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Shapotou Scenic Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ningxia

Shapotou Scenic Area

8.3
4.8/5
39k reviews
The scenic spot is located 16 kilometers west of Zhongwei City, Ningxia, on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. The scenic spot has successively won honors such as "the first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions", "the top 500 global environmental protection units", and "the first batch of national tourism standardization demonstration units". The three major cultural elements of the scenic area include the "Yellow River Culture" based on the intangible cultural heritage sheepskin rafts, the "Desert Culture" based on straw grids and Desert Legend Park, and the "Starry Sky Culture" based on the Desert Star Hotel. The tourism resources of these three elements have created a unique and magnificent landscape of "sunset over the long river and starry sky in the desert". The "six major ways to play" are highly praised and loved by tourists. Among them, the Yellow River projects include sheepskin rafting, Huangtengda, Yellow River speedboat, drift boat, passionate sandboarding and high-altitude bungee jumping, etc. The desert projects include Desert Camel, Desert Flying (Stepping into the Blue Clouds), and Sand Sea. Surfing, etc., starry sky projects include stargazing lectures, meteor feasts, sand therapy experiences, star cakes and other special products. In addition, there are also privately customized products for hiking, desert expansion, and educational and entertaining study experiences. The scenic area not only has diverse cultural elements and fun project experiences, but also multi-level accommodation experiences waiting for you: the butler-style Diamond Hotel, the quiet Desert Star Hotel for stargazing, the quiet Yellow River Courtyard in the bustling city, and finally the economical and affordable business-style Tourist Service Center Hotel and other differentiated tourist accommodations for you to choose from.China · Zhongwei
Xixia Imperial Tombs
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Yinchuan

Xixia Imperial Tombs

7.8
4.6/5
9.1k reviews
Xixia Imperial Tombs, located in the western suburbs of YinchuanHelan MountainsLocated at the foot of the mountain, it is the royal tomb complex of the Xixia dynasty, where several emperors of the Xixia dynasty were buried. The entire tomb area now contains 9 imperial tombs and about 270 satellite tombs, making it one of the largest royal tomb complexes in Chinese history. The shape of the tombs is different from that of other Chinese tombs, resembling an inverted steamed bun. In addition, the attraction also features facilities and venues such as the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum, the Xixia Imperial Tombs - Xixia History and Art Gallery, and the Xixia Stele Forest, helping visitors understand the history and culture behind the tombs. The attraction currently has tomb no. 3 and others open for visitors. Tomb no. 3 (the "Tai Tomb" of Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of Xixia) is relatively close to the Xixia Imperial Tombs - Xixia History and Art Museum and the Xixia Stele Forest. The Xixia dynasty was established by the Tangut people, whose writing and customs differed from those of the Han Chinese in the Central Plains. After the dynasty fell, the cities and history of Xixia mysteriously vanished into the Gobi Desert, becoming an enduring mystery of the ages, and were not discovered and deciphered until modern times. The Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the Xixia dynasty, among which many stone carvings in Xixia script and murals with Xixia style are treasures. The free guided tours inside the museum are also excellent, helping visitors understand the customs, culture, and rise and fall of the mysterious Xixia dynasty, and allowing for a more meaningful visit to the imperial tombs. On July 11, 2025, the Xixia Imperial Tombs were officially inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List. Within the attraction, you can walk up close to visit the Haowang Tomb. The massive inverted semicircular mausoleum stands upon the barren land, bringing the weight of history vividly before your eyes, while in the distance theHelan MountainsThe foothills are crisscrossed by ravines and gullies, evoking a sense of desolate grandeur and the vicissitudes of time. The Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum within the attraction has newly opened. Its exhibits are divided into six sections: Xixia history, Xixia culture, Xixia religious art, Xixia social economy, the Xixia Imperial Tombs, and protection and inheritance. Nearly 5,000 items are on display, including thangkas, documents, clay sculptures, bronze and iron wares, textiles, and porcelain, among which are a large number of fine artifacts unearthed during archaeological research on the Xixia Imperial Tombs in recent years.China · Yinchuan
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.China · Yinchuan
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.China · Yinchuan
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.China · Helan
Sand Lake
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ningxia

Sand Lake

6.8
4.5/5
7.3k reviews
Ningxia Sand Lake Tourist Attraction is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and one of China's top ten charming wetlands, nestled at the foot of the Helan Mountains on the golden banks of the Yellow River, 42 km from Yinchuan. The attraction covers a total area of 57,000 mu, where vast desert and boundless waters sit side by side, combining the ecological elements of "mountains, water, lake, reeds, and sand" and blending the elegance of Jiangnan water towns with the grandeur of the northern frontier desert, offering the unique scenery of "a world paradise for migratory birds, China's wonderland of sand and water." At Sand Lake, enjoy mountain views, gaze upon the water, get close to birds, experience fun fishing, play in the sand, admire the reeds, and reach for the moon—embark on an ecological journey of nature and poetry. In China, there are many places with water, but among the lake and mountain scenery, none have sand; there are many places with sand, but among the rolling lakes and seas, water's spirit is lacking. At Sand Lake, these two shortcomings are miraculously reconciled, giving people a wonderful place to return to nature. "At Sand Lake, hundreds of birds fly in spring, bringing beauty and joy to the world." Sand Lake is a famous paradise for migratory birds, and an international birdwatching festival is held here every year. From March to October each year, 216 species of migratory birds from 53 families and 19 orders gather here, with numbers reaching up to one million at peak times. The famous lines "rosy clouds fly together with the lone duck, and the autumn water merges with the vast sky" fit Sand Lake quite aptly. Among the activities, the "Flying with Wild Geese" program allows visitors to enjoy up close the magnificent spectacle of hundreds of geese flying together and even to race alongside them in close contact. A pool of emerald water descends from the sky, and a calm lake rises from the vast desert. Boating on the lake, one sees flocks of gulls and herons skimming the water; resting by the sand and water, strings of footprints are accompanied by laughter.China · Pingluo
Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ningxia

Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction

6.8
4.6/5
8k reviews
Shuidonggou is a Paleolithic cultural site excavated in China. It is known as "the birthplace of Chinese prehistoric archaeology" and "a historical witness of cultural exchanges between China and the West". It is a national key cultural relic protection unit, a national AAAAA-level tourist Attraction, and a national geological park. It is listed by the state as one of the 100 major sites under national cultural relic protection and one of the "100 archaeological discoveries of great significance to Chinese civilization". The Shuidonggou site records the historical witness of the reproduction and struggle of ancient humans with nature, and contains rich and precious prehistoric data. It shows people the survival picture of ancient humans 40,000 years ago. It is the Paleolithic site that has been officially excavated in the Yellow River region in China so far. In 1923, French paleontologists Teilhard and Sang Zhihua discovered a prehistoric cultural site here. Through excavation, a large number of stone tools and animal fossils were unearthed. Shuidonggou has therefore become the ancient human cultural site where the Paleolithic Age was discovered in China. Today, over the past 80 years, after six archaeological excavations, more than 30,000 stone tools and 67 ancient animal fossils have been unearthed in Shuidonggou. Shuidonggou is also a well-preserved military defense architecture in northern my country, including the ancient Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, the Hengcheng Dabian, beacon towers, city barriers, forts, and caves for hiding soldiers. Shuidonggou is located on the southern edge of the Ordos plateau. The Yadan landform created by nature has experienced tens of millions of years of wind and sand erosion. There are more than 20 unique earth forest landscapes here, including the Devil City, Wotuo Ridge, Motian Cliff, Duanyun Valley, and Tamarix Valley.China · Lingwu

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What travellers say about Ningxia

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M25***922 November 2026
5.0
Absolutely fantastic! Every activity was so much fun. Shapotou Scenic Area truly lives up to its 5A rating. All the staff were incredibly welcoming and provided excellent service. The vending machines inside the scenic area had the same prices as outside, the noodle shops were inexpensive, and all the activities were reasonably priced. It was highly worthwhile and incredibly fun!

Shapotou Scenic Area

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_We***9125 October 2026
5.0
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.

Xixia Imperial Tombs

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Anonymous user8 October 2026
5.0
The direct shuttle bus between Yinchuan and Shahu Lake is incredibly convenient! Multiple pick-up points in the city, scheduled departures, and a direct route to the scenic area. Clean vehicles, steady driving, pure sightseeing with no shopping stops or hidden costs. Includes boat ticket. Return trip at 4:30 PM during the National Day holiday. Reasonable travel time and affordable price.

Sand Lake

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Bolton Chen1 November 2026
4.0
This package is amazing value! The 718 yuan four-person package includes a full boat tour of the Yellow River Grand Canyon (Route B, sightseeing bus, water conservancy hub, viewing bridge, 108 pagodas, boat tour of the ten-mile-long canyon, Qingtongxia Stone Carvings, Sleeping Buddha Mountain, Dayu Cultural Park, and shuttle bus), plus a hot pot for four. Sitting on a panoramic glass-bottomed boat, with the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River Grand Canyon outside and a steaming hot pot inside, this "raising chopsticks towards the Yellow River" experience is absolutely unique! A review could go like this: Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon, a double treat of boat tour + hot pot! The 718 yuan four-person package is incredibly cost-effective, including all attractions on Route B. The most amazing part is enjoying hot pot on the boat—outside the window are the towering mountains of the ten-mile-long canyon, below is the rolling Yellow River, and inside the steaming boat, every bite is a mouthful of fresh, flavorful food and a taste of the landscape—you won't find this experience anywhere else! Passing by the 108 Pagodas and the Dayu Cultural Park, you can enjoy both food and sights, a double treat for your eyes and taste buds. Highly recommended for those who want to add a unique experience to their trip; remember to make a reservation in advance!

Qingtongxia Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area

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GordH18 October 2026
4.0
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..

Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction

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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

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