Haiyuan County Travel

Haiyuan County, Zhongwei, Ningxia — hidden gem at the northern foot of Liupan Mountain, featuring Nanhua Mountain National Nature Reserve, Jiucaiping Gongbei and other distinctive attractions. A 2-day in-depth tour includes alpine ecology, Hui culture and prehistoric site experiences.

2955
m Nanhua Mountain Elevation
4000
Year Caiyuan Site History
80%
Hui Population Ratio
1920
Great Earthquake Ruins
Nanhua Mountain National Nature Reserve meadow landscape in Haiyuan County
Nanhua Mountain Alpine Meadow
A sky prairie on the remaining range of Liupan Mountain, covered with wildflowers in summer, known as the 'Last Wet Island of the Loess Plateau'

Haiyuan County Two-Day Cultural Eco Tour

From alpine sanctuaries to Islamic holy lands, experience the convergence of diverse cultures

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Nanhua Mountain, Jiucaiping Gongbei, Caiyuan Site
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, nature explorers, photography buffs
Budget per Person
¥500-¥800
01
Alpine Exploration
Nanhua Mountain · Tonghu Grassland
Highlights

Full day hiking on Nanhua Mountain alpine meadows, experience Mongolian grassland culture at Tonghu Grassland in the evening.

Attractions
Nanhua Mountain National Nature Reserve
The highest peak at the northern foot of Liupan Mountain, with the main peak Mawanshan reaching 2,955 meters. Features pristine forests and alpine meadows rarely seen on the Loess Plateau, serving as an important water conservation area.
Tonghu Grassland
A wetland grassland on the edge of the Tengger Desert, rich in Mongolian culture. Enjoy horseback riding, archery, bonfire parties and other special activities.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Nanhua Mountain Eco Cabin
  • Grassland Yurt
  • Haiyuan County Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Hand-Grab Lamb
  • Buckwheat Stirred Paste
  • Covered Bowl Tea
Travel Tips
  • Mountain area has large temperature differences, bring a jacket
  • Pay attention to safety during grassland activities
  • Respect ethnic minority customs
02
Cultural Pilgrimage
Jiucaiping Gongbei · Caiyuan Site
Highlights

Morning pilgrimage to Jiucaiping Islamic holy land, afternoon visit to Caiyuan ancient cultural site, concluding the trip.

Attractions
Jiucaiping Gongbei
A holy site of the Qadiriyya order of Chinese Islam. The building complex is built along the mountain with brilliant colors. A grand Ermeili ceremony is held annually on the 23rd day of the seventh lunar month.
Caiyuan Neolithic Site
A prehistoric settlement site dating back over 4,000 years, with numerous pottery and bone artifacts unearthed, revealing early agricultural civilization on the Loess Plateau.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • 1-hour drive from county to Jiucaiping
  • Walking required at the site area
  • Chartering a car recommended
Ticket Info
  • Nanhua Mountain: ¥50
  • Gongbei: Free
  • Site: ¥20
Travel Tips
  • Dress appropriately at religious sites
  • No specimen collection at the site
  • Bring enough drinking water and dry food

Must-Try Foods in Haiyuan County

Haiyuan Hand-Grab Lamb

Made with free-range Tan sheep from Nanhua Mountain, boiled until medium-well, served with garlic-vinegar dip. Tender meat without gamey flavor, a traditional Hui hospitality dish.

Buckwheat Stirred Paste

A Haiyuan specialty noodle dish made by stirring bitter buckwheat flour into a paste, served with lamb minced meat soup. Unique texture with blood sugar-lowering benefits.

Covered Bowl Tea

A Hui specialty tea drink brewed with eight ingredients including tea leaves, rock sugar and red dates. Rich aroma with a sweet aftertaste, representing the highest level of hospitality.

Haiyuan County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Jun-Aug: Best summer escape season
  • Sep-Oct: Most brilliant autumn colors
  • 23rd day of 7th lunar month: Gongbei ceremony
Must-Try Experiences
  • Nanhua Mountain stargazing
  • Grassland horse riding and archery
  • Gongbei cultural lecture
  • Ancient site exploration
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx ¥70
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥500-800
Notes
  • No fire allowed in the reserve
  • Keep quiet at religious sites
  • Respect Hui dietary restrictions
  • Prepare sun protection and cold weather gear

Explore Districts & Counties of Zhongwei