independently run homestays and businesses near the Yellow River. Public lanes, private courtyards and activities have different access rules. If you are not staying overnight, ask the service centre which entrance and areas are open that day and whether booking or a purchase is required.
Choose between a short stop and an overnight stay
Allow about 1–2 hours to see the village streets and Yellow River views. Meals, pottery and farm activities are arranged by individual operators; when booking, ask whether they accept visitors who are not staying overnight. Overnight guests can add activities to a half-day or one-night stay.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Rammed-earth village and homestay architecture
Dawan Village has a history of about 200 years. As Yellow River Suji developed, it brought in boutique accommodation brands such as Xipo (西坡), Dalezhiye (大乐之野), Xuli (墟里), Feiniaoji (飞蔦集) and Nanan (南岸). The buildings combine traditional rammed-earth architecture with modern accommodation design. Walk along the village lanes open to visitors to see the architecture, and check each property's current booking information if you plan to stay overnight.
The Yellow River bend and south-bank views
Dawan Village is close to the Yellow River, where the river makes a pronounced bend. Shapotou lies across the river on the north bank. This stop suits visitors who want to see the river and village architecture at a slower pace. Before taking photos or walking down to the river, follow the signs to a public viewing area that is open to visitors.
Bookable activities and dining
Over the years, the retreat has offered activities such as an ecological farm, pottery, desert off-roading, outdoor dinners and heritage-site visits, and has brought in a bookstore, dining venues and art spaces. If you are interested in an activity, choose one first, then ask the operator about its current schedule, price and access for non-guests.
Build your day
A 1–2 hour village stop
Visitors who are not staying overnight can allow about 1–2 hours for the rammed-earth buildings and Yellow River views. Walk along open lanes, then stop at a public river viewpoint that is open that day. If the viewing area is closed, return to your agreed pickup point through the village lanes. Homestay courtyards, pools and guest rooms are not open to visitors by default.
A half-day visit with a booking
Allow about half a day for a village walk, pottery or a farm activity, followed by a meal at a restaurant you have booked. Pottery, farm activities and restaurants are run by different operators; confirm the meeting point when you book and follow the reservation to your next stop. If an activity is cancelled because of weather or operating arrangements, update the time for your return pickup.
Leave at dusk or stay overnight
If you are not staying overnight, return to the visitor entrance at the agreed time after your meal or activity. Overnight guests should follow their accommodation's arrangements for transfers, night access and river views. Arrange a ride back in advance, especially after dinner; do not rely on finding a car at the last minute.
Get there
Navigate to your meeting point in Dawan Village
Search for “黄河宿集” (Yellow River Suji) and check that the map pin is in Dawan Village, Changle Town. If you have booked accommodation, save the homestay name and reception address from your booking and follow the operator's directions. The retreat entrance, service centre and homestay reception desks may be in different places. When booking a car, specify the drop-off point; overnight guests should also confirm how luggage will be transferred.
Arrange your return ride in advance
From Zhongwei city, a railway station or the airport, you can drive, book a car or ask your accommodation about pickup coverage, fees and meeting points. Visitors who are not staying overnight should arrange the return vehicle, pickup point and time in advance, especially for the trip back after dinner.
Know before you go
Great Wall remains and farm activities
If a designated viewing area is open, use it to view the Ming Great Wall remains from a distance. Do not climb on the remains or use a closed slope. Feed or handle animals only as part of a farm activity arranged by staff.
When photographing the rammed-earth buildings, keep village lanes clear and do not take photos into guest rooms.
Meals, weather and your return
Opening times and prices for dining, coffee and activities vary by operator; reserve dinner in advance. For pottery or farm activities, confirm the date, price and cancellation terms with each operator; activities may not run every day. Bring sun protection in summer and an extra layer in other seasons. Village dirt roads may be muddy after rain, so check road conditions before walking or arranging pickup.