SCENES & SIGHT


Yinchuan

Byname: Phoenix City . Arising northwest Chinese industrial city and capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. A famous historical and cultural city as well, and capital of the Western Xia. Major attractions: Tembhs of Western Xia Kings, Haibao Pagoda, Shahu Scenic Zone, Helan Mountain, Chengtian Temple Pagoda, Twin Pagodas at Baisikou, and Nanguan Mosque.

 

Western Xia Tombs

Nine tombs of Western Xia kings and 140-plus companion tombs buried with the remains of major imperial family members and aristocrats are laid out according to the contours of the terrain in an area of 50 square km on the eastern side of Helan Mountain 35 km west of Yinchuan . Each tomb was an independent architectural complex more than 100,000 square metres in area, which was complete with turrets, archways, stele pavilion, outer wall, inner city, memorial hall, pagoda-shaped altar, and divine wall. It is one of the largest and best protected imperial cemeteries in China .