Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio in Yinchuan is located in Zhenbeibao Town, Xixia District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. It preserves and reproduces scenes from famous films and TV dramas that were shot here, and enjoys the reputation of being "the place from which Chinese cinema went global." The film studio consists of attractions such as the Ming City, Qing City, and Old Yinchuan Street, covering an area of about 0.7 square kilometers. Its architectural style is simple and rugged, with a strong western character, showcasing the appearance of an ancient northwestern town. Here, visitors can experience a unique film culture atmosphere and the feeling of traveling through time.
History and Culture
Zhenbeibao was originally a border defense fort from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and gradually fell into ruin through the erosion of time. In 1961, Zhang Xianliang, who was then undergoing labor reform on a farm, discovered it, and in the early 1980s began introducing it to the film industry.
In 1980, the crew of One and Eight filmed here, opening the prologue to Zhenbeibao as a film and television production base. Subsequently, many excellent films, including The Herdsman, Red Sorghum, A Chinese Odyssey, and New Dragon Gate Inn, were shot here, making Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio widely famous.
As more and more film and television works were created here, Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio gradually became an important representative of western Chinese film culture. It not only promoted the development of China's film industry, but also attracted a large number of tourists for sightseeing, becoming a well-known cultural tourism attraction in Ningxia and even across the country.
Main Attractions
Ming City
Ming City is an important part of Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio and was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It preserves many ancient buildings and city walls, full of a sense of historical vicissitude. Classic scenes such as the Moon Gate in Red Sorghum and the Spider Cave in A Chinese Odyssey are located here. Visitors can stroll through it, feel the atmosphere of the films, and also see displays of some film props and costumes.
Qing City
The architectural style of Qing City is different from that of Ming City; it is relatively more complete and refined. Here there are shooting scenes from New Dragon Gate Inn, such as the inn buildings. Qing City also has some specialty shops selling various film-related souvenirs. Visitors can experience life in an ancient inn here, as if they were in a martial arts world.
Old Yinchuan Street
Old Yinchuan Street showcases the urban appearance of Yinchuan in the 1930s and 1940s. There are various shops on both sides of the street, such as pharmacies, cloth stores, and photo studios, restoring the commercial scene of that time. Here, visitors can learn about the historical changes of Yinchuan and feel the market atmosphere of old Yinchuan.
Food
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
Hand-grabbed mutton is one of Ningxia's specialty foods. Local high-quality mutton is selected and cooked simply, preserving the original flavor of the mutton. The meat is tender, fatty but not greasy, and even more delicious when dipped in specially prepared seasoning. Visitors can taste authentic hand-grabbed mutton in restaurants around the film studio.
Sheep Offal Soup
Sheep offal soup mainly uses sheep heart, liver, lungs, intestines, tripe, and other ingredients as the main materials. After cleaning and cooking, scallions, ginger, garlic, chili, and other seasonings are added. The soup is rich, and the offal has a rich texture. It is a traditional snack deeply loved by local people. Delicious sheep offal soup can be found at snack stalls near the film studio.
Shahu Big Fish Head
Shahu Big Fish Head comes from Shahu in Ningxia. The fish head meat is tender and nutritious. The fish head here can be cooked in various ways, such as steaming and braising, and is delicious. It is one of the foods visitors should not miss. This delicacy can be tasted in some restaurants around the film studio.
Tickets：
Full-price ticket: 80 yuan
Half-price ticket: 40 yuan
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio" to get the latest updates and buy tickets online, which can avoid queuing at the site.
Opening Hours：
Opening time: 09:00 - 17:00
The opening hours of the scenic area may be adjusted under special circumstances. Visitors can follow the scenic area's WeChat public account for the latest updates.
Tour Route：
Visitors can first start touring from Ming City, visiting shooting scenes from Red Sorghum, A Chinese Odyssey, and others in turn, and feel the integration of history and film. Then go to Qing City, experience the martial arts atmosphere, and admire the scenes from New Dragon Gate Inn. Finally, visit Old Yinchuan Street to learn about Yinchuan's history and culture. The entire tour takes about 3-4 hours. If time is sufficient, you can also stay longer at each attraction to take photos, or visit some film-related exhibitions.
Transportation：
Bus: Within Yinchuan city, you can take the tourist direct bus to Zhenbeibao Western Film Studio. It departs from Xinyue Square and Yinchuan Tourist Bus Station. The ticket price is about 15 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Taxi: Taking a taxi from downtown Yinchuan costs about 50 yuan, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The specific cost depends on actual traffic conditions and ride-hailing platform pricing.
Self-driving: Departing from downtown Yinchuan, you can go via Beijing Road or Helan Mountain Road and follow the navigation. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, and the parking fee is about 5-10 yuan.
Must-Visit Attractions
Ming City
It has many classic film shooting scenes, such as the Moon Gate in Red Sorghum and the Spider Cave in A Chinese Odyssey. The buildings are ancient and full of historical feeling. You can view film props and costume displays and deeply experience the film atmosphere.
Qing City
The buildings are refined, with shooting scenes such as New Dragon Gate Inn. There are specialty shops selling film souvenirs. You can experience ancient inn life, as if you were in a martial arts world.
Old Yinchuan Street
It restores the urban appearance of Yinchuan in the 1930s and 1940s. There are many kinds of shops on both sides of the street. You can learn about Yinchuan's historical changes and feel the market atmosphere of old Yinchuan.
Travel Tips：
Learn about the scenic area's opening hours and ticket policies in advance, and arrange your trip reasonably.
You can wear clothing suitable for photos, especially clothing related to film themes, and take photos at various attractions.
Because the scenic area is relatively large, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for long periods of walking.
When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, etc.; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear a thick coat.
You can learn in advance about some classic film and television works shot here, so you can better appreciate the fun during your visit.
Precautions：
Observe the various regulations of the scenic area and do not damage the buildings and facilities in the scenic area at will.
During the visit, pay attention to safety, especially at some ancient buildings and narrow passages, to avoid accidents.
Respect local customs and do not behave inappropriately.
Take good care of personal belongings, especially in crowded places, to prevent loss or theft.
If you need to take commercial photos or conduct other commercial activities, you must consult the relevant staff of the scenic area in advance and obtain permission.