Yinchuan Travel Guide

Yinchuan is the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, an oasis city on the upper Yellow River. Surrounded by desert and plateau, it keeps its greenery through irrigated agriculture and is called the "Jiangnan of the frontier." From the 11th to the 13th century it flourished as the capital of the Western Xia dynasty.

West of the city, at the foot of the Helan Mountains, spread the Western Xia imperial tombs. Nine royal tombs and many attendant tombs dot the land, and their tower-like mounds in the wilderness have earned them the name "the pyramids of China." A museum beside them displays Western Xia script, Buddhist art and the life of the era.

On the eastern foot of the same mountains stands the Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio, an old fort used as a film location. Many well-known Chinese films were shot here, and the period sets remain, to be seen alongside the wild landscape. Rock carvings from ancient times also survive on the mountain cliffs.

In the center, Western Xia pagodas and Islamic mosques stand side by side, carrying the Hui culture strongly. Hui dishes — hand-grabbed boiled lamb, simmered lamb soup and noodle dishes — are local favorites. Rail links the city with Xi'an and Lanzhou, and the scenery where desert and greenery meet is a pleasure to take in.