Ningxia

Author: Editorial Committee of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Ningxia is China's only provincial-level autonomous region for Hui people. The Yellow River runs through it for eight hundred miles, earning it the name "Islam Province" or "Muslim Province" among overseas visitors. The regional capital, Yinchuan, is a famous city on the northern frontier, locally known as the "Phoenix City." In 1038 AD, the leader of the Dangxiang ethnic group, Li Yuanhao, established the Western Xia Dynasty here, ruling the region for 190 years and leaving behind many precious relics and endless mysteries to explore. Among the attractions are the Xumishan Grottoes, a treasure trove of art dating back over 1,500 years; the Jingyuan Old Dragon Pool, shrouded in lush bamboo and adorned with a jade-like waterfall; the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, hailed as the "Pyramid of the East"; the 108 Pagodas, China's largest Lamasery-style architectural complex; and the Huaxia Western Film Studio, known as the "Hollywood of the East." These numerous scenic spots form the enchanting northern frontier landscape of Ningxia, which is often described as "not Jiangnan but surpassing Jiangnan."
Ningxia's local specialties are renowned for goji berries, licorice root, Helan stone, two-haired fur, and hair grass, collectively known as the "Five Treasures" of red, yellow, blue, white, and black. Ningxia's local cuisine blends traditional Chinese flavors with Muslim influences, creating a unique style. The main local dishes include sweet and sour Yellow River carp, pigeon fish, steamed lamb, lamb offal, lamb dumplings with broth, and fragrant oil cakes.