Helan

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Top 10 attractions in Helan

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Helan Mountain Rock Painting
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Ningxia

Helan Mountain Rock Painting

7.4
4.6/5
6.1k reviews
Helan Mountain Rock Painting Scenic Area is a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It is known as the "history book in stone", "prehistoric human art gallery" and "the place where Chinese culture traces its origins". The Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum in the scenic area displays representative rock art from more than 60 countries and regions in the world, covering the latest results and information of current rock art research. There are 6,000 prehistoric rock paintings between 3,000 and 10,000 years old in the rock art site area. They are renowned in the international rock art community for their large number, rich content, wide range of themes, and rarity in the world. Yinchuan Han Meilin Art Museum collects and exhibits more than 1,000 works inspired by and based on Helan Mountain rock paintings by Mr. Han Meilin, showing the fusion of ancient and modern. After years of protective development, the scenic spot has become a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating exhibitions, science education, research and exchanges, artistic creation, leisure vacations and other functions.Helan · 35 km from downtown
Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yinchuan

Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park

6.8
4.5/5
2.6k reviews
Helan Mountain National Forest Park, located about 50 kilometers west of Yinchuan city, has rich natural landscapes and unique cultural landscapes. The Attraction is full of layers of forests, with towering natural trees such as Chinese pine, juniper, and spruce. Visitors here can not only enjoy the charming night and sunrise of Helan Mountain, but also have the opportunity to see running red deer, jumping blue sheep, playing blue pheasants and other important national protected wild animals. After entering the Attraction, you will see the welcoming area of ​​the Attraction, where there is a visitor center and a museum. You can choose to take the sightseeing bus in the Attraction to Songtao Mountain Villa and start climbing from here (you can also take the cable car up the mountain). Generally, you can walk to Qingsongling in about 40 minutes. After walking in the canyon for about an hour, you can reach the highway, wait for the sightseeing bus, and return to the gate of the Attraction. The Attraction is rich in historical and cultural connotations. Religious culture, Xixia culture, rock painting culture, etc. blend here, giving the Helan Mountain National Forest Park rich historical and cultural connotations. The "Sanqing Temple", "Lingguang Temple", "Lingguang Tower", "Lingguang Cave" and other buildings restored on the ruins of the ancient Xixia temple recreate the long history of Buddhist and Taoist culture; the rich Helan Mountain Museum is a microcosm of the Helan Mountain culture, consisting of the Rock Sheep Special Hall, Helan Mountain Landform Sand Table, History and Culture Hall, Mineral Resources and Environment Hall, and other venues. The Attraction is very large. When visiting, you should follow the schematic diagram or signboards in the Attraction. Do not go to remote places alone. There is no mobile phone signal in many areas of the Attraction. If you want to hike in the wild, you must join a local outdoor team.Helan · 41 km from downtown
Ningxia Museum
No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Ningxia

Ningxia Museum

7.3
4.8/5
1.1k reviews
The Ningxia Museum is a provincial-level comprehensive museum in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The building's floor plan is shaped like the Chinese character "回" (hui), reflecting the region's name. The architectural elements used in the exterior decorations, such as the Kalavinka (a mythical bird) and the strongman-shaped support base, as well as the decorative patterns on the four main gates, are representative of Ningxia's historical and cultural heritage and possess distinct regional characteristics. The museum has four floors, with the three ground floors open to the general visitors. The first floor of the museum houses the visitor service hall and temporary exhibition halls. Here, you'll also find the rock painting exhibition titled "Stone carvings as history books." Stepping into this hall feels like entering an ancient era. While travelers often prefer visiting the ancient rock paintings in Helan Mountain, many rock art sites across Ningxia remain less visited due to their remote locations and limited transportation. In this exhibition hall, visitors can get up close with a wider collection of Ningxia's rock paintings. The museum's second floor houses the "General history of Ningxia exhibition hall," a key area for travelers. Treasures like the Western Han dynasty silver-inlaid bronze sheep, Tang dynasty stone door panels depicting the Sogdian whirl dance, Western Xia dynasty gilded bronze ox, and human figure pedestals are all displayed here. Travelers can also view rubbings of the "Stele inscription of the reconstructed Huguo Temple stupa in Liangzhou," where the Western Xia script appears more block-like than Chinese characters. The third floor features folk culture exhibits, including interactive electronic screens for experiencing Ningxia's unique square chess game.Yinchuan · 12.6 km from Helan
Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Ningxia

Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town

6.4
4.8/5
1.8k reviews
Manpu See Helan is an immersive performing arts town located at the foot of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, China. The project starts from Helan culture, presents the beauty of Helan with super high appearance, awakens Helan culture with immersive performances, and tells the story of Ningxia with fireworks blocks, aiming to let the world truly see Helan and let the world see Ningxia again, giving tourists a wild journey to see themselves. The project focuses on performing arts experience and creates a 240-minute ultra-immersive night show, allowing tourists to have a new cultural and tourism experience that integrates immersive performances, eating Northwest cuisine, visiting intangible cultural heritage blocks, visiting art shops, soaking in local hot springs, staying in special theme homestays, etc., completely intoxicated by the starry sky under the Helan Mountains, and experiencing the magic of Ningxia in one stop.Yinchuan · 25.6 km from Helan
Ningxia Geological Museum
No. 8 of Family-friendly Attractions in Ningxia

Ningxia Geological Museum

6.3
4.8/5
733 reviews
The Ningxia Geological Museum is located to the east of People's Square East Street and to the south of Helan Mountain Road in Jinfeng District, Yinchuan City. It is a provincial-level thematic museum that integrates modernization, high technology and local characteristics of Ningxia, focuses on serving the public, and takes into account the needs of scientific researchers. Outside the museum is the Geological Culture Square. Inside the museum are the introductory hall, Earth Science Hall, Life Evolution Hall, Geological Environment Hall, Mineral Resources Hall, Geological Work Hall, Gemstone and Ornamental Stone Exhibition Area,4DCinema. Collection of various rock, mineral and paleontological fossil specimens16000It has the functions of displaying rare mineral specimens, popular science education, scientific research, leisure and entertainment, and is an ideal place for the public to visit, appreciate, relax and entertain, and for geological professionals to conduct related research.Yinchuan · 11.6 km from Helan
Yinchuan Lanshan Park
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Ningxia

Yinchuan Lanshan Park

6.3
4.5/5
93 reviews
Lanshan is located in the north of Yinchuan City, and is adjacent to Water Street in the east. The west and south are interdependent with Yuehai Park, and the north is connected with the vast fields. A huge Islamic-style gate made of alloys is magnificent in shape and looks like a galloping horse.Yinchuan · 12 km from Helan
Guangzong Temple Ecological Tourist District of the Helan Mountain

Guangzong Temple Ecological Tourist District of the Helan Mountain

5.4
4.0/5
268 reviews
The Nan Temple Scenic Area is situated in a valley on the western slope of Helan Mountain. It comprises three sections: the Nan Temple Area, Zhanmao Mountain, and the Pristine Forest Area. The Nan Temple Area is the main attraction, featuring Guangzong Temple, also known locally as Nan Temple. The temple, named "Danji Leng" in Tibetan, was built according to the wishes of Tsangyang Gyatso. It is renowned in the Mongolian and Tibetan religious communities for housing his corporeal stupa. The scenic area is located approximately 30 kilometers from Bayanhot Town, the seat of the Alxa Left Banner government, and about 100 kilometers from Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Autonomous Region. Currently, there is no direct public transportation to the scenic area; visitors must either hire a car or drive themselves. During peak seasons, minibuses may be available, but their service is not always reliable.Alxa Left Banner · 48.7 km from Helan
Tianmu Hot Spring
No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Ningxia

Tianmu Hot Spring

4.8
4.6/5
335 reviews
Ningxia Manpu Tianmu Hot Spring Town is located on the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, directly opposite the Zhenbeibao Western Film and Television City, with a total area of ​​about 300 acres. It is a hot spring resort in Ningxia that integrates hot spring health care, vacation and leisure, Xixia cultural and art exhibition, red wine exhibition, hot spring hotel, large indoor hot spring hall, open-air hot spring bathing area, children's water play area, hot spring apartment, and high-end hot spring villa club. The hot spring hotel fully combines western humanistic culture with fashionable dynamic elements. The indoor hot spring hall covers an area of ​​about 4,000 square meters, mainly including: large comprehensive spa pool, wave pool, game water fort, giant python slide, fish therapy pool and other comprehensive spa entertainment pools. The open-air hot spring area covers an area of ​​about 12,000 square meters, with a total of more than 70 pools, divided into five major hot spring theme areas: Xixia Dynasty Area, Red Wine Culture Area, Helan Mountain Rock Painting Area, Nourishing Health Area, Beauty and Skin Area. It can accommodate 5,000 people per day to bathe in hot springs. While you unload your fatigue, you can fully experience and enjoy the natural hot spring bath with real mountains and real water, and return to nature. At the same time, the hotel also has sauna sweat steaming, health massage, Internet cafe, movie theater, gym, billiard room, table tennis room, real-life simulated golf, children's playground, chess and card room and other facilities on the 3rd floor.Yinchuan · 25.7 km from Helan
Drum Tower
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Ningxia

Drum Tower

5.1
4.5/5
393 reviews
Drum Tower, also known as the "Cross Drum Tower" or "Four Drum Tower," stands at the intersection in the center of Yinchuan's old town, not far from Yuhuang Pavilion. The entire structure is over 30m high and built on a tall, square platform. The platform has arched doorways on all four sides that intersect in the middle, allowing the four streets below to meet and connect. The platform was first built in the first year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1821) and was constructed under the direction of the then-prefect of Ningxia. The stone inscriptions on the lintels of the four doorways were also written by him: "Ying'en" on the east, "Laixun" on the south, "Yishuang" on the west, and "Gongji" on the north; additional arched doors were opened on both sides of the east doorway, inscribed with "Kunhe" and "Qianpi" respectively. Inside the south arched door is a side chamber, and inside the north arched door is a hidden stone staircase leading up to the platform. The pavilion on the platform features a three-story, double-eaved, cross-gable roof design. Each level is surrounded by a corridor, and the roof ridge is decorated with dragon heads and a central pearl, creating the appearance of two dragons playing with a pearl. The upturned eaves and flying ridges give it a handsome and magnificent appearance. The pavilion was completed after being rebuilt with private donations in the late Qing Dynasty and renovated in the first half of the 20th century. A large bell once hung in the pavilion, which is why it is also known as the "Bell and Drum Tower." In 1926, the Special Branch of the Communist Party of China in Ningxia was established and operated here. The former site was located in the northeast corner room of the pavilion, leaving a mark of modern history on the ancient building. During the day, you can walk around the tower to examine the stone inscriptions and the details of the upturned eaves. At night, as the lights of the surrounding streets begin to glow, it is another great time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of old Yinchuan.Yinchuan · 11.6 km from Helan
China West Film Studio
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Yinchuan

China West Film Studio

7.7
4.5/5
20.1k reviews
Zhenbeibao Western Cinema is located in Xixia District, Yinchuan City. In this studio, which is characterized by simplicity, roughness and desolation, classic films such as "Wrangler", "Red Sorghum", "Journey to the West", "Thorn Mausoleum", "Jin Yiwei" and hundreds of influential film and television films were filmed. In the remaining part, a large number of celebrities from the Chinese film industry have left their footprints here, such as Gong Li, Jiang Wen, Zhang Yimou, Ge You, Zhou Xingchi, Donnie Yen and so on. The cinema consists of three parts: Mingcheng, Qingcheng and Old Yinchuan Street. Tourists can visit the cinema along the "figure 8" route of Old Yinchuan Street. Here, you can see the appearance of Yinchuan in the first half of the 20th century, and eat local traditional snacks such as mutton soup. The Ming and Qing cities in the film city were rebuilt from the military castles left over from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the Ming and Qing cities, you can see many familiar movie scenes, such as: the gate tower where Sun Wukong and Fairy Zixia are standing in "Journey to the West", the throne of the Bull Demon King, the torture platform of the Tang monk; and the movie "Journey to the West" The Moon Gate in "Red Sorghum", the winemaking workshop where "My Grandpa" urinated after being drunk, the sedan chair that Jiu'er took when he got married, the big vat for wine, and the bowls. There are costumes and props for rent in many places in the studio. Here, you can wear a set of costumes in the play, use the props in the movie, and walk around the scenes of the movie to live the addiction of being a star. Before going to Zhenbeibao Western Studios, you can revisit a few classic movies first, and then go to visit, you will have a different feeling.Yinchuan · 25.1 km from Helan

Experiences you can't miss in Helan

Featured Day tours in Helan

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Private 1-day tour in Yinchuan | World heritage site The Western Xia Mausoleum + Helan Mountain Rock Painting + Chateau Yuanshi tasting
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FromUS$178.80
Private Charter| Yinchuan Day Tour: Western Xia Imperial Tombs + Helan Mountain Rock Paintings + Wine‑Tasting Experience at YuanShi Winery
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FromUS$91.11
Private 1-day tour in Yinchuan · Shahu ecological zone + China West Film Studio
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Duration: 9.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$190.72
Private 1-day tour in Yinchuan · Shuidonggou ruins + Qingtongxia Yellow River grand canyon
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$234.99
Private Day Tour from Yinchuan | Wuzhong + Yellow River Grand Canyon + 108 Pagodas | Optional Morning Tea Experience (at Your Own Expense)
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FromUS$71.63

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What travelers say about Helan

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M41***34October 19, 2026
4.0
The scenic area is quite large, but its main attraction is rather singular: the various rock paintings carved into the cliff faces. However, since they are remnants of the daily lives of ancient people, they are still worth seeing.

Helan Mountain Rock Painting

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M34***87September 27, 2026
5.0
Helan Mountain National Forest Park primarily offers a close-up view of the Helan Mountains. The mountain has relatively low vegetation cover and is mainly composed of rocks. You need to take a shuttle bus to the foot of the mountain, and then choose to take a cable car or hike to the summit (approximately 20-40 minutes). There are many snacks available on the mountain, as well as spectacular high-altitude acrobatic performances. Along the way, you can also spot wild animals such as blue sheep.

Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park

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M62***79October 20, 2026
5.0
The building is grand and the facilities are good, but the introduction of the value of key cultural relics needs improvement. The museum should strive to leave a deeper impression on visitors.

Ningxia Museum

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羽你有媛October 3, 2026
5.0
This place is suitable for those who are willing to participate in activities. Otherwise, you can just watch the shows, eat and drink, which won't be very interesting. You have to participate to have fun. 360 Viewing is good, and Princess Hongcheng is worth watching.

Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town

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M41***33August 31, 2026
5.0
This stay was very pleasant. Xiao Lin at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and responsive during check-in, patiently and meticulously answering all my questions. She was also very efficient. The hotel was quiet and clean overall, and the rooms were spotless and comfortable. The location was convenient for getting around, and the overall value for money was excellent. Xiao Lin's thoughtful service greatly enhanced my trip, and I would definitely choose this hotel again if needed. I also recommend it to everyone.

Ningxia Geological Museum

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Anonymous userOctober 6, 2026
5.0
The moment the accelerator was pressed, the speedboat, nicknamed the "Ferrari of the water," shot off like an arrow, slicing through the mirror-like surface. The wind whistled past our ears, and tiny waves gently grazed the hull, leaving smooth white trails. Our vision unfolded along the expansive water, the outline of Lanshan Park gradually becoming clear along the shoreline. The dark green mountains, shrouded in lush vegetation, reflected in the shimmering water, while pavilions nestled among the trees added a touch of tranquility. The entire journey was seamless; the speed of the speedboat cutting through the waves blended perfectly with the breathtaking scenery, every second filled with exhilarating joy. A sea breeze carrying a light mist brushed against our faces, and the next stop was slowly approaching along the channel. This water journey, combining speed and magnificent scenery, was a truly fulfilling experience.

Yinchuan Lanshan Park

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my_way66January 5, 2026
5.0
It's a very convenient direct bus with several pick-up points in the city. This time, I boarded at Huaiyuan Night Market. I visited Nan Temple and even climbed to the summit of Bafeng Peak. I had plenty of time.

Guangzong Temple Ecological Tourist District of the Helan Mountain

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锦~瑜November 26, 2025
5.0
Ningxia Manpu Tianmu Hot Spring Town is located at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountains, directly opposite the Zhenbeibao Western Film City. Covering an area of ​​approximately 300 acres, it is a comprehensive hot spring resort in Ningxia, integrating hot spring health and wellness, leisure and vacation, Western Xia culture and art exhibitions, wine displays, a hot spring hotel, a large indoor hot spring pavilion, an outdoor hot spring bathing area, a children's water play area, hot spring apartments, and high-end hot spring villas. The hot spring hotel seamlessly blends Western cultural elements with modern and dynamic design. The indoor hot spring pavilion covers approximately 4,000 square meters.

Tianmu Hot Spring

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点都不沉默September 12, 2026
4.0
We visited the Drum Tower first, and then stopped by the Jade Emperor Pavilion. The two places are only a few minutes apart, and you'll pass a park frequented by locals on the way. The Jade Emperor Pavilion was built between the Yuan Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty (during the Zhengtong era), and was originally a watchtower. The pavilion itself isn't very large, and the main hall is currently closed for security reasons. A quick stroll around the pavilion won't take much time, and you can visit it after the Drum Tower.

Drum Tower

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拓海零零狗October 24, 2026
5.0
This shopping experience truly exceeded my expectations. The quality and workmanship of the products were exceptionally solid, and the brand's dedication was evident in the details. The logistics and delivery were also very fast, and the packaging was intact. The customer service was patient and meticulous in answering my questions. I will definitely come back again if I have any future needs, and I will also recommend it to my friends.

China West Film Studio

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As of October 25, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Helan is around USD 71.63 – USD 234.99. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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