Live Your Best Lives
At Malanhua Prairie, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking through vast open fields, and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding grasslands and mountains. It’s a great spot for photography, wildlife spotting, and picnicking. Visitors can also experience the local nomadic culture and enjoy traditional meals.
The Malanhua Grassland covers 6,700 hectares. Every year in late April and early May, tens of thousands of acres of Malanhua flowers burst into bloom. Their unique rich purple color adorns the vast Gobi Desert, gently swaying the boundless grassland with a mysterious halo. Witnessing the unique beauty of the Malanhua Grassland is a rare treat. Located on the edge of the renowned Ordos Plateau, it is 37 kilometers north of Taole Town, Pingluo County, and 43 kilometers west of Yinchuan City.
Best in April and May;
It has a semi-arid climate with the characteristics of typical continental monsoon climate and desert climate, with late spring, early autumn, short hot summer, long cold winter, strong winds, abundant sand, drought and little rain.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
free
All day
Malanhua Prairie is known for its vast, untouched grasslands and its role in preserving traditional nomadic culture in Ningxia. It offers insight into the region's pastoral lifestyle and is a popular destination for those wanting to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of northern China.
Malanhua Prairie is located in Shizuishan, Ningxia. It is accessible by taxi or private car from Shizuishan city center. There are no direct metro or bus services to the prairie, so a taxi or car rental is the best option for getting there.
The prairie is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during late spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. The prairie is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is approximately 50-70 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online via local travel platforms. It’s recommended to check for online ticket availability during peak seasons.
It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during holidays or busy seasons. Booking a few days ahead is ideal to secure your spot, though tickets can be purchased on the day of the visit if available.
Allow around 2-3 hours to fully explore the prairie, especially if you plan to engage in activities like horseback riding and hiking. If you want to take your time and experience local culture, 4-5 hours would be more ideal.
Must-see highlights include the expansive grasslands, the traditional Mongolian-style yurts, and scenic viewpoints. The wildlife, including birds and grazing animals, are also an important part of the experience. The surrounding mountains provide stunning photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides might be available upon request, but it's advisable to arrange this in advance. Audio guides may not be offered in multiple languages, so checking availability beforehand is suggested.
The best viewpoints are near the mountain edges where the prairie stretches out below, especially during sunrise and sunset. The vast fields, dotted with livestock, also make for captivating photography subjects. Look out for the yurts in the distance for traditional photo opportunities.
Start at the main entrance and take a walk through the prairie to enjoy the vast views. You can then head to the higher points for panoramic photos. Horseback riding is a great way to experience the prairie from a different perspective. If time permits, visit the yurts to get a sense of local life.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows in the park. However, you can stay in nearby accommodations for a unique experience of stargazing on the prairie during the night.
The prairie is most crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly in the summer months. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons, such as early spring or late autumn.
The prairie has basic facilities, including public toilets, small food stalls offering local snacks, and rest areas. There are no large shops, but souvenir stands may sell local handicrafts and snacks.
The prairie is accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may be more challenging to reach due to the natural terrain. Visitors with mobility issues may need assistance or may prefer to avoid certain trails. It’s advisable to contact the park ahead of time to check for accessibility information.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used throughout the prairie. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops or food stalls.
Inside the prairie, there are small food stalls selling local snacks. For a more substantial meal, you’ll need to head to nearby Shizuishan, where several restaurants serve Chinese and local Ningxia cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at the food stalls, particularly in the form of vegetable dishes. Halal options are limited, as the prairie caters mostly to the local Chinese population, but you may find some halal food options in Shizuishan city.
There are several hotels in Shizuishan, offering a range of options from budget to mid-range accommodations. There are also some guesthouses that offer a more local experience. Staying in Shizuishan provides easy access to the prairie and other nearby attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Liupan Mountain and the Longyang Gorge, which are popular for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Both can be easily combined with a trip to Malanhua Prairie for a full day of exploration.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops at the park’s entrance. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, traditional Mongolian-style clothing, and natural products like herbal teas and local snacks.
After visiting, taxis or private cars are the most convenient way to continue your trip to other nearby attractions. Shizuishan has public transport options, and buses to larger cities like Yinchuan are available from the city center.
