Things to do in Yinchuan

I booked free admission for Mondays, but I still needed to buy a shuttle bus ticket, which didn't apply to the number of tombs I visited. Normally, you first visit the Western Xia Imperial Tombs Museum to learn about that period of history, then walk along a rather long path to take the shuttle bus. Generally, you visit Tomb No. 3 first, then take the shuttle bus and horse-drawn carriage to Tomb No. 4, and then take the shuttle bus back to the starting point. The overall route was smooth, and the shuttle bus service was quite timely. However, the distance from the entrance to the shuttle bus station is a bit far, which might be inconvenient for disabled or elderly tourists. Overall, it was a good experience.

Western Film Studio is a film and television base, only one-tenth the size of Hengdian World Studios, but it has been the setting for many famous films, including *Red Sorghum*, *A Chinese Odyssey*, *The Herdsman*, and *14 Blades*. Therefore, its sets are attractive to film enthusiasts, but even those unfamiliar with film can enjoy a visit. The sets perfectly capture the desolate atmosphere of the desert. It's divided into three parts: Ming City, Qing City, and Old Yinchuan Street. Ming City is the most important, with the most sets. Qing City is smaller, consisting of just a main street. Old Yinchuan Street can be skipped if time is limited. Ming City includes the Dragon Inn, the Moon Gate, the execution platform for Tang Sanzang from *A Chinese Odyssey*, the platform where the Bull Demon King received his bride, the courtyard where Jiang Wen lived in *Red Sorghum*, and the street used in various films. The most famous feature of Qing City is the city gate tower, which houses wax figures of Supreme Treasure and Fairy Zixia. It also includes the Bull Demon King's house, the back garden, and the Spider Cave. Basically, the movie *A Chinese Odyssey* accounts for more than half of the film's popularity; its influence is immense. A visit takes about 2-3 hours, mainly to the Ming Dynasty city. Late October is less crowded, so you can take photos freely. There are costume rentals inside; the streets are full of people dressed as Zixia Fairy. The ticket price for the film studio isn't cheap, at 80 yuan. For a quick visit, I think 40 yuan would be more reasonable. It's much closer to the city center than the Helan Mountain scenic area. Taking a Didi (ride-hailing service) is easy, so you don't have to worry about getting back to Yinchuan. Once you're at Helan Mountain, you really don't know how to get back. From April to October, there are dedicated bus lines between Yinchuan and the Western Xia Mausoleums, Helan Mountain, and the film studio. These stop after late October. A more convenient option is to take the local tourist shuttle bus, which goes to many places, including less-visited attractions like Shuidonggou and Shahu Lake. However, you need to get up early and board at designated times. If you want to go to the Western Xia Mausoleums, there are buses from Yinchuan that can take you there, but it takes a long time. You can also take a Didi (ride-hailing service).

The scenic area is quite large, but its main attraction is rather singular: the various rock paintings carved into the cliff faces. However, since they are remnants of the daily lives of ancient people, they are still worth seeing.

The building is grand and the facilities are good, but the introduction of the value of key cultural relics needs improvement. The museum should strive to leave a deeper impression on visitors.

Helan Mountain National Forest Park primarily offers a close-up view of the Helan Mountains. The mountain has relatively low vegetation cover and is mainly composed of rocks. You need to take a shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, and then choose to take a cable car or hike to the summit (approximately 20-40 minutes). There are many snacks available on the mountain, as well as spectacular high-altitude acrobatic performances. Along the way, you can also spot wild animals such as blue sheep.

Excellent. A site with lots to see and experience, it takes a few hours to go around the circular route, sometimes walking, with horse or camel drawn buggies or minivans taking you between locations. The museums and displays are good, The Paleolithic finds here helped rewrite understanding on early human life in the region, and seeing part of the old earthen bank section of the Ming Wall, and hidden tunnel fort, then the impressive new Great Wall Museum, provided some superb memories.I joined the tour bus at what was called the Western Bus Station (but is known by other names and is south of the rail station, past the first bus depo, then over the road, and in the western end of three buildings). After security there was a waiting area and information desk where we met.  Several others joined at pre-arranged pickup points on route to the destination. We were taken to the entrance, tickets got for us, told when to be back at the bus, then left free to explore..

This place is suitable for those who are willing to participate in activities. Otherwise, you can just watch the shows, eat and drink, which won't be very interesting. You have to participate to have fun. 360 Viewing is good, and Princess Hongcheng is worth watching.

This stay was very pleasant. Xiao Lin at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and responsive during check-in, patiently and meticulously answering all my questions. She was also very efficient. The hotel was quiet and clean overall, and the rooms were spotless and comfortable. The location was convenient for getting around, and the overall value for money was excellent. Xiao Lin's thoughtful service greatly enhanced my trip, and I would definitely choose this hotel again if needed. I also recommend it to everyone.

The moment the accelerator was pressed, the speedboat, nicknamed the "Ferrari of the water," shot off like an arrow, slicing through the mirror-like surface. The wind whistled past our ears, and tiny waves gently grazed the hull, leaving smooth white trails. Our vision unfolded along the expansive water, the outline of Lanshan Park gradually becoming clear along the shoreline. The dark green mountains, shrouded in lush vegetation, reflected in the shimmering water, while pavilions nestled among the trees added a touch of tranquility. The entire journey was seamless; the speed of the speedboat cutting through the waves blended perfectly with the breathtaking scenery, every second filled with exhilarating joy. A sea breeze carrying a light mist brushed against our faces, and the next stop was slowly approaching along the channel. This water journey, combining speed and magnificent scenery, was a truly fulfilling experience.

A fantastic museum! I didn't have high expectations before visiting, but it was surprisingly enjoyable. For understanding the history of the Western Xia Dynasty, I highly recommend a guided tour. There are group tours available for 30 yuan per person, with a guided tour lasting over an hour – a very reasonable price. The guided tour greatly enhances the understanding of the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, preventing them from appearing as just a few mounds of earth. The overall design and aesthetics of the museum and the Western Xia Imperial Tombs are excellent, not only supplementing my knowledge but also enhancing my aesthetic appreciation. Overall, a fantastic experience! 👍