Ningxia (Simplified Chinese: 宁夏; Traditional Chinese: 寧夏; Hanyu Pinyin: Níngxià; Wade-Giles: Ning-hsia; Postal map spelling: Ningsia), full name Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Simplified Chinese: 宁夏回族自治区; Traditional Chinese: 寧夏回族自治區; Hanyu Pinyin: Níngxià Huízú Zìzhìqū), is a Hui autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located on the northwest Loess highland, the Yellow River flows through a vast area of its land. The capital of the region is Yinchuan.  

Ningxia is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. It has been proved that human activities existed here 30,000 years ago, leaving behind a rich heritage combining the cultures of Western Xia State, the migrants, the boundary areas, and Islam. Ningxia has many historic sites, such as the mystic royal mausoleums of the Western Xia State - often called the Pyramids of China - and the cliff carvings on Mt. Helan. Bird Island, the magnificent Mt. Helan, the boundless deserts, and the splendid Huanghe (Yellow) River make Ningxia a final destination for holidaymakers.

Ningxia's population includes more than 20 ethnic minorities, one third of whom are the Hui. The Huis in Ningxia account for one sixth of all the Huis in China. Thus, Ningxia is also known as the Home of the Hui People. Ningxia has become an important window in China displaying the religion, the lifestyle, and the culture of the Hui people.

Ningxia has two state-level scenic spots, three provincial-level scenic spots, five key units of relics under state protection, one state-level ancient cultural city, and one scenic spot on UNESCO's list of the World's Top 500 Scenic Spots. Travelers can choose among the many tourist activities, such as riding camels through the Tengger Desert and rafting along the Huanghe River.

Ningxia enjoys natural advantages along the banks of the Huanghe River. Ningxia, an old, mystical tract of land, has become more attractive for its rich tourist resources and convenient telecommunications and transportation.

Top Attractions:

Western Xia Mausoleum

The Western Xia Mausoleum is located on the eastern slope of Helanshan, in the western suburbs of Yinchuan. This mausoleum contains the tombs of emperors of the Western Xia dynasty (1038-1227). 9 tombs of emperors and some 140 annex tombs are scattered throughout the area.

Every tomb is a complete structure that include watchtowers, sacred walls, stele pavilions, halls and pagodas and some are as big as 100,000 sq meters. To date only 1 tomb and 4 annex tombs have been excavated.

Haibao Pagoda

Haibao Pagoda, also called North Pagoda, stands out prominently in the north of the city. Records of the structure date from the 5th century. In 1739 an earthquake toppled the lot, but it was rebuilt in 1771 in the original style.

It's part of a working monastery, but you can still climb up the pagoda, although you may have to ask the gatekeeper to unlock the stairwell door. The structure is some nine storeys high, and offers fine views of the Helanshan mountains to the west and the Yellow River to the east.

Top Attractions:

Wutun Temple

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