Foreward
Ningxia lies at the geometric center of China’s territory, long praised as a “Western Gem,” “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,” and a “Land Nourished by the Yellow River.” Its numerous tourist destinations boast a profound cultural heritage and unique natural scenery, including the Yellow River, Helan Mountains, Liupan Mountains, Luoshan Mountain, Sand Lake, Shapotou, Xixia Imperial Tombs, Jiangtaibao, Zhenbeipu, and the ancient Great Wall. Here, visitors traverse landscapes ranging from vast deserts and endless rivers to towering peaks and canyons, from rushing waters to serene lakes, and from the Gobi Desert to grasslands and star-filled skies. They can savor soft and sweet wolfberry pastry, mellow wines with a lingering sweet finish, and tender Yanchi Tan lamb, while experiencing a deep cultural legacy blended with modern vitality. Come to Ningxia, where history whispers in your ear, nature embraces you with breathtaking scenes, and your soul finds peace in the interweaving of history and nature.
Exploring Historical Memories at the Xixia Imperial Tombs
On July 11, 2025 (Beijing time), China’s Xixia Imperial Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List during UNESCO’s 47th session of the World Heritage Committee. The Xixia Imperial Tombs are a collection of imperial tombs from the Xixia Dynasty (Western Xia, 1038–1227) in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Spanning an area of almost 40 square kilometers, the site comprises nine imperial mausoleums, 271 subordinate tombs, a northern architectural complex that covers 5.03 hectares, and 32 flood control structures. Set against the majestic Helan Mountains, the tombs stand as a grand and spectacular landscape. In 1972, archaeologists brought these long-buried imperial tombs back to the public eye. Inscribed steles, porcelain, coins, and other unearthed artifacts attest to Xixia’s position as a vital intermediary hub along the Silk Road. Through systematic conservation efforts, China has safeguarded this precious world cultural heritage site, continuing its contributions to global heritage preservation.
Ningxia: A Spiritual Oasis between Desert and the Yellow River
Ningxia is a land full of charm and vitality. Four acclaimed photographers from various countries were invited to showcase Ningxia’s stunning landscape through their unique perspectives and lenses. At dawn, they rode cable cars up the Helan Mountains, where rugged peaks and winding paths created a majestic scene, followed by a visit to the Sand Lake to witness the striking coexistence of desert and water. Later, they crossed the Yellow River on a 300-year-old sheepskin raft, uncovering natural mysteries among golden dunes and capturing the desert’s allure while going sandboarding. Aboard a small train winding through lush fields, they embarked on a cultural heritage tour of Manpu Town, exploring its history among 108 Lama-style pagodas. As dusk fell, they strolled through vineyards at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, joined local farmers in their work, and savored finely crafted wine in a tranquil setting. Let their photographs carry you across the ever-changing landscapes in Ningxia, a perfect start to your next journey.
