Yinchuan Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 银川 (yín chuān)
Population: 2,293,100
Area: 9,025 square kilometers (3,485 square miles)
Location: in the north of Ningxia Province, northwest China
Administrative Division: 3 districts (Xingqing, Jinfeng, Xixia); 2 counties (Yongning, Helan); 1 county-level city (Lingwu)
Area Code: 0951
Zip Code: 750000
GDP (2019): CNY 374.848 billion (USD 54.334 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Hui, Man, Mongol, Zhuang, Chaoxian

Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, lies to the west of the Yellow River and to the east of Helan Mountain. Yinchuan borders Wuzhong to the east and south, Alxa of Inner Mongolia to the west, Shizuishan to the north and Ordos of Inner Mongolia to the north. Yinchuan is an important commodity grain production base in China and produces high-quality grapes. The cashmere industry is developed, providing more than 70% of the worsted cashmere in Europe and more than 60% of the fine cashmere in China. In Yinchuan, you can feel the strong Islamic customs embodied by the mosques and Halal restaurants. The large scale of relics of the Western Xia Dynasty (1038 - 1227), desolate deserts, spectacular Yellow River and Helan Mountain with imaginative rock paintings all make Yinchuan charming and desirable. 

 Pictures

A brilliant culture has contributed to Yinchuan being a famous tourist city. There are over 60 historical sites including mosques, pagodas, pavilions, temples, and imperial tombs as well as natural scenery such as Helan Mountain, Sand Lake, and Shapotou.

City Center

Sand Lake

A transportation system of highway, railway and airlines in Yinchuan provides speed and convenience. There are several national highways leading to all parts of the country and more than 78 miles (125 kilometers) of expressways within the boundaries of the city. Baotou-Lanzhou Railway and Zhongwei-Baoji Railway connect Yinchuan Railway Station with all railway lines to every destination. In addition, flights from Yinchuan Hedong Airport take you to all the major cities of China.

 Physical Features: The landform is divided into two main parts, the mountainous region in the west and south and the plains in the north and east. Its average altitude is 3,600 feet (1,097 meters). Lying in the central section of Ningxia Plain which is irrigated by the Yellow River, Yinchuan holds abundant water resources and enjoys the reputation of 'a land of fish and rice in the frontier'.

 History: The city that has a history of more than 1,300 years was originally founded in 678. It was called Western Xia from the establishment in 1038 by the leader of Dangxiang ethnic group and had created splendid culture as well as gorgeous architecture.

 Local Highlights: Here you can taste the local dishes or snacks of rich Islamic flavor, such as Yangrou Paomo and Shouzhua Yangrou. Hotels of different grades are available to visitors, providing you warm and comfortable places to relax yourself.

3 Best Hiking Routes 
Ultimate Guide to Yinchuan Bicycle Trip to Guyuan

Further Reading:
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