Live Your Best Lives
Visit the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient petroglyphs depicting animals, human figures, and hunting scenes. Explore the surrounding mountain areas for hiking and photography. The nearby Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve offers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the region.
Helankou, located over 50 kilometers from Yinchuan City in Jinshan Township, Helan County, in the middle reaches of the Helan Mountains, is a steep mountain range. Over a thousand individual rock paintings are scattered across the rock walls, stretching over 600 meters along both sides of the valley. In ancient times, the Helan Mountains were a place where northern ethnic minorities, including the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Turks, Uighurs, Tubo, and Dangxiang, lived and worked as nomads, hunters, and farmers. They carved scenes of their daily lives into the rocks of the Helan Mountains, expressing their yearning for and pursuit of a better life and recreating their aesthetic values, social customs, and lifestyles of the time. Over 20 rock paintings remain in the heart of the Helan Mountains, stretching over 200 kilometers from north to south. The most representative of these are the Helankou rock paintings.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
60 yuan/person
8:00--18:00
The Helan Mountain Rock Paintings are one of the oldest and most important examples of rock art in China, dating back thousands of years. The paintings provide valuable insights into the life and beliefs of the ancient people of the region, primarily focusing on hunting scenes, rituals, and animals. The site is located in the Helan Mountain range, which is a key cultural and natural landmark in Ningxia.
The Helan Mountain Rock Paintings are located in the Helan Mountain range, around 60 kilometers west of Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia. You can reach the site by taxi or private car from Yinchuan, as there are no direct metro or bus routes to the site.
The site is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild. Winter can be cold and snowy, while summer can be hot, so these months offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting.
The entrance fee for the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings is typically around 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There are no major online booking options currently available, but you can inquire about group tickets or tours in advance through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for individual visits, but it is recommended for larger groups or if you are visiting during peak travel seasons. A few days' notice should be sufficient for making arrangements if needed.
A visit to the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the rock art and the surrounding nature. If you plan to hike the area, allow for an additional 2 hours.
The main highlight is the rock art itself, which is scattered across several caves and rock faces in the region. The paintings depict scenes of daily life, such as hunting and herding, as well as representations of animals like tigers, deer, and horses. The surrounding natural scenery of Helan Mountain is also stunning and worth exploring.
Guided tours are available, and you can hire a local guide at the entrance to learn more about the history and significance of the rock paintings. Some guides may speak basic English, but it is advisable to book a guide who speaks your language in advance if you are not fluent in Chinese.
The best photography spots are around the rock paintings themselves, where you can capture close-up shots of the petroglyphs. The surrounding mountain landscape offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially from higher vantage points in the Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve.
Start by visiting the main rock painting sites, taking time to explore and photograph the petroglyphs. Afterward, you can hike through the surrounding nature reserve for a more immersive experience in the area's natural beauty. Some routes offer good views of the surrounding valleys and mountain landscapes.
Currently, there are no night visits, light shows, or special tours available at the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings site. It is primarily a daytime destination, and the site closes at 6:00 PM.
The site can get busy during weekends and holidays, especially in the summer months. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons of winter and early spring.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available at the site. There are no large restaurants or shops directly at the site, but you can find some small local vendors selling refreshments. It’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks for the visit.
The site may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to the uneven terrain and the need to hike to some of the rock painting areas. However, the main areas are accessible to most visitors, including families with children. Consider checking with the local guide about accessibility before visiting.
Cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment at the site, though mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay may be available. It’s best to carry cash for smaller purchases and ticket entry.
There are limited dining options near the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings. You may find some local restaurants in the nearby town of Yinchuan, which is about an hour's drive away, offering a variety of Chinese and regional Ningxia cuisine.
Halal food options are available in Yinchuan, as the region has a significant Hui Muslim population. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, particularly in larger restaurants or city eateries.
There are several hotels in Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, including mid-range and budget accommodations. For more upscale options, you can consider staying at the Wanda Vista or other hotels in the city center, with easy access to the site.
Nearby attractions include the Yinchuan Ningxia Museum, the Sand Lake Scenic Area, and the Western Xia Tombs. These sites are relatively close and can be combined into a day trip from Yinchuan.
There are a few souvenir shops in the area where you can find local handicrafts, traditional Chinese artwork, and small keepsakes. Items like local textiles, artwork, and hand-carved figurines are common souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by car or taxi, which will provide flexibility to explore other attractions in the region. Buses are available, but they may not be as convenient or frequent. You can also rent a car to explore the nearby desert and mountain landscapes at your own pace.
