Yongning County Travel

Yongning County, Yinchuan, Ningxia — an ecological pearl at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain, home to a national forest park, a thousand-year-old ancient mosque, and premium wine chateau clusters. A 2-day in-depth tour includes nature exploration, Hui cultural experience, and wine estate leisure.

200+
sq km Forest
30+
Wine Chateaus
500+
Year Historical Relics
98%
Hui Settlement Area
Autumn forest landscape at Helan Mountain Forest Park, Yongning County
Helan Mountain Forest Park
Yongning County's ecological barrier, a natural oxygen bar formed by pristine secondary forests and glacial remnants

Yongning County Two-Day Eco Tour

Stroll through the forests of Helan Mountain, visit a thousand-year-old ancient mosque, savor premium wines, and experience the model of Fujian-Ningxia collaboration

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Helan Mountain Forest Park, Najiahu Grand Mosque, Xixia King Wine Chateau
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture seekers, food and wine enthusiasts
Budget per Person
¥600-¥900
01
Nature & Faith
Helan Mountain Forest Park · Najiahu Grand Mosque · Li Jun Pagoda
Highlights

Morning hike in Helan Mountain Forest Park to admire pristine secondary forests and glacial remnants. Afternoon visit Najiahu Grand Mosque to learn about Hui culture. Evening explore the Ming Dynasty Li Jun ancient pagoda.

Attractions
Helan Mountain Forest Park
A national forest park with a well-preserved pristine secondary forest ecosystem, known as the 'Northwest Plant Gene Bank', with distinct seasonal landscapes throughout the year.
Najiahu Grand Mosque
A thousand-year-old mosque first built during the Ming Dynasty, blending traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic style. An important site for studying Hui history and culture.
Li Jun Pagoda
A Ming Dynasty architectural remnant, an octagonal pavilion-style brick pagoda standing 44 meters tall with exquisite brick carvings. Visitors can climb the pagoda for a distant view.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Forest Park Eco Cabin
  • Najiahu Homestay
  • Yongning County Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Yongning Hand-Grab Lamb
  • Najiahu Halal Banquet
  • Helan Mountain Wild Mushrooms
Travel Tips
  • Temperature varies greatly in the forest park, bring a jacket
  • Dress modestly when visiting the mosque
  • Pagoda stairs are narrow, watch your step
02
Wine & Renewal
Xixia King Wine Chateau · Minning Town · Sanshayuan Eco Area
Highlights

Morning visit to Xixia King Wine Chateau to taste premium wines from the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain. Afternoon explore the Fujian-Ningxia collaboration demonstration town. Evening stroll through Sanshayuan Eco Area wetland park.

Attractions
Xixia King Wine Chateau
A premium chateau at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain, integrating grape growing, winemaking, and cellar aging experiences. DIY wine blending activities available.
Minning Town
A model town for east-west poverty alleviation collaboration, the inspiration behind the TV drama 'Minning Town'. Features a poverty alleviation exhibition hall and characteristic industrial parks.
Sanshayuan Eco Area
A Yellow River wetland ecosystem and birdwatching hotspot, featuring ecological trails and a science education base.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Sightseeing bus between chateaus
  • Minning Town is 40 minutes from the county
  • Self-driving recommended for the eco area
Experience Activities
  • Wine tasting package ¥80/person
  • Minning Town guided tour service
  • Eco birdwatching telescope rental
Travel Tips
  • Wine tasting requires advance reservation
  • Poverty alleviation hall closed on Mondays
  • Fishing and netting prohibited in the wetland

Must-Try Foods in Yongning County

Yongning Hand-Grab Lamb

Made with Tan sheep raised on Helan Mountain pastures. The meat is tender without gamey flavor, served with a secret garlic-vinegar sauce, showcasing the authentic Northwestern taste.

Helan Mountain Purple Mushroom Stewed Chicken

Local specialty purple mushrooms slow-cooked with free-range chicken. A perfect combination of mountain delicacy and poultry, resulting in a rich and savory broth.

Oil Pastry & Fried Dough Twists

Traditional Hui pastries, crispy and sweet. Can be enjoyed with eight-treasure tea, an essential tea snack for hospitality.

Yongning County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-Jun: Mountain flowers in bloom
  • Sep-Oct: Grape harvest season
  • Avoid winter (Nov-Mar) closure period
Must-Try Experiences
  • Forest Park stargazing camping
  • Wine chateau oak barrel aging experience
  • Minning Town 'Minning Town' filming location photo op
  • Najiahu Hui home visit
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥200-350/night
  • Meals: ¥80-120/day
  • Transport: around ¥100
  • Total: ¥600-900
Notes
  • No open flames in the forest park
  • Respect dietary restrictions in Hui settlement areas
  • Wine chateau visits require advance booking
  • Protect the wetland ecological environment