Yinchuan Travel Guide

Yinchuan is the most underrated stop in northwest China: it has deserts, lakes, the Great Wall, rock carvings, and a vanished dynasty (Western Xia). The Helan Mountains block the Tengger Desert's sand, allowing this area of the northern frontier to grow rice and raise fish, and also making the mutton free of gamy taste—Yanchi Tan sheep are considered some of the best mutton in the country. After finishing the Silk Road route in Dunhuang and heading east to Yinchuan, the connections align perfectly.

Main Highlights

Western Xia Imperial Tombs

The nine imperial tombs and over two hundred accompanying burials at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains are the only large-scale remains left by the Western Xia Dynasty.

Shahu Lake

A wetland where the desert meets a lake, with bird islands among the reeds and sand dunes suitable for sandboarding on one side.

Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio

The filming location for "Red Sorghum" and "A Chinese Odyssey," with two Ming and Qing military garrison castles preserving their original rammed earth walls.

Helan Mountain Rock Carvings

Thousands of prehistoric rock engravings, the most famous being the "Sun God" image, which has become a symbol of Ningxia.

Shuidonggou

A scenic area combining Paleolithic sites with the Ming Great Wall and hidden military caves, presenting a 30,000-year history of human-land interaction.

Recommended Stay and Itinerary

• Recommended stay: 3-4 days.
• Connecting with other destinations in the same region is more efficient, refer to the "Extended Routes" and "Province" sections below.

Local Tips

• The Western Xia Imperial Tombs and Helan Mountain Rock Carvings are in the same direction, so they can be visited in one day.
• There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket even in summer.
• High-speed train from Yinchuan to Zhongwei Shapotou takes 1 hour 20 minutes, which can be part of a four-day Ningxia route.