As early as 30 thousand years ago, there were traces of human beings in Ningxia. Located on the 'Silk Road,' Ningxia was an important traffic path connecting the east and west in ancient times. Because of its important Yellow River (Huanghe) location, Ningxia also has a long history with Huanghe culture. The Ningxia Autonomous Region of the Hui Nationality was formally founded in October of 1958. It is China's largest region home to people of Hui descent. Here they live in compact communities and number one third of the area's total population.

Yinchuan, the autonomous region's capital, is sheltered from Mongolia's deserts by the high-ranging Helan Mountain to the west and is abundantly supplied with water from the nearby Yellow River. Yinchuan is fortunate to have a favored geographical position. The land here is rich and fertile; water is ample and rife with fish. For this reason Yinchuan enjoys a reputation as 'A Land of Fish and Rice.'

Due to Yinchuan's long history, more than 60 places of interest and natural scenic spots are scattered all over the city. Among them the Western Xia Imperial Tombs (Xixia Wangling) and the Rock Carving in Helan Mountain are the most popular stops for experts and tourists. The Western Xia Imperial Tombs were originally built by Li Yuanhao, founder of the Western Xia Kingdom (1038-1237AD). They are located on the eastern slope of the Helan Mountain Range, 30km from the western suburbs of Yinchuan. These edifices cover an area measuring 10km from north to south and 4km from east to west. The scope of the project is so extensive that the Western Xia Imperial Tombs (Xixia Wangling) are heralded by the Chinese as the 'Pyramids of China'.

As most Huis practice the Muslim religion, they have unique ways of living. Many mosques are scattered throughout the city, and the Nanguan Mosque is a good example. It is a Modern Middle Eastern-style structure with Islamic arches and domed roofs covered in green tiles.
In the city of Yinchuan, the province's largest and most commercial city, can be found almost all of the 'treasures' one could possibly want to buy from the Ningxia region. According to locals, the most famed of the shopping specialties are known as the five treasures: one red (Medlar), one yellow (Licorice Root), one blue (Helan Stone), one white (River Bank Lamb Skin) and one black (Flagelliform Nostoc). Other interesting products to take away include the wool rugs and carpets, various sheepskin garments great against the cold, local carvings and handicrafts as well as Eight Treasure Tea (Babao cha), a thick tea of leaves, fruits, berries and sugar.
Name:Yinchuan Yinchuan
City:Yinchuan
Address:
Admission:

This article was posted on 2007-08-22
This article has been viewed times.