If the desert and an oasis had a child, it might be Yinchuan. This city is surrounded by golden sand dunes, yet gently embraced by the Yellow River—like a wondrous painting of “water and sand.” Here, you can ride a camel in the desert in the morning, enjoy coffee by a lake in the afternoon, and feast on grilled skewers at a lively night market in the evening. It’s not too crowded, the pace of life is comfortable, and it’s a city in northwestern China where you can truly relax.
History & Culture
Yinchuan holds the story of a “vanished dynasty.” A thousand years ago, it was the capital of the Western Xia Kingdom. The Western Xia Mausoleum outside the city, resembling a group of earthen pyramids, quietly tells this ancient tale.
This is also one of the cities in China richest in Hui Muslim culture. You’ll see many beautiful mosques and hear the melodious call to prayer. Hui cuisine is everywhere—the lamb is exceptionally fragrant, and thanks to halal dietary standards, you can eat with confidence.
Modern Life
Today, Yinchuan is clean, spacious, and very green. It’s not as hectic as Beijing or Shanghai, feeling more like a comfortably enlarged town. The city has many parks and wetlands, perfect for cycling or strolling. Young people enjoy trendy cafes and creative districts, yet the whole city maintains a quiet, welcoming warmth.
Four Must-Visit Places:
Western Xia Mausoleum – China’s “mini pyramids,” great for photos and sensing historical grandeur.
Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio – A filming site for western-themed movies where you can dress up as a martial arts hero or characters from classic films for fun photos.
Sand Lake (Sha Hu) – Half lake, half desert. You can boat, bird-watch, and play in the sand.
Helan Mountain Rock Art – Ancient “social media posts” carved on stones, featuring sheep, people, and mysterious symbols.
Food Recommendations:
Shou Zhua Yangrou (Hand-Grabbed Lamb) – Eaten with your hands, tender and not greasy.
Yangrou Saozi Mian (Lamb Noodle Soup) – Rich broth with hearty noodles.
Babao Cha (Eight-Treasure Tea) – Sipped from a lidded bowl, sweet and filled with dried fruits.
Huaiyuan Night Market – A must-visit in the evening for lamb skewers, spicy “lahuhu” hot pot, grilled eggs, and more.
Live Like a Local:
Visit Zhongshan Park in the morning to watch elders practice Tai Chi.
Rent a bike and ride along the Yellow River.
Go to Lanshan Park at dusk to see the “Yinchuan version of a Roman theater” and the sunset.
Spend the evening immersed in the night market, eating and exploring.
Travel Tips
Best time to go? May to October has the most pleasant weather.
How to get there?Direct flights to Yinchuan. Taxis are affordable in the city, and buses are convenient.
How long to stay?2-3 days is ideal, with time for a desert adventure in nearby Shapotou.
Is spending money easy?Mobile payments are widely accepted. Hotels and large malls take international credit cards.
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