Guyuan

Carved into the cliffs of Xumi Mountain between the 5th and 10th centuries, these grottoes comprise over 130 caves and more than 300 Buddhist statues. The site is particularly famous for its colossal Tang-dynasty seated Buddha — at 20.6 meters tall, it is one of the largest rock-carved Buddhas in China. The intricate facial expressions, flowing robes, and serene postures reflect the artistic zenith of the Northern Zhou through Tang periods. Unlike the more commercialized Mogao Caves, Xumi retains a quiet, contemplative atmosphere where visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship without the crowds.

The caves are scattered across several cliff faces, connected by stone pathways and staircases that wind through the mountainside. Highlights include Cave 5 with its majestic sitting Buddha, Cave 51 featuring exquisite Bodhisattva reliefs, and the panoramic mountain views from the upper galleries. The site also includes a small museum displaying artifacts recovered from the grottoes, including Tang dynasty coins, pottery, and inscribed stone tablets. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, with wildflowers in April–May and brilliant foliage in October.

Rising to 2,928 meters, Mount Liupan is the towering natural barrier that separates Ningxia from Gansu and was famously crossed by Mao Zedong during the 1935 Long March. The mountain is celebrated in Chinese poetry and revolutionary history alike — Mao's poem "Qing Ping Yue · Liupan Mountain" immortalized its misty peaks. Today, the mountain is a national forest park, draped in spruce and birch forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The summit offers sweeping views across three provinces on a clear day, with a sea of clouds often visible at sunrise.

The mountain features well-marked hiking trails ranging from easy boardwalk strolls to challenging summit climbs. Key sights include the Long March Memorial Pavilion, the "Sky Road" ridge trail, and the refreshing waterfall valley where visitors can dip their feet in the mountain streams. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 25°C, making it an ideal escape from the lowland heat. Autumn transforms the slopes into a tapestry of gold, crimson, and orange, while winter brings a quiet, snow-covered wonderland perfect for photography.

The formidable city walls of Guyuan date back to the Ming Dynasty (14th–17th centuries) and once guarded the southern gateway to Ningxia against Mongol incursions. The rectangular wall, stretching approximately 9 kilometers, was originally built with rammed earth and later reinforced with brick. Several watchtowers and gatehouses have been restored, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's military past. Walking along the well-preserved northwestern section, you can still see the original brickwork, arrow slits, and the wide moat that once surrounded the fortress.

Inside the old city walls, narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes lead to hidden mosques, local tea houses, and the bustling morning market where Hui vendors sell freshly baked flatbreads and aromatic spices. The Qingzhen (Islamic) cultural influence is palpable, with crescent moon motifs adorning many buildings. In the evening, the illuminated city walls provide a dramatic backdrop for a leisurely stroll, and the nearby bell tower square comes alive with locals dancing, playing cards, and enjoying street snacks.

Huoshi Village (Firestone Village) is a spectacular danxia landform park, featuring towering red sandstone pillars, sheer cliffs, and narrow canyons sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The vibrant crimson and orange rock formations contrast dramatically with the surrounding green valleys and blue skies, creating a landscape often compared to the Grand Canyon or Zhangye Danxia. The park's most iconic sight is the "Drum-Tower Peak" (Gulou Feng), a solitary red pillar rising abruptly 100 meters above the plain, best viewed at sunset when the rocks glow fiery orange.

Visitors can explore the geopark via a network of wooden boardwalks, suspension bridges, and stone staircases that wind through the rock formations. Highlights include the "Canyon of Ten Thousand Harms" (Wanxian Gu), the stunning "Rainbow Ridge," and several Buddhist cave shrines carved into the cliff faces. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the golden eagle and various raptors nesting on the cliff ledges. Spring brings wildflowers to the valleys, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant yellows and reds.

The Jing River, one of the major tributaries of the Yellow River, originates in the lush mountains of Jingyuan County southeast of Guyuan. The river's source area is a pristine natural reserve characterized by crystal-clear streams, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls. The main attraction is the "Old Dragon Pool" (Lao Long Tan), a deep emerald pool fed by underground springs, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense vegetation. According to legend, this is where the Dragon King of the Jing River once dwelled, and locals still come here to pray for rain during dry spells.

The surrounding nature reserve offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trails leading through primeval birch and spruce forests, past meadows filled with wildflowers, and alongside the gurgling river. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the golden pheasant, the black stork, and various songbirds. The area is also home to several small Hui Muslim villages where visitors can experience rural life, taste homemade buckwheat noodles, and learn about traditional herbal medicine practices using local mountain plants.

Jiangtai Fort is a site of profound historical significance in modern Chinese history, marking the location where the three main forces of the Chinese Red Army joined together in October 1936, effectively completing the Long March. The fort, originally built during the Ming Dynasty as a military outpost, has been transformed into a memorial site with a large plaza, a monument inscribed by Deng Xiaoping, and an exhibition hall documenting the Long March through Ningxia. The atmosphere is solemn and patriotic, attracting many Chinese visitors, especially during National Day and Army Day.

The memorial park includes the original earthen fort walls, restored watchtowers, and a series of outdoor sculptures depicting key moments of the Long March. Inside the exhibition hall, visitors can view historical photographs, original documents, weaponry, and personal belongings of the Red Army soldiers. The site also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the fort's ramparts. Every October 22nd, a commemorative ceremony is held to mark the anniversary of the army's unification, drawing officials and descendants of veterans from across China.

The Guyuan Museum is one of the premier regional museums in northwest China, housing over 10,000 artifacts that trace the area's history from the Neolithic period through the Qing Dynasty. The museum's crown jewels are the Sui-Tang dynasty gold and silver wares, including exquisitely crafted cups, bowls, and belt buckles adorned with Persian and Central Asian motifs — clear evidence of Guyuan's role as a Silk Road trading hub. The museum also displays a remarkable collection of Northern Zhou dynasty painted pottery and Tang dynasty tomb murals, some of which are considered national treasures.

Recent renovations have added interactive exhibits, English-language descriptions, and a dedicated section on the Xumi Mountain Caves with scale models of the grottoes and 3D reconstructions of the statues. The museum shop sells high-quality replicas of Silk Road artifacts, traditional Hui embroidery, and books on local history. Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the collections. Guided tours in English can be arranged in advance by calling the museum, though many exhibits now include QR codes linking to multilingual audio guides.