Tours and holidays with added interest
Ningxia (Hui)
- Name in Chinese characters: 宁夏回族自治区
- Name in Pinyin: Níngxià Huízú Zìzhìqū
- Status: Autonomous Region
- Capital: Yinchuan
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Location within China
General Overview
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a small and rather unusual administrative region for China. Its land and population could so easily have been added to another province such as Gansu. That it was not may be because of the area's historical link with the independent Western Xia State (see below) or because of the large number of Hui people in this area. Whatever the reason, Ningxia has a strong character of its own and some major attractions based around the ancient Silk Roads that passed through this way.
The Yellow River flows right beside the Tengger Desert in places making for a strange contrast. In fact this should be seen as evidence of a major battle; that of mankind's tenuous grip on the land and the forces of nature. Attempts to halt the progress of the desert cannot use too much of that valuable supply of water as it is much needed further downstream. There are many such projects in Ningxia Province and, at last, progress is being made with simple sand-binding technology to allow grasses to take hold again. The effects can be felt in Beijing where the springtime dust-storms are now not as bad as just a few years back.
Attractions For Visitors
The provincial capital Yinchuan is the usual base for visitors. It can be reached by plane or train and is then well-connected with the main sites. There is not much to see and do in Yinchuan though, if this is your first time in a Muslim part of China, visiting a mosque and tasting the local lamb dishes can be quite an experience.
Zhongwei can be reached by train directly and it can also serve as a base if you only intend a brief stop. Zhongwei has a nice temple and nearby flea-market but most visitors will be more interested in the Shapotou resort area just a short drive away. Here you can ride a camel, take a sheep-skin raft down the Yellow River or toboggan down the sandy slopes of the river valley.
Those with more interest in history will find a visit to the Tombs of the Western Xia State worthwhile. These impressive structures are all that is left of a once strong culture that, unfortunately, resisted the Mongols and was wiped from the face of the globe as punishment. The nearby Mount Helan Cliff Carvings can be included in the same excursion.
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Current Comments
2 comments so far (post your own)Trevor
The migrants stop by in both Spring and Autumn. There are said to be over a million birds of nearly 200 species stopping by each year. There are viewing platforms equipped with telescopes but you would do well to bring your own as well
Posted by China Journeys on Sun 13 May, 2012
I am considering a visit to the Sand Lake area and hope to include time spent bird-watching. Most birds are migrant visitors - can you recommend a window of opportunity.
Posted by Trevor on Thu 10 May, 2012