Nestled at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China, the Dulaan Holiday Wine Stroll buzzed with activity during the recent seven-day National Day holiday.
Wine enthusiasts found plenty to enjoy, from strolling through vineyards and exploring well-stocked wine cellars to savoring local vintages. For thrill-seekers, cycling through the mountains offered the chance to spot blue sheep and red deer in their natural habitats.
For overnight visitors, stargazing sessions led by expert astronomers added an educational twist to their leisure activities.
“I was pleasantly surprised by this charming ‘wine town.’ It’s incredibly relaxing,” said Lu Di, a resident of Yinchuan, the regional capital. She and her family enjoyed wine tasting and afternoon tea, soaking up the golden glow of Helan Mountain, while also cycling through the area and feeding alpacas.
With its dry climate and abundant sunshine, the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain are known as a “golden zone” for grape cultivation, producing some of China’s finest wines. A growing number of wineries have established a “wine corridor” along the mountain, which is also home to several renowned tourist destinations.
Leveraging these natural and cultural advantages, the Dulaan Holiday Wine Stroll was launched in December 2023, with its affiliated hotel opening its doors to visitors in June. This combination of grape cultivation, winemaking, culture, and sightseeing has attracted over 50,000 tourists in just four months.
Yang Ziyun, an employee at the hotel, highlighted the variety of activities curated for the National Day holiday, including painting, bamboo weaving, wine therapy, and outdoor mountain-side concerts.
Ningxia’s history with winemaking dates back to 1984, when the region produced its first bottle of wine. Today, it is China’s largest wine-producing region, steadily gaining international recognition.
In recent years, themed towns celebrating local culture have become a popular trend across China, offering tourists unique, immersive experiences. These towns provide insight into regional culture and traditions, with a mix of leisure and education.
Located just 10 kilometers away, the Seeing Helan Performance Town has also become a bustling attraction, particularly in the evening. As its name suggests, this town celebrates the culture of Helan Mountain and Ningxia through vibrant performances. Traditional buildings illuminated by red lanterns add to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights for visitors is the array of performers dressed as historical and mythical figures from Ningxia’s past, roaming the town and starring in dramatic shows. These performances, which include plays, juggling, and traditional dances, have proven particularly popular with younger visitors.
During the holiday, the town not only staged cultural shows but also hosted activities such as singing patriotic songs, dancing, and large-scale barbecues under the mountain’s shadow.
“Visitors from across the country can immerse themselves in Ningxia’s local culture and the festive charm of night tours here,” said Pan Chunhui, marketing director of the Seeing Helan Performance Town. He added that the town attracted over 80,000 visitors in the first six days of the holiday.
Reflecting a broader trend, Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel agency, reported record-high daily bookings for both inbound and outbound travel during the National Day holiday. A growing interest in county-level tourism, particularly among younger travelers, has driven a 40 percent year-on-year increase in daily bookings for these destinations.