Holiday in Yinchuan

About Yinchuan

Yinchuan is the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and is located on the western edge of the Ordos Desert, protected by the Helan Mountains to the west and irrigated by the Yellow River. The city combines Islamic Chinese Hui culture with the heritage of the mysterious Western Xia Empire (1038-1227), which once ruled large parts of Northwest China. The Western Xia Tombs (Xi Xia Wang Ling) are Yinchuan's most spectacular highlight: nine mausoleums and over 200 accompanying graves stretch over 50 square kilometers at the foot of the Helan Mountains. The conical earth mounds are referred to as Oriental Pyramids and are the largest imperial burial sites in China after the Ming Tombs. The associated museum explains the Tangut script — one of the most complex writing systems ever invented, which perished with the empire. The Helan Mountains not only provide a dramatic backdrop but also house one of the most significant rock art collections in East Asia: over 6,000 petroglyphs, dating from 10,000 to 3,000 years old, depict hunting scenes, animals, faces, and astronomical symbols. The rock art museum at the entrance of the Helan Gorge explains the significance of this prehistoric art. The Sand Lake (Sha Hu) is a unique ecosystem where desert meets wetland: sand dunes directly border a lake with reed belts, home to over 170 bird species, including cranes and pelicans. Camel rides through the dunes and boat trips on the lake are popular activities. Yinchuan is China's emerging wine region: at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot thrive on volcanic soil. Over 200 wineries have settled here, and Ningxia wines are increasingly winning international awards. Winery visits with tastings are a new tourist highlight.