🚩 Local Scams · Yinchuan
Last verified 24 Aug 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
Shahu "Camel + Photo Pack"
Shahu (Sand Lake) camel zone · Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio sand lot
How it works: Quote ¥60–80 for a short camel ride; a trailing "photographer" later demands ¥20–50 per shot. Some insist shoe-covers are "mandatory" for another ¥30.
🛡️ Avoid: Agree an all-in price (ride + photos) before mounting; shoe-covers are optional—walk away if pressured.
Desert Buggy "Dune Fee"
Shahu desert base · Helan fringe camps
How it works: ATV/UTV rental stalls add mid-ride surcharges for "big dune access" or "rescue fee"; deposits withheld for "sand in engine."
🛡️ Avoid: Use park-run kiosks with printed price sheets; video the vehicle at handover; refuse off-contract add-ons.
Winery "Free Tasting → Case Purchase"
Helan East wine belt tasting rooms
How it works: "Free shuttle + tasting" turns into a hard sell for a full case, or a surprise per-person tasting fee.
🛡️ Avoid: Book official tastings with posted menus; pay by glass/flight; decline "free" shuttles with no price sheet.
Goji Berry (枸杞) "Top Grade" Wet/Dyed
Nanguan Night Market
How it works: Loose berries sold by weight are misted/dyed to feel heavier or claimed as "Ningxia premium" when sourced elsewhere.
🛡️ Avoid: Buy sealed PGI-labeled packs; pinch test (dry, non-sticky); avoid "premium" open bins.
Airport Flat-Rate Taxi
INC Hedong Airport curb
How it works: Driver refuses meter, quotes ¥120–180 to downtown, adds fake "airport toll."
🛡️ Avoid: Insist on metered ride or use DiDi; normal fare city-center ≈ ¥60–75; ask for e-receipt.
Helan Rock-Art "Secret Zone"
Helan Mountain Rock-Art area outskirts
How it works: Unlicensed guide offers off-map rock-art access; leads into restricted gullies—ranger fines follow.
🛡️ Avoid: Hire only from the official visitor center; stay on marked boardwalks and signed trails.
Shahu "Wetland Protection Fee" Double-Charge
Shahu boat piers
How it works: After buying the main ticket, staff ask cash again for a "protection fee" that's already included.
🛡️ Avoid: Pay at the main gate; check inclusions on your printed/QR ticket; keep receipt.
Costume Photo Trap
Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio
How it works: "¥39 cosplay" balloons with compulsory headgear, "street access" and print fees → ¥200+.
🛡️ Avoid: Choose a fixed-price package at official booths; avoid roaming photographers.
QR-Code Phishing
Nanguan food courts
How it works: "¥1 bike / ¥9 lamb-skewer" stickers open fake WeChat Pay pages.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan only on-device codes (bike handlebar/app) or cashier codes; verify the URL.
2 Why It Matters
Yinchuan blends desert activities, winery tastings and specialty produce—perfect terrain for add-on fees, "free" tours and weight-by-hand goods. With QR payments everywhere, a stray sticker is all a scammer needs.
3 Pro Tips
1
All-in price — say "全价吗？" (quán-jià ma?) before any ride, show or photo.
2
Official channels — park mini-programs & on-site ticket windows beat curbside offers; avoid "private tents" at dunes.
3
Weigh smart — for berries/nuts, ask price per 500 g in writing; weigh without packaging.
4
Taxi basics — legit cabs run meters; no "airport road fee" inside city. DiDi shows the expected fare up front.
5
Keep small bills — ¥10–¥20 notes cap losses if "QR offline" tales appear.
6
Hotlines — Police 110 • Ningxia tourist line 12301—save both before you go.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Enjoy Helan's rock art, desert light and wine—No Tourist Traps. No BS.