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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Haiyuan [2025]
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Shapotou Scenic Area
4.8
/5
25805 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 17.27
Based on 153 reviews
Shapotou tourist attraction | >100 km from downtown
Phone 400-15-51766
Address: Shapotou, Zhongwei, Ningxia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Yellow River heritage & modern entertainment
Experience the charm of the Huanghe by rafting on a sheepskin raft
Saved by 615 users19418 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The scenic area is very large and is divided into two areas. We went to the Yellow River area in the morning to avoid peak hours. It was a little after ten o'clock when we arrived. We first took a speedboat to the other side of the Yellow River, and then took a sheepskin raft back. We didn't have to wait and went in directly. The boatmen No. 23 and 26 were very friendly and had excellent rowing skills. The boat was very stable and very talkative. Before the boat started, they specially rowed to a good angle for us to take pictures of each other. They introduced us to the history of sheepskin rafts and sang very beautiful folk songs. At noon, we played in a free sand sliding area not far from the gate of the Yellow River area for about an hour. The staff selling ice cream here answered all our questions and gave very clear instructions. They told us not to climb directly up the slope and that there was a free escalator next to it. There were only two places to eat when we got there. One was KFC, which was packed with people and the air conditioning wasn't working, so we went to the self-operated restaurant next door, which is divided into two areas. When we ordered food in the inner area, the large round table for the pasta dinner in front had just been cleared away. It was full of fast food, which tasted very average. The hamburgers, fried chicken, and snacks were a bit hard. The waiter's attitude was average, and they came to clear the table before we finished eating. After dinner, we took a bus to Shapotou District and took the Desert Flying. The scenery was nice, and we watched a band perform. The buildings in the scenic area are very suitable for taking pictures. Any place in the desert is very photogenic.
The Shapotou Scenic Area in Zhongwei, Ningxia, is well worth a visit. It's quite hot in June, so be sure to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, bring some food, and wear slippers or sandals, not sneakers, as sand can get stuck in your shoes and be very uncomfortable. The scenery is unique and it was a very good experience.
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
1895 reviews
8.1
From AU$ 17.27
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0931-2123999
Address: 甘肃省兰州市永登县树屏镇杏花村
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Geological & rural tourism destination
Danxia trail: 1.6 miles views
Saved by 184 users1634 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The Danxia landforms at this 4A scenic area are spectacular. Besides the Danxia landforms, the scenic area also offers other enjoyable experiences, including rentals for electric cars, cable cars, hot air balloons, glass rafting, and helicopter rides. Those with ample time can choose a standard tour, while those pressed for time can opt for an SVIP chartered car. Aside from the sun, the experience was otherwise perfect.
After checking in at the visitor center, there's a round-trip sightseeing bus service between the 1st Silk Road Historic Site (the pink line in Figure 2). There's also a round-trip sightseeing bus service between the 1st Silk Road Historic Site and the 2nd Danding Lansheng (the green line in Figure 2). After arriving at the Danding Lansheng, take the sightseeing bus back to the 1st Silk Road Historic Site. You'll then need to take another route. There's no sightseeing bus service between the 1st Silk Road Historic Site and the 4th Hot Air Balloon Platform. You can either walk there or rent a separate bus for 28 yuan (an additional fee). There's also a two-way sightseeing bus service from the 4th Hot Air Balloon Platform to the 6th Shayun Camel Bell Platform. If you're planning to take the circular route to the summit, there's no sightseeing bus service from the 6th Shayun Camel Bell Platform to the 2nd Danding Lansheng Platform. At the visitor center entrance, many tour guides suggest upgrading your online ticket to SVIP for a little over 100 yuan, allowing you to take a dedicated circular bus, eliminating the hassle of getting up and down and enjoying a direct tour. After I got off the Red Summit Range Rover and arrived at the Silk Road Historic Site, I didn't rent a car alone. I walked to the hot air balloon platform and added another person for more than 60 yuan to go to the Dancing Horse Performance Center to watch the Dancing Horse Show. The scenery was not so colorful, but the show looked much better.
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China West Film Studio
4.5
/5
17572 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 16.41
Based on 86 reviews
Manpu·Seeing Helan Performing Arts Town/Zhenbeipu Western Movie City Resort | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0951-2136088
Address: East of 110 National Road, zhenbeibao, Xixia District, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Role-play & film a micro-movie
Dress up & be a star
10370 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
It's a big deal about Westward Journey. There's actually nothing much in it, just Westward Journey. There's nothing else. It's scary to see the fake people suddenly appearing. The ticket price of 80 is too expensive. I feel like I've been treated unfairly!
I came here purely for nostalgia, a memory of the 80s generation. It's too hot in the summer, with almost no shade, and it's very sunny. But if you come early in the morning, it will be a little cooler. For the sake of nostalgia, it's worth coming here once.
No.
4
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3668 reviews
7.5
Based on 133 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0931-2339131
Address: No. 3 Xijin East Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Paint pottery & experience history
Archaeology & artifact restoration workshop
Saved by 105 users2339 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
I highly recommend finding a museum guide to guide you during your visit. You can learn a lot of historical knowledge. Our guide was very knowledgeable, knew the cultural relics like the back of his hand, and answered our questions very patiently.
Teacher Wu's lecture was great. The children followed closely and listened attentively. When he talked about the special points, he interspersed modern culture. Like it. Like it. Like it. Like it.
No.
5
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The Western Xia Mausoleum
4.5
/5
6405 reviews
7.5
From AU$ 4.32
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0951-5668966
Address: Helan Mountain, Xixia District, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Explore Xixia Royal Tombs
Over 200 towering earthen mounds
3478 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
The Xixia Mausoleum was successfully listed as a World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit. The Helan Mountains offer stunning views, but I personally think it's best to only visit Mausoleum No. 3, as it's the largest mausoleum of Li Yuanhao. The others are similar except for their lower specifications.
A highly recommended place to visit and learn!
The Western Xia Tombs contain nine imperial mausoleums, 271 accompanying tombs, one major architectural site (located at the northern end), 32 flood control engineering ruins, and numerous brick, tile, and lime kiln sites.
Since the initial investigation and confirmation of the Western Xia Tombs in 1971, the layout and distribution of the mausoleum area have been gradually clarified. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the excavation of the surface remains of Mausoleums No. 3 and No. 6 has provided a clearer picture of the cultural landscape of the Western Xia Tombs.
Each of the Western Xia imperial mausoleums is an independent, rectangular complex, facing north and south, comparable in scale to the Ming Tombs. Incorporating the strengths of the imperial tombs of the Qin and Han dynasties, the Tang and Song dynasties, and influenced by Buddhist architecture, they are known as the "Pyramids of the East."
The Western Xia Tombs demonstrate the Western Xia Dynasty's role as a hub along the Silk Road. Their authentic and complete preservation to this day provides important testimony to the multifaceted and unified structure of Chinese civilization and the formation of a unified multi-ethnic nation, holding an irreplaceable and significant position in the history of world civilization.
No.
6
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Helan Mountain Rock Painting
4.5
/5
4709 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 15.11
Based on 55 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0951-3948808
Address: Helan County, Yinchuan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
360° view & rock art
Helan Mountain forest & rock art
2299 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
Helan Rock Painting Sun God is very worth going, it is the "treasure of the town hall" of Helan Rock Painting, which contains deep historical and cultural connotation and has extremely high artistic value. Its highlights are as follows: - Unique artistic shape: Sun Shen Rock painting is carved on the stone wall more than 20 meters from the ground, the face is round, with heavy ring eyes and short-line carved eyelashes, head around the radiant line, like the sun rays. Its artistic high-profile and majestic look is no less than da Vinci's "mona lisa". - profound cultural connotation: it is the embodiment of ancient human sun worship, reflecting the awe and dependence of the ancestors on the power of nature. Regarding its cultural meaning, academic circles have many kinds of statements such as natural worship, totem worship, reproductive worship, etc., which adds mystery to it. - Magic light and shadow effect: It is recommended to arrive before 10 o'clock in the morning, when the sun hits the rock painting, it will produce a wonderful light and shadow effect, which can make tourists feel the shock of the rock painting more truly, as if they can travel through time and space and experience the ancient sacrifice scene. - Related fun experience: The "Yan Lefang" at the exit of the scenic spot area provides rock painting and printing activities. Tourists can make the sun god rock painting and painting by themselves. In addition, the scenic cultural and creative shop also has special souvenirs such as the sun god earthen pottery pendant, which is retro and cute.
Teacher Yang Hui's explanation was professional and detailed. He made the connotation and history of the Helan Mountain rock paintings vivid and interesting. The children benefited greatly from it. The trip to Yinchuan was a very pleasant experience that far exceeded our expectations. Whether it was the cool climate, the rich history and culture, or the warm and hospitable people, it is a place worth visiting again.
No.
7
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Maijishan Cave-Temple Complex
4.5
/5
3244 reviews
7.2
From AU$ 7.56
Based on 127 reviews
Maiji Mountain Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0938-2236316
Address: Maiji, Tianshui, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Unique haystack-like geological wonder
Overlook art & mountain views
Saved by 147 users2167 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Very worth a visit, the painting is wonderful, the carving is exquisite, and the price is very high. Local prices are cheap. The nearby Jingtu Temple is also very famous. Tianshui is a good place, there are many monuments to visit, such as Fuxi Yaoxuan, such as Jiang Wei in the Three Kingdoms, and several other grottoes are also quite good.
**Artistic Value: The Pinnacle of Oriental Sculpture**
**The Core Charm of the "Oriental Sculpture Museum"**
Maiji Mountain is renowned for its clay sculptures, boasting 221 extant caves and niches housing over 10,000 statues spanning over ten dynasties, from the Northern Wei, Western Wei, and Northern Zhou dynasties to the Song and Yuan dynasties, presenting a comprehensive account of the evolution of Chinese clay sculpture. The sculptures blend the Western Gandhara style with the aesthetics of the Central Plains, and are particularly renowned for their "slender and elegant figures" and the "Maiji Mountain Smile." These Buddha statues, with lowered brows and eyes, a smile on their lips, convey a gentle and serene expression, imbued with both divine majesty and human friendliness. They have been hailed as "an Oriental smile that transcends millennia."
2. **Unparalleled Treasures in Special Caves**
- **Cave 133 (Ten Thousand Buddha Caves): The largest and richest in content, housing the Song Dynasty sculpture "Shakya Meets His Son" (Shakya touches his son Rahula, his eyes filled with tears, a look of loving solemnity) and the "Smiling Little Monk" (a portrait of an innocent young boy from the Northern Wei Dynasty), both of which are considered the pinnacle of emotional expression.
- **Cave 44**: The Western Wei Dynasty Buddha statue is said to be modeled after Empress Yifu. Its delicate and graceful features capture both the tragedy and eternity of turbulent times.
- **Cave 127**: The Northern Wei Dynasty mural "Western Pure Land Transformation" is one of the earliest sutra transformation paintings in China, comparable in artistic value to Dunhuang.
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### ⚖️ 2. **Controversy and Shortcomings: Imbalance between Preservation and Experience ****Low Openness, Limited Viewing Experience**
Most common caves are blocked by barbed wire or iron gates, allowing visitors to peek through the mesh, where the lighting is dim and details are difficult to discern. Some visitors complained about being "locked" and "only being able to see the lock," leaving them with only 30 minutes to complete the main route, a rushed experience. The scenic area is divided into two routes (one for each route and no turning back), further limiting the scope of visitation.
**High Fees for Special Caves**
Separate tickets are required for each of the 15 special caves (100-180 yuan per cave), and a full visit costs over 1,500 yuan. Key statues (such as the Little Monk and the Buddha's Wife) are housed in the special caves, making it difficult for ordinary visitors to experience the core artistic charm without additional expenses.
**Inadequate Supporting Services**
-Guided tours are provided by a human guide (no smart guide available). Basic tours start at 120 yuan, and special cave tours are more expensive, but without them, you can't truly appreciate the essence of the area.
-The plank road is steep (almost vertically suspended), making it difficult for those with acrophobia, the elderly, and children to visit.
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### 🏞️ III. **How to Improve the Experience? Practical Tips
Select Special Caves to Avoid Blind Selections
If your budget is limited, prioritize Caves 133 (the most emotionally charged) and Cave 44 (a prime example of female beauty). While the 180 yuan per cave is expensive, it's worth it. Reservations are recommended in advance during peak season.
Tips for Avoiding Peak Visits and Viewing Tips
- Enter the park before 9:15 AM or after 11:15 AM to avoid crowds.
- When viewing through the mesh, use your phone's camera close to the wire mesh to capture detailed images. Some caves on the top of the mountain are unobstructed, allowing for close-up viewing.
Recommended Caves
No.
8
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Yellow River Building
4.6
/5
440 reviews
7.1
Olympic Sports Center/Lanzhou Old Street | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0931-2115666
Address: 甘肃省兰州市七里河区南滨河中路1501号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
93-meter tower overlooks Yellow River
16th-floor view of Lanzhou
404 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
It is a modern imitation of an antique building with 16 floors. Take the elevator up and you can see the scenery at the bend of the Yellow River. There are various exhibitions on other floors. Time is tight, so I carefully looked at the Yellow River Stone exhibition.
The 30 yuan entrance fee is truly worth it. Located at the bend of the Yellow River, the 16-story building is accessible by elevator. The 16th floor offers a panoramic view of the river. Further down, you'll find a high-tech exhibition featuring Lanzhou historical maps and videos, a folk customs exhibition, a book exhibition, an exhibition of Yellow River rocks, and an exhibition on the city of Lanzhou. This is a truly stunning attraction, showcasing both natural beauty and cultural geography. Highly recommended.
No.
9
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Ning Xia Helan Mountain National Forest Park
4.5
/5
1881 reviews
7.1
From AU$ 6.48
Based on 12 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0951-2079103
Address: Xixia District,Yinchuan City,Ningxia Zhuang Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Cable car: Helan night & sunrise
Hike trails & explore rock art
1423 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
The scenic area is very good. It is not tiring to take the kids for a walk. The cable car is very long and reaches the middle of the mountain in no time. We also saw beautiful blue sheep and experienced palm painting. The child drew a picture of the Helan Mountain. This form has never been seen before. The scenery and description are very impressive. The climate on the mountain is pleasant, with clouds and fog. Unfortunately, it suddenly rained heavily and we had to go down the mountain in a hurry.
It was drizzling, and the air was fresh and cool. The northern mountains had a unique sense of vigor and desolation. When I went down the mountain, I saw blue sheep coming out to feed, but I didn't capture them on the shuttle bus.
No.
10
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Shuidonggou Tourist Attraction
4.5
/5
6272 reviews
7.0
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0951-5055816
Address: Shuidonggou Scenic Area, Linhe Town, Lingwu City, Yinchuan City (19 km from Yinchuan City and 11 km from Yinchuan Hedong Airport)
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
3478 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
Small transportation includes camel carts, horse carts, and tractor trucks. There are many people on weekends, so you need to queue up.
There is nothing fun about Shuidonggou Museum
I bought a package ticket of 168, and I think the most worthwhile one is the Tibetan Soldier Cave.
The time of Beijiang performance is 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00. If you want to watch it, plan your time in advance. The performance is not bad, but the Inner Mongolians watch it in Ningxia... It's hard to say.
There is no air conditioning in the whole scenic spot! It's super hot! Be sure to take precautions against heatstroke and cool down. The snack bar behind the Beijiang performance is not delicious, it is recommended to bring dry food with you.
I think it's still a good review. I took a sightseeing bus, camel cart, horse carriage, tractor, and saw the Tibetan soldiers' cave. I also listened to the explanation and watched the performance. I am still satisfied. I heard that you could row a boat before, but now it's gone. The water is dry. It's good if the weather is good, but it's not recommended to go if the weather is bad. It's a place with historical heritage. It's a pity if you haven't been there. Go and see it.
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