Thanks to the launch of a non-stop flight by Emirates airline earlier in May, Yinchuan, a city in the heart of China, has just become more accessible to tourists. If you prefer to go to destinations off the beaten path this could be just the right spot for you.
Yinchuan is the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and home to large Hui Muslim population.
The city is dotted with the beautiful pagoda tree laden with white or pink flowers. Some of the most recommended places to pay a visit are:
Najiahu mosque
It is located in the centre of the Hui village in Yongning County and is the oldest in the region. It was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in traditional Chinese architecture style and features Arabic calligraphy inscriptions on the walls and doorways.
Imperial tombs of Western Xia
Situated at the foot of the Helan mountains, the tombs are spread over an area of nearly 50 square km. Entrance fee of 60 yuan includes the charge for an electric train which ferries tourists around the sprawling site. Before hopping on the train to see the nine imperial mausoleums and 250 tombs of imperial relatives and officials, visit the museum that displays impressive artefacts related to Western Xia culture. For 50 yuan, enjoy a ride on a bactrian (two humps) camel which has a thick, shaggy coat that protects the camel from the cold in the winter.
Western Xia dynasty was founded by Tangut ethnic group in 1038 and destroyed in 1227 by the Mongols who later established Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).
Rock Art Park
This is home to the rock carvings at Helan mountains which depict symbols, mask-like faces, human figures and animals such as tigers, leopards, reindeer, sheep, horses and camels. The carvings date back to about 10,000 years.
Taj Mahal replica
The park opened to the public in 2005 but work is still under way. It serves as the gate to the China Hui Culture Park. The culture park includes a museum, a “mosque-like” palace, a Hui model village and a performance area.
Tags:
Tags:
