https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/city/otog-banner/10071446325123
Fall Viewing Attractions
Top 20 Fall Viewing Attractions near Otog Banner [2025]
Table of contents
Show All Photos
Sand Lake
4.5
/5
6826 reviews
6.9
From KRW 38604
Based on 106 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864001800952
Address: 宁夏回族自治区石嘴山市平罗县姚沙公路
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
Boat ride: lotus & reeds
Witness thousands of migrating birds
2941 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
I specifically visited this place because of the opening credits of "A Chinese Odyssey." Seeing Zixia boating among the reeds, accompanied by a melodious tune, brought back memories of thirty years ago.
It takes about an hour to drive here from Yinchuan. The price is a bit expensive; the entrance fee plus transportation costs nearly 200 yuan per person.
It feels overdeveloped, with too many unnecessary facilities added for commercial purposes, disrupting the original tranquility and serene natural beauty. The roaring seaplanes and speedboats, and the incredibly long return trip (from the island to the sand dunes to the pier, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk).
If you're short on time, this isn't a must-see attraction in Yinchuan.
The Shahu Scenic Area is suitable for taking children to play for a whole day. There are cute pet areas, swan and reed areas, and desert areas. You can also take a sightseeing bus and a boat to go there and back. The experience is very good, and there is no particular congestion during the National Day.
Show All Photos
Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park
4.0
/5
487 reviews
5.4
From KRW 10062
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609516121959
Address: 102 County Rd, Xingqing Qu, Yinchuan Shi, Ningxia Huizuzizhiqu, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Chrysanthemums & osmanthus fragrance everywhere
Chrysanthemum blooms & photo paradise
214 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The lake is vast, lush with aquatic plants and home to numerous waterfowl. A smaller version of Sand Lake, the lotus flowers are a highlight. However, it has a science exhibition hall and an 11th-floor observation deck with a wide view. Well worth a visit.
Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park covers a total area of more than 10,000 mu, including 8,000 mu of wetland and 2,000 mu of greening and other land. It is the largest natural wetland reserve in the eastern part of Yinchuan. Mingcui Lake has preserved its original natural features through returning farmland to lakes, closed-off management, and prohibiting grazing and hunting, creating a good ecological environment for bird resources and aquatic plants and animals, and maintaining the balance of natural ecology. There are rich vegetation and many birds here, including 109 species of vascular plants and 69 species of aquatic phytoplankton, mainly vegetation suitable for wetlands, such as weeping willows, angustifolia, amorpha, cattails, reeds, lotus, etc. There are 97 species of wild birds, such as the first-class national protected birds Great Bustard, Chinese Merganser, Black Stork, White-tailed Sea Eagle; 14 species of national second-class protected birds such as the Whooper Swan, Little Swan, Mandarin Duck, etc. Every spring and summer, thousands of birds live and breed here, making it a paradise for birds. At this time, you can row a boat in the reed maze, listen to the orioles singing, watch the reeds rustling, experience the mysterious thrill of the end of the mountain and the water, and the sudden enlightenment of a new village; or taste the natural flavor of the lotus, waterwheel, and Qianbu Corridor Bridge in the south of the Yangtze River. The design of Mingcui Lake is completely humanized and barrier-free. The sightseeing car and sightseeing boat are safe and pollution-free environmentally friendly transportation. Mingcui Lake has built ten scenic spots with cultural, interesting and rich ecological characteristics with lake water, reeds, lotus, flying birds and swimming fish: "Cars and water dispersing clouds" exhales mist, "Blue water floating lotus" plays with red trout. "Qianbu Corridor Bridge" is willow-colored, "Hundreds of birds singing green" chirp. "Reed flowers chasing the sun" fly white catkins, "Green yarn leaking the moon" is dotted with broken gold. "Maze to find herons" thousands of times, "White sand falling geese" three or five traces. "Green tent to ask for tea" is clear, "East dike sunset" is dark blue. Mingcui Lake, with its vast water body, beautiful natural environment and comfortable climate, attracts countless tourists to come here for sightseeing, maze exploration, fishing, boating and lotus picking, or chatting and laughing while looking at the reed flowers. People are intoxicated by the lake light, forget themselves in the reed color, cultivate their temperament, forget the hustle and bustle of the world, and enjoy themselves so much that they forget to leave.
Show All Photos
The Wave Valley Scenic Area
4.6
/5
1638 reviews
7.4
From KRW 17762
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609124830101
Address: Longzhou Township, Jingbian County, Yulin City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Overlook the Wave Valley Danxia from the glass bridge
Explore the wave-like Cretaceous Danxia landform
Saved by 391 users1267 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Online ticket booking is convenient and offers a 5 yuan discount. However, for a tourist attraction, 90 yuan is still quite expensive, especially considering it only features one geological feature. I met a very kind person on my trip to Bolanggu. If you're planning to go to Bolanggu, you can call the long-distance bus station to inquire about shuttle buses. The customer service representative will give you the phone number of the person in charge. The fare from the county town to Bolanggu Scenic Area is 20 yuan. I contacted this person in charge a day in advance. The next day, the bus broke down and couldn't run. The driver didn't call me either, and I waited a long time without getting a ride. I then called this person in charge, explaining that I hadn't received a call from the driver. After understanding the situation, this person in charge decided to take me to the scenic area in their own car. They waited for me for 3 hours at the entrance and then took me back to the county town. I'm very grateful to this person in charge of the shuttle bus for making my trip to Bolanggu possible. If you're planning to go to Bolanggu, you can follow the Jingbian Travel mini-program.
Most of my trip to Shaanxi was spent in overcast and rainy weather. After checking the weather forecast, I was fortunate to find a sunny day, so I adjusted my itinerary to visit Wave Valley. The scenery at Wave Valley was beautiful, and the leisurely pace of exploring the large loop was very enjoyable. Booking tickets through Ctrip was convenient, and I will definitely use it again next time.
No.
4
Show All Photos
Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
4.5
/5
2142 reviews
7.0
From KRW 6161
Based on 12 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609512079103
Address: Xixia District,Yinchuan City,Ningxia Zhuang Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Capture fall's natural beauty
Colorful autumn chrysanthemums bloom
1643 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The Helan Mountains are majestic and precipitous, stretching as far as the eye can see, like a protective barrier guarding the Northwest. Lush forests, rugged rocks, and deep ravines create a breathtaking landscape. From the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yellow River Plain, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Beyond its unique natural scenery, the region also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it an important landmark on the Silk Road and well worth a visit.
A worthwhile tourist destination in Northwest China! The Helan Mountains, the father mountains of Northwest China, protect this land and water, Ningxia, like a protective barrier! The mountain range is majestic and unique!
No.
5
Show All Photos
Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction
4.6
/5
7695 reviews
7.3
From KRW 12321
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609515055816
Address: Shuidonggou Scenic Area, Linhe Town, Lingwu City, Yinchuan City (19 km from Yinchuan City and 11 km from Yinchuan Hedong Airport)
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
4756 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
A great place to see authentic archaeology. The Soldier Cave is highly recommended. Unfortunately, I missed the show due to lack of time. The camel ride was affordable. The so-called special transportation options, aside from the tractor, were just average. The museum and the Soldier Cave offer free guided tours, which was highly recommended.
This attraction exceeded my expectations. I took various means of transportation (camel cart, horse carriage, electric car, sightseeing car), watched a particularly wonderful performance, and there was a small shop next to the performance where I could eat at affordable prices. It was my first time to visit the Tibetan Soldiers Cave. The children especially liked it and it was very meaningful.
No.
6
Show All Photos
Tengger Desert
4.8
/5
205 reviews
6.5
>100 km from downtown
Address: Bayanhot Town, Alxa Left Banner, Alxa League
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
147 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
It's definitely worth it! It's an unforgettable experience! The vast desert is desolate and magnificent. You can have fun in it, drive an off-road vehicle and surf on the sand dunes. The bumps bring excitement, screams and laughter all the way!
The Tengger Desert is China's fourth largest desert (about 43,000 square kilometers). It means "sky" in Mongolian. Its vast sea of sand and numerous lakes form a unique landscape. The golden sand dunes are like solidified waves, and the crescent-shaped and pyramid-shaped sand dunes are interlaced. The Ulan Lake "Heart of the Earth" and Swan Lake and other water towns in the desert add a magical touch12. Here you can ride a camel to experience the ancient charm of the Silk Road, and you can also experience the passion of desert off-roading. The starry sky and the Milky Way at night are particularly stunning45. Despite the dry climate, it breeds drought-resistant plants such as Haloxylon ammodendron and Ammopiptanthus sandii, as well as wild animals such as Goitered Gazelle, showing tenacious ecological vitality.
No.
7
Show All Photos
Wudangzhao
4.6
/5
1764 reviews
6.9
From KRW 11294
Based on 40 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8604728715022
Address: Wudangzhao, Shiguai District, Baotou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
White buildings & red leaves
Golden & green like a painting
983 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Similar to the Potala Palace and the Zabulunto Monastery, the thangka murals are exquisite and the temple boasts a rich history, making it well worth a visit.
The only drawback is the distance, requiring only a car. There are no direct buses, making transportation inconvenient.
It is a very large temple, known as the Little Potala Palace. The bracelets sold in the gift shop at the entrance are relatively affordable, which is very suitable for checking in and taking pictures. If you have religious beliefs, it is very suitable for pilgrimage.
No.
8
Show All Photos
Saihantal Urban Prairie
4.5
/5
295 reviews
5.5
Sahantala Resort | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8604725135028
Address: South side of the intersection of Minzhu Road and Jianshe Road, Qingshan District, Baotou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
A Fall Stroll Through the Colorful Grassland
A Romantic Stroll Through the Lavender Fields
Recently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Not as good as the scenery of Chunhui Mountain a little farther from the city, but the city is really convenient. Also note that there was a road that people stepped out of, and there was a grassland scenic spot written next to it. I thought I could get to the farthest road. As a result, the grass became deeper and the same as people. The same high, and the original road turned back... (Figure 3, please note)
Can you imagine seeing beautiful grasslands in a city? Then come to Baotou. Baotou is a heavy industrial city, but you may not know that there is a very beautiful grassland in the middle of the east and west sides of Baotou. The locals use it as a fitness trail, and outsiders use it as a tourist attraction.
No.
9
Show All Photos
Wuhai Lake Eco-Tourism Area
4.3
/5
95 reviews
5.9
Wanda | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8604732885155
Address: Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Desert & lake autumn scenery
Autumn migratory bird watching
65% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The desert holds out a blue tear. In the palm lines at the intersection of the three great deserts, between the breaths of Ulan Buh, Tengger, and Kubuqi, it suddenly becomes a vast ocean.
Three mountains are three meditating gods. Gander is draped in rosy clouds. The Five Tigers sink into the twilight. Gander clutches a star. Watching the Yellow River flow through this place, it suddenly softens, kneading the sand into jasper and brewing the north wind into fishermen's songs.
This city folds the sea of coal and the sea of clouds. On the left bank are the sleepless lights of the industrial park. On the right bank is the brewing sweetness of the vineyards. In between, the morning light pierces the wings of waterfowl. The clouds of the Ordos Plateau, the camel bells of Alxa League, and the wind of the Ningxia Plain all exchange tokens on the lake's surface.
As the sun sets, the desert begins to recite ancient verses.
Sand is a dried-up lake. The lake is flowing sand. Only this plateau holds a clear mirror. Reflecting the snowcapped Helan Mountains, the thousand-year-old rock paintings, and the awakening oasis within us.
A grain of sand, a leaf, a Buddha statue.
A mountain, a lake, a hometown.
A grain of sand, a road, an internet celebrity.
A stroke, a painting, a chant.
A scroll, a piece of paper, a book city.
An autumn, a spring, a light.
A day, a place, a thought.
A lifetime, a Wu Hai.
No.
10
Show All Photos
Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon
4.8
/5
5016 reviews
6.9
From KRW 23614
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864009960953
Address: Qingtongxia Town, Qingtongxia City, Wuzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Boat ride & autumn views
Autumn foliage: maples & ginkgos
4611 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Qingtongxia, located in Ningxia, is one of the important canyons on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, boasting magnificent scenery and abundant water resources. The Qingtongxia Reservoir, with its shimmering blue waters and rugged mountains on both sides, combines natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage. It features ancient water conservancy facilities and unique Yellow River culture, making it ideal for sightseeing, photography, and learning about the geography and history of Northwest China. With convenient transportation and well-developed surrounding facilities, it is a key tourist attraction in Ningxia.
The experience of visiting the Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon is very good. During the National Day holiday, you need to queue up for the sightseeing bus to the dam, but it takes time. The arrangement of taking a boat to the 108 Towers opposite is very reasonable, and you can also climb the 108 Towers.
1
2
