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Visit the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins to explore the historical remnants of the Xixia Dynasty, including ancient architecture and archaeological sites. The most recommended activities include photography, hiking around the ruins, and learning about the history of the Xixia Kingdom through informational displays.
The Western Xia ruins of Shengweicheng are a magnificent ancient city site, boasting a spacious urban area, flat ground, and towering city walls. The walls still stand approximately 6 meters at their highest point and remain largely unbroken. Shengweicheng is square in shape, with a construction area of 360,000 square meters. Judging from the remains of the existing city walls, there are only two gates on the east and south sides, with no trace of gates on the west or north sides. As the only surviving Western Xia city site in Ningxia, it is a nationally, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region-, and Shizuishan-level key cultural relic protection site. Two trial excavations were conducted in 1965 and 1966. In addition to coins, the site also contains jars, bottles, plates, bowls, and other porcelain artifacts, all of which date back to the Western Xia period. A particularly valuable human head depicting a bald figure is glazed white, with the exception of the brown glaze on the crown.
Suitable for all seasons;
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;
Attractions: Enjoy the sunset, the city, and the Helan Mountains. As the sun sets, the sky is high and misty, drifting and enigmatic. Inside the city, a vast expanse of empty space, towers stand like a constellation. To the west, the Helan Mountains rise majestically, towering over the city walls, stretching out in a continuous, towering mass.
free
All day
The Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins are the remains of a royal city built during the Xixia Dynasty, which ruled over parts of northern China from the 11th to the 13th century. The ruins offer a glimpse into the advanced architecture and culture of the Xixia people, including their unique script, religious practices, and urban planning.
The Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins are located in Shizuishan, Ningxia. To get there, visitors can take a taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options may be limited, so taxis or rented vehicles are the most convenient way to access the site.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the summer heat, as temperatures can be quite high.
Entrance fees for the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins are typically low, and tickets can be purchased on-site. There are no known online ticketing services for this site, so it is recommended to buy tickets upon arrival.
Advance booking is not required for general visits. However, it may be advisable to book in advance for group tours or during peak tourist seasons (such as holidays). A week before your visit is usually sufficient.
A visit to the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins typically takes around 1-2 hours. This time frame allows visitors to explore the main ruins and enjoy the surrounding area.
The most significant highlights include the remnants of the royal palace, ancient city walls, and the historical inscriptions in the Xixia script. These features offer insights into the civilization's culture and technological advancements.
Guided tours are available at the site, typically in Mandarin. Audio guides are not commonly provided, but tour guides are well-versed in the history of the Xixia Dynasty and can offer a detailed understanding of the ruins.
The best photography spots include the elevated areas around the city walls, which offer panoramic views of the ruins and the surrounding landscape. The ancient palace site also provides a dramatic backdrop for photos.
Start your visit by exploring the entrance and the ancient city walls, then make your way to the central palace area. Be sure to take time to view the inscriptions and understand their historical significance. A guided tour will help you follow a well-organized route through the key highlights.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins. The site is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate its historical and architectural features.
The site can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or during weekdays, particularly outside of the summer peak season.
The site has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There are no food or drink vendors on-site, so it’s advisable to bring your own refreshments or head to nearby areas for food.
The site may have uneven terrain, especially around the ruins and the city walls. Elderly or disabled visitors may find some areas challenging to navigate, so it's recommended to check with local guides or the site staff for accessibility details.
Cash is the preferred payment method at the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins. Cards and mobile payments may not be widely accepted, so it's best to carry cash for entrance fees and any purchases.
There are no restaurants inside the ruins, but nearby Shizuishan offers a variety of local eateries where you can sample Ningxia's famous lamb dishes, as well as hand-pulled noodles and other regional specialties.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby restaurants, and halal food is common in Shizuishan, catering to the local Hui Muslim population.
Shizuishan offers several accommodations, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range options. Some hotels in the city center are within a short drive from the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins.
Nearby attractions include the Shizuishan Sand Lake and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum, which can easily be included in a day trip along with the Shengweicheng Xixia Ruins.
Souvenir shops in Shizuishan offer local handicrafts such as Ningxia woolen products, goji berries, and traditional items like local pottery and textiles.
The best transportation options for continuing your trip are taxis or private vehicles. Public transportation may be limited, but taxis provide a flexible and convenient option to reach your next destination.
