Things to do in Haiyuan
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Top 10 attractions in Haiyuan
Xixia Imperial Tombs
Xixia Imperial Tombs, located in the western suburbs of YinchuanHelan MountainThe Western Xia Mausoleum served as the royal burial site of the Western Xia Dynasty, where several emperors were interred. Today, the entire mausoleum complex contains 9 imperial tombs and over 140 accompanying burial sites, making it one of the largest royal burial grounds in Chinese history by area. The tombs feature a unique inverted steamed-bun shape unlike any other Chinese mausoleums. Additionally, the attraction includes facilities such as the Western Xia Mausoleum Museum, Western Xia Mausoleum - Western Xia Historical Art Gallery, and Western Xia Stele Forest to help visitors understand the historical and cultural significance behind these tombs. The attraction currently has mausoleums No. 1, 2, and 3 open for visitors. Mausoleum No. 3 (the "Tai Mausoleum" of Li Yuanhao, founding emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty) is located relatively close to The Western Xia Mausoleum's Western Xia History Art Museum and Western Xia Stele Forest. The Western Xia Dynasty was established by the Tangut people, with distinct writing systems and customs different from the Han Chinese of the Central Plains. After the dynasty's fall, its cities and history mysteriously vanished into the Gobi Desert, becoming an enduring enigma until modern discoveries and interpretations. The Western Xia Mausoleum Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the dynasty, including many precious stone carvings with Tangut script and murals showcasing Western Xia artistic styles. The museum offers free guides that provide fascinating insights into the customs, culture, rise, and fall of this mysterious dynasty, enhancing visitors' experience when exploring the mausoleum. On July 11, 2025, the Western Xia Mausoleum was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. You can visit the Haowang Mausoleum up close within the attraction. The massive inverted semicircular tomb stands on the wasteland, bringing centuries of history vividly before your eyes, while in the distance...Helan MountainThe rugged ravines of the mountain ridges evoke a profound sense of desolate grandeur and timeless vicissitude. The Western Xia Mausoleum Museum inside the attraction has been newly unveiled. The exhibits are divided into six sections: history of Western Xia, Western Xia culture, Western Xia religious art, Western Xia socio-economy, Western Xia Mausoleum, and preservation & inheritance. Nearly 5,000 artifacts are displayed, including thangka paintings, documents, clay sculptures, bronze and ironware, textiles, and porcelain. Many of these are exquisite cultural relics unearthed during recent archaeological research at the Western Xia Mausoleum.China · Yinchuan
Gansu Provincial Museum
Gansu Provincial Museum is a large comprehensive museum centered on the civilization of the Silk Road. Located at a strategic point along the Silk Road and a convergence zone of Han and Tibetan cultures, its collections embody the diverse characteristics of the Central Plains, Western Regions, and the Tibetan Plateau. The three treasured artifacts—the Galloping Bronze Horse, the mural brick of a courier, and the painted pottery vase with a human-head-shaped mouth—serve as iconic representations of the museum. The museum has three floors, featuring permanent exhibitions on themes such as the civilization of the Silk Road, Buddhist art of Gansu, painted pottery of Gansu, paleontological fossils, and revolutionary Gansu. The Silk Road civilization exhibition on the second floor is the museum's centerpiece: the bronze galloping horse unearthed in 1969 from the Leitai Han tomb in Wuwei is displayed here. The horse has three hooves in the air and one stepping on a flying bird, standing steadily on a single hoof. Its image is now the symbol of Chinese tourism. In the same hall, the mural brick depicting a courier from the Wei-Jin tombs in Jiayuguan shows a messenger galloping on horseback, notably without a mouth, symbolizing the need for couriers to "keep their mouths shut." This pattern was later adopted as the emblem of China Post. The exhibition also features a procession of chariots and horses excavated from the same tomb as the bronze horse, along with Han and Tang dynasty silk textiles, gold and silver artifacts, making the prosperity of Silk Road trade vividly tangible. The Buddhist art exhibition hall on the third floor features replicas of caves from the Mogao Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes, alongside statues, ritual objects, white pagodas, and prayer wheels from both Han and Tibetan Buddhism. Stepping into the hall feels like entering a temple, and this harmonious blend of Han and Tibetan styles is rarely seen elsewhere. On the same floor, the painted pottery exhibition showcases ceramics from cultures such as Dadiwan, Yangshao, and Majiayao, with intricate and fluid patterns like spiral and sawtooth designs. Among them, the painted pottery bottle with a human-head-shaped spout unearthed at Dadiwan in Qin'an, which integrates facial sculpture with the pottery vessel, is a highly popular exhibit. If you're interested in natural history, the paleontological fossils exhibition hall features the impressive skeleton of the Yellow River ancient elephant unearthed in Heshui, and the dinosaur fossils and reconstructed models are also popular with children. The revolutionary Gansu exhibition hall showcases historical artifacts and materials from periods such as the Nanliang base area and the Shaan-Gan-Ning border region, narrating the modern history of this land. The museum houses a large quantity of exhibits, and even a quick tour would take half a day. It's recommended to start with the Silk Road exhibition on the second floor, then proceed to the third floor for Buddhist art and painted pottery, following a logical route. In the exhibition halls, you can scan to listen to the audio guide, and at certain times, volunteers also provide guided explanations.China · Lanzhou
Ningxia Museum
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.China · Yinchuan
Tengger Desert
Tengger Desert is the fourth largest desert in China. Tengger Mongolian means sky, which means the vast quicksand is like a boundless sky. There are hundreds of lakes that have survived for tens of millions of years in the desert, the more famous ones are Swan Lake and Moon Lake. Under the blue sky, the desert is vast, desolate and majestic, the rolling sand dunes for thousands of miles are scattered like frozen waves, and the soft lines show its extraordinary charm. Moon Lake resembles a map of China, half is a freshwater lake and half is a saltwater lake. Swan Lake is about 35 kilometers away from the north and south of Moon Lake. It is surrounded by a vast desert, with rolling sand dunes and rolling sand waves. The scene is magnificent and refreshing. Swan Lake and Moon Lake are big and small. They set off each other and have their own charms, attracting a large number of tourists.China · Alxa Left Banner
Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
In spring and summer, the mountains are full of flowers and grass, colorful, bees and butterflies dancing, full of vitality. Among the sparse trees, there are clusters of arrow bamboo, adding a bit of southern beauty to the northern mountains and rivers. Within a hundred miles of Huoshizhai, there are many large and small towering peaks, among which the famous ones are Saozhuling, Shisi Mountain, Zhaobi Mountain, etc., and the natural stone city is particularly amazing. Huoshizhai not only has fascinating natural landscapes, but also more than ten cave buildings, which are in the same vein as the Xumi Mountain Grottoes. The Chan Buddhist Temple Grottoes are connected to Mount Xumi, also known as the "Xumeru Mountain Chan Buddhist Temple". It was a holy place for the spread of the Zen sect of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty. The grottoes were carved on a pointed pagoda-style stone peak, which is about 120 meters high, like a spear piercing the sky, with four walls hanging in the air, which is strange and unusual. If you climb to the top of the peak, clouds and mist float under your feet. There are 10 caves in the east and west of the stone peak, with remaining murals, stone carved Xumi pedestals, etc. Among them, the grotto is 15 meters away from the top of the peak, with a rectangular flat roof. Local residents offer three clay statues. There is a grotto in the lower half of the stone peak, which is 15 meters deep, 4 meters wide and 5 meters high. The cave can accommodate more than 100 people. The main peak of the grotto is surrounded by strange peaks and rocks, some rising in the sky, some sinking into the valley, with different shapes. Saozhuling Grottoes are located in a group of stone peaks 5 kilometers south of Huoshizhai Township. They are named after the bamboos that grow on the mountain to make brooms. They are also called "Yuntai Mountain" and "Western Wudang". The forests here are lush and the water is clear. In particular, the unique and towering stone mountains give people the feeling of "Guilin landscape". The peaks are fairy-like and quite charming. The main peak of Saozhuling is surrounded by cliffs on all sides, but there are stone steps carved in the northeast corner for climbing. The magical natural landscape and the humanistic buildings on the mountain are integrated. More than 30 caves, including the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Great Buddha Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the Bull King Hall, and the Longevity Palace, are distributed on a stone wall about 330 meters long from east to west. Most of the caves are rectangular with flat roofs and round dome roofs. The rectangular Great Buddha Hall is 9 meters deep, 6.1 meters wide, and 5.45 meters high. Most of the statues in the grottoes have been destroyed, and only stone-carved Sumeru pedestals, niches, and murals remain. There are four relatively complete stone statues, with a height of 4.8 meters and a waist circumference of 4.4 meters. There are also three bronze Buddha statues in the grottoes, one of which was made during the reign of Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty (424-452); the other is a gilded bronze statue of Sakyamuni from the Song Dynasty, 46 cm high and weighing 18 kg.Xiji · 52.6km from Haiyuan
Lanzhou Old Street
Lanzhou Old Street is located in the center of Lanzhou city, gathers Chinese branded products, nightlife, trendy fashion brands, retail centers, experiential businesses, catering and entertainment, leading the trend and creating a place for eating, drinking, fun and entertainment in Lanzhou.China · Lanzhou
Zhongshan Bridge
Zhongshan Bridge, also known as the Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge, spans the Yellow River with White Pagoda Mountain to its north and serves as a city landmark of Lanzhou. Completed in the late Qing Dynasty, it was built by the German firm Telge & Schroeter. The bridge materials, including steel beams and cement, were shipped from Germany across the ocean and then transported to Lanzhou via railway and horse-drawn carriage. It is one of the earliest permanent bridges built across the Yellow River in Lanzhou's history. It was later renamed Zhongshan Bridge in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a name that remains in use today. The bridge is over 200m long, and its gray-black steel truss structure is simple and substantial. The several arched steel ribs added above the bridge body during reinforcement in the 1950s give the entire structure a more imposing appearance. Today, the iron bridge is open only to pedestrians. Walking onto the bridge deck, you can see the Yellow River flowing slowly eastward beneath your feet. On the south bank lies the lush Binhe Road, while the north bank is home to White Pagoda Mountain Park. Climbing to the top of the mountain and looking back, the view of the iron bridge, the Yellow River, and the streetscape on both banks framed together is particularly beautiful. People often line up to take photos in front of the golden "Zhongshan Bridge" inscription at the south end of the bridge. In the pavilion on the east side of the south bridgehead stands a Ming Dynasty "General Pillar," a relic from the earlier Zhenyuan Floating Bridge that is easy to miss if you just walk past. After nightfall, the iron bridge offers a different scene: the bridge's colorful lights turn on, and the entire outline of the bridge is clearly illuminated. On one side are the bustling lights of Binhe Road, and on the other are the lights shining on the mountain, making it a great place to experience and photograph the night view of Lanzhou.China · Lanzhou
Baoji Bronze Ware Museum
The Baoji Bronzeware Museum is in the Chinese Shi-ku Garden of Baoji City, "the hometown of bronzeware." The museum has four exhibition halls, and Halls 1 and 2 are the focuses of the tour. The museum displays high quality bronzeware, such as the Hu gui from the period of King Li of Zhou and the treasures of Qin Duke Bo. The He zun, which is inscribed with the words "Here in China I dwell," is kept here.China · Baoji
Ningxia Geological Museum
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.China · Yinchuan
Tengger Desert
The Tengger Desert is located in the southwest of Alxa Left Banner in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the border in the central part of Gansu Province. Here you can experience starry sky camping in the Tengger Desert, ride a camel in the sandy sea, or ride an off-road vehicle in the desert to feel the passion. The sand peaks of the Tengger Desert are magnificent, the sand grains are fine and smooth, and the color is golden and shiny. Walking into the depths of the desert, in addition to the golden sand sea, there are many lakes. From a distance, the piles of salt chimneys by the lake are like ice and snow, and the lake is glowing with silver light, like a sand sea glaciers.China · Zhongwei
Experiences you can't miss in Haiyuan
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Free things to do in Haiyuan
Xixia Imperial Tombs
China · YinchuanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeGansu Provincial Museum
China · LanzhouNingxia Museum
China · YinchuanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeTengger Desert
China · Alxa Left BannerHuoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
Xiji · 52.6km from HaiyuanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeLanzhou Old Street
China · LanzhouZhongshan Bridge
China · LanzhouBaoji Bronze Ware Museum
China · BaojiNingxia Geological Museum
China · YinchuanBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeTengger Desert
China · Zhongwei
What travellers say about Haiyuan
M34***9816 October 2026
5.0
The Western Xia Imperial Tombs Relics Park is an intangible cultural heritage site and a must-see attraction in Yinchuan. Buying tickets online is very convenient; simply scan a QR code to enter. Half a day is usually enough to see everything, making it a worthwhile trip.
Xixia Imperial Tombs
M14***996 October 2026
5.0
Lina, the lecturer at the Gambo Museum, is exceptionally skilled. During the two-hour learning experience, she demonstrated a thorough understanding of the chronological order and comparative analysis of the artifacts, meticulously integrating historical evolution with everyday life. I look forward to the completion of the new Gambo Museum and visiting it again next time.
Gansu Provincial Museum
ballball10 October 2026
5.0
I had just arrived in Yinchuan this morning and hurriedly booked a guided tour of the museum. Our guide, Chen Jianrong, quickly contacted me and explained the itinerary and some important notes. He was attentive, responsible, and very approachable. It was another day of learning!
Ningxia Museum
蕾静22 June 2026
5.0
Upon arriving at the Yellow River area, we headed straight there. We wanted to try the famous "Flying Yellow River" (Yellow River Zipline). The package included a round-trip cable car ticket uphill, which was thoughtful, but it was incredibly crowded today. We queued for almost an hour, put on the ropes, and when it was our turn, we were told we couldn't wear glasses! My heart sank. But the ride itself was still exhilarating, and we were even able to ride back up – excellent value for money!
Afterwards, we went sandboarding. No long queues! We found a less crowded, steep slope, sat firmly, gripped the board tightly, didn't brake, closed our eyes, and just went down. The sand was fine, the speed was fast, the wind was whistling, and landing with a mouthful of sand was still fun.
Finally, a reminder: bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and be careful as dust easily gets into your phone in the sand. Put it in a sealed bag, and wash your face in the Yellow River afterwards – perfect!
Tengger Desert
K-飞子6 October 2026
5.0
Huoshizhai in Xiji County is a hidden gem in Northwest China, often overlooked by many! The red cliffs and vast forests create a magnificent and beautiful landscape. The scenic area offers attentive service, a wide variety of activities, and plenty of fun, making for a fantastic overall experience. It's not crowded, quiet, and comfortable – highly recommended!
Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park
大叔的星辰大海！21 April 2026
4.0
Lanzhou Old Street is quite close to the Yellow River Tower. We walked there after visiting the Yellow River Tower. The old street area isn't small, and it feels like a newly built commercial district. In the afternoon during the off-season, there were very few people. I wonder if it will be more crowded at night? The shops are mainly restaurants, plus souvenir shops. If you're passing by, you can check it out!
Lanzhou Old Street
Jamie Ning20 July 2026
4.0
Before coming to Lanzhou, I had no idea what this bridge was like.
I arrived around 3 PM; the sun was still blazing, and the iron railings on the bridge felt hot to the touch. This iron bridge, built in 1909, spans the Yellow River, looking sturdy yet silent. Standing on the bridge, the Yellow River surged beneath my feet, carrying the scent of silt. Speedboats darted out from under the arches, splashing up waves, and children on the bank screamed excitedly—their jubilation was unstoppable.
I didn't rush up the mountain; instead, I found a seat at a teahouse under the bridge. I ordered a cup of "Sanpaotai" (a type of local tea), 15 yuan, with refills. The bamboo chair was a bit old, but just the right amount of comfortable. Several local old men around me were cracking sunflower seeds and playing chess, occasionally glancing up at the river and saying, "The water's risen again." That relaxed feeling is rare in tourist spots.
You absolutely must try the Sanpaotai at the teahouse. Don't rush; sit for at least half an hour, just gazing at the river and daydreaming—that's the real deal.
The cruise ticket is only a few dozen yuan, not expensive at all, and worth experiencing the view from under the bridge.
Speedboats and sheepskin rafts are available on the shore; thrill-seekers can give them a try.
Regarding photography: the "Zhongshan Bridge" stone monument on the south side of the bridge is a classic spot for photos.
Take your time; although the sun is strong 🌞, the river breeze is very pleasant.
Zhongshan Bridge
blu***hh15 August 2026
5.0
The teacher's explanations made our visit truly meaningful. The explanations were very comprehensive and detailed; I'll need to review some of the points later. I really liked the architectural style of the Baoji Bronze Museum; it was definitely worth the long journey.
Baoji Bronze Ware Museum
M41***3331 August 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
绿色大白鲨1 September 2025
5.0
The Tengger Desert is one of the famous scenic spots in Zhongwei, Ningxia. It is very close to Shapotou and has beautiful and charming scenery. It is very suitable for family travel. Riding a camel in the desert feels very comfortable and is many times better than the experience of gravel roads. The thrilling desert assault car and the fun of sliding down the sand on a plastic board from the slope are also very enjoyable. Overall, the desert play experience is still good. Pay attention to sun protection and safety, stay with your children all the time, capture the beautiful and happy moments, and embrace nature.
Tengger Desert
