Helan

Things to do in Helan

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Helan

View all Attractions
Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yinchuan

Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park

6.9
4.5/5
2.6k reviews
Helan Mountain National Forest Park, located about 50 kilometers west of Yinchuan city, has rich natural landscapes and unique cultural landscapes. The Attraction is full of layers of forests, with towering natural trees such as Chinese pine, juniper, and spruce. Visitors here can not only enjoy the charming night and sunrise of Helan Mountain, but also have the opportunity to see running red deer, jumping blue sheep, playing blue pheasants and other important national protected wild animals. After entering the Attraction, you will see the welcoming area of ​​the Attraction, where there is a visitor center and a museum. You can choose to take the sightseeing bus in the Attraction to Songtao Mountain Villa and start climbing from here (you can also take the cable car up the mountain). Generally, you can walk to Qingsongling in about 40 minutes. After walking in the canyon for about an hour, you can reach the highway, wait for the sightseeing bus, and return to the gate of the Attraction. The Attraction is rich in historical and cultural connotations. Religious culture, Xixia culture, rock painting culture, etc. blend here, giving the Helan Mountain National Forest Park rich historical and cultural connotations. The "Sanqing Temple", "Lingguang Temple", "Lingguang Tower", "Lingguang Cave" and other buildings restored on the ruins of the ancient Xixia temple recreate the long history of Buddhist and Taoist culture; the rich Helan Mountain Museum is a microcosm of the Helan Mountain culture, consisting of the Rock Sheep Special Hall, Helan Mountain Landform Sand Table, History and Culture Hall, Mineral Resources and Environment Hall, and other venues. The Attraction is very large. When visiting, you should follow the schematic diagram or signboards in the Attraction. Do not go to remote places alone. There is no mobile phone signal in many areas of the Attraction. If you want to hike in the wild, you must join a local outdoor team.Helan · 41km from downtown
Ningxia Museum
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Ningxia

Ningxia Museum

7.3
4.8/5
1.1k reviews
The Ningxia Museum is a provincial-level comprehensive museum in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The building's floor plan is shaped like the Chinese character "回" (hui), reflecting the region's name. The architectural elements used in the exterior decorations, such as the Kalavinka (a mythical bird) and the strongman-shaped support base, as well as the decorative patterns on the four main gates, are representative of Ningxia's historical and cultural heritage and possess distinct regional characteristics. The museum has four floors, with the three ground floors open to the general visitors. The first floor of the museum houses the visitor service hall and temporary exhibition halls. Here, you'll also find the rock painting exhibition titled "Stone carvings as history books." Stepping into this hall feels like entering an ancient era. While travelers often prefer visiting the ancient rock paintings in Helan Mountain, many rock art sites across Ningxia remain less visited due to their remote locations and limited transportation. In this exhibition hall, visitors can get up close with a wider collection of Ningxia's rock paintings. The museum's second floor houses the "General history of Ningxia exhibition hall," a key area for travelers. Treasures like the Western Han dynasty silver-inlaid bronze sheep, Tang dynasty stone door panels depicting the Sogdian whirl dance, Western Xia dynasty gilded bronze ox, and human figure pedestals are all displayed here. Travelers can also view rubbings of the "Stele inscription of the reconstructed Huguo Temple stupa in Liangzhou," where the Western Xia script appears more block-like than Chinese characters. The third floor features folk culture exhibits, including interactive electronic screens for experiencing Ningxia's unique square chess game.Yinchuan · 12.6km from Helan
Tianmu Hot Spring
No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Ningxia

Tianmu Hot Spring

4.8
4.6/5
335 reviews
Ningxia Manpu Tianmu Hot Spring Town is located on the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, directly opposite the Zhenbeibao Western Film and Television City, with a total area of ​​about 300 acres. It is a hot spring resort in Ningxia that integrates hot spring health care, vacation and leisure, Xixia cultural and art exhibition, red wine exhibition, hot spring hotel, large indoor hot spring hall, open-air hot spring bathing area, children's water play area, hot spring apartment, and high-end hot spring villa club. The hot spring hotel fully combines western humanistic culture with fashionable dynamic elements. The indoor hot spring hall covers an area of ​​about 4,000 square meters, mainly including: large comprehensive spa pool, wave pool, game water fort, giant python slide, fish therapy pool and other comprehensive spa entertainment pools. The open-air hot spring area covers an area of ​​about 12,000 square meters, with a total of more than 70 pools, divided into five major hot spring theme areas: Xixia Dynasty Area, Red Wine Culture Area, Helan Mountain Rock Painting Area, Nourishing Health Area, Beauty and Skin Area. It can accommodate 5,000 people per day to bathe in hot springs. While you unload your fatigue, you can fully experience and enjoy the natural hot spring bath with real mountains and real water, and return to nature. At the same time, the hotel also has sauna sweat steaming, health massage, Internet cafe, movie theater, gym, billiard room, table tennis room, real-life simulated golf, children's playground, chess and card room and other facilities on the 3rd floor.Yinchuan · 25.7km from Helan
Drum Tower
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Ningxia

Drum Tower

5.1
4.5/5
393 reviews
Drum Tower, also known as the "Cross Drum Tower" or "Four Drum Tower," stands at the intersection in the center of Yinchuan's old town, not far from Yuhuang Pavilion. The entire structure is over 30m high and built on a tall, square platform. The platform has arched doorways on all four sides that intersect in the middle, allowing the four streets below to meet and connect. The platform was first built in the first year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1821) and was constructed under the direction of the then-prefect of Ningxia. The stone inscriptions on the lintels of the four doorways were also written by him: "Ying'en" on the east, "Laixun" on the south, "Yishuang" on the west, and "Gongji" on the north; additional arched doors were opened on both sides of the east doorway, inscribed with "Kunhe" and "Qianpi" respectively. Inside the south arched door is a side chamber, and inside the north arched door is a hidden stone staircase leading up to the platform. The pavilion on the platform features a three-story, double-eaved, cross-gable roof design. Each level is surrounded by a corridor, and the roof ridge is decorated with dragon heads and a central pearl, creating the appearance of two dragons playing with a pearl. The upturned eaves and flying ridges give it a handsome and magnificent appearance. The pavilion was completed after being rebuilt with private donations in the late Qing Dynasty and renovated in the first half of the 20th century. A large bell once hung in the pavilion, which is why it is also known as the "Bell and Drum Tower." In 1926, the Special Branch of the Communist Party of China in Ningxia was established and operated here. The former site was located in the northeast corner room of the pavilion, leaving a mark of modern history on the ancient building. During the day, you can walk around the tower to examine the stone inscriptions and the details of the upturned eaves. At night, as the lights of the surrounding streets begin to glow, it is another great time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of old Yinchuan.Yinchuan · 11.6km from Helan
China West Film Studio
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yinchuan

China West Film Studio

7.7
4.5/5
20.1k reviews
Zhenbeibao Western Cinema is located in Xixia District, Yinchuan City. In this studio, which is characterized by simplicity, roughness and desolation, classic films such as "Wrangler", "Red Sorghum", "Journey to the West", "Thorn Mausoleum", "Jin Yiwei" and hundreds of influential film and television films were filmed. In the remaining part, a large number of celebrities from the Chinese film industry have left their footprints here, such as Gong Li, Jiang Wen, Zhang Yimou, Ge You, Zhou Xingchi, Donnie Yen and so on. The cinema consists of three parts: Mingcheng, Qingcheng and Old Yinchuan Street. Tourists can visit the cinema along the "figure 8" route of Old Yinchuan Street. Here, you can see the appearance of Yinchuan in the first half of the 20th century, and eat local traditional snacks such as mutton soup. The Ming and Qing cities in the film city were rebuilt from the military castles left over from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the Ming and Qing cities, you can see many familiar movie scenes, such as: the gate tower where Sun Wukong and Fairy Zixia are standing in "Journey to the West", the throne of the Bull Demon King, the torture platform of the Tang monk; and the movie "Journey to the West" The Moon Gate in "Red Sorghum", the winemaking workshop where "My Grandpa" urinated after being drunk, the sedan chair that Jiu'er took when he got married, the big vat for wine, and the bowls. There are costumes and props for rent in many places in the studio. Here, you can wear a set of costumes in the play, use the props in the movie, and walk around the scenes of the movie to live the addiction of being a star. Before going to Zhenbeibao Western Studios, you can revisit a few classic movies first, and then go to visit, you will have a different feeling.Yinchuan · 25.1km from Helan

Traveller favourites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Helan

Featured Culture & history in Helan

View all Culture & history
Private Charter| Yinchuan Day Tour: Western Xia Imperial Tombs + Helan Mountain Rock Paintings + Wine‑Tasting Experience at YuanShi Winery
󱌍
FromKRW 122,089
Private 1-day tour in Yinchuan · Shuidonggou ruins + Qingtongxia Yellow River grand canyon
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromKRW 314,896
Private 1-day tour in Yinchuan · Shahu ecological zone + China West Film Studio
󱌍
Duration: 9.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromKRW 255,568
Private Day Tour from Yinchuan | Wuzhong + Yellow River Grand Canyon + 108 Pagodas | Optional Morning Tea Experience (at Your Own Expense)
󱌍
FromKRW 95,984

More things to do

Private Tours in Helan

View More Private Tours in Helan
Helan Today's weatherClear 0-16℃
Helan weather for the next 2 days11/5: -1-15℃, 11/6: -1-15℃

Free things to do in Helan

What travellers say about Helan

user-avatar
月无痕gz2 November 2026
4.0
The Helan Mountain rock paintings are worth seeing. The creators were primarily ancient northern nomadic peoples, including the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Tujue, and Dangxiang. They carved their lives and beliefs into the stones during their herding, hunting, and migrations. The most famous is the Sun God, which can only be seen by climbing a small hill. You can also see many argali sheep running and leaping within the scenic area.

Helan Mountain Rock Painting

user-avatar
M34***8727 September 2026
5.0
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.

Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park

user-avatar
M62***7920 October 2026
5.0
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.

Ningxia Museum

user-avatar
羽你有媛3 October 2026
5.0
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.

Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town

user-avatar
M41***3331 August 2026
5.0
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.

Ningxia Geological Museum

user-avatar
Anonymous user6 October 2026
5.0
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.

Yinchuan Lanshan Park

user-avatar
my_way665 January 2026
5.0
It's a very convenient direct bus with several pick-up points in the city. This time, I boarded at Huaiyuan Night Market. I visited Nan Temple and even climbed to the summit of Bafeng Peak. I had plenty of time.

Guangzong Temple Ecological Tourist District of the Helan Mountain

user-avatar
锦~瑜26 November 2025
5.0
Ningxia Manpu Tianmu Hot Spring Town is located at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, directly opposite the Zhenbeibao Western Film City. Covering an area of ​​approximately 300 acres, it is a comprehensive hot spring resort in Ningxia, integrating hot spring health and wellness, leisure and vacation, Western Xia culture and art exhibitions, wine displays, a hot spring hotel, a large indoor hot spring pavilion, an outdoor hot spring bathing area, a children's water play area, hot spring apartments, and high-end hot spring villas. The hot spring hotel seamlessly blends Western cultural elements with modern and dynamic design. The indoor hot spring pavilion covers approximately 4,000 square meters.

Tianmu Hot Spring

user-avatar
点都不沉默12 September 2026
4.0
We visited the Drum Tower first, and then stopped by the Jade Emperor Pavilion. The two places are only a few minutes apart, and you'll pass a park frequented by locals on the way. The Jade Emperor Pavilion was built between the Yuan Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty (during the Zhengtong era), and was originally a watchtower. The pavilion itself isn't very large, and the main hall is currently closed for security reasons. A quick stroll around the pavilion won't take much time, and you can visit it after the Drum Tower.

Drum Tower

user-avatar
梦蜜雪1 November 2026
5.0
Zhenbeibao Western Film City truly lives up to its reputation as a must-visit destination in Yinchuan. Built on the ruins of an ancient Ming and Qing dynasty fortress, it served as a filming location for movies like "A Chinese Odyssey" and "Red Sorghum." The rugged rammed earth walls are imposing and desolate, divided into three areas: the Ming City, the Qing City, and Old Yinchuan Street, each brimming with a sense of江湖 (jianghu, the world of martial arts and chivalry). The ancient loess fortress under the setting sun is exceptionally photogenic, making you feel as if you've stepped into a movie scene. The northwest winds and sandstorms are palpable, perfect for movie buffs and photography enthusiasts. Remember to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated; it's definitely worth a leisurely visit.

China West Film Studio

Trip Moments in Helan

Popular cities near Helan

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.