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Ancient City Bay in Ningxia offers visitors the chance to explore an area rich in history and natural beauty. Key activities include touring the ancient city ruins, visiting local temples, walking along the scenic bay, and learning about the region’s cultural heritage. For a more immersive experience, try local cuisine, take boat rides on the bay, or visit nearby historical sites such as the Ancient City Wall and local museums.
The Guchengwan Tourist Area is a large-scale, comprehensive urban park integrating leisure, entertainment, sightseeing, and vacation. Within the park, lush trees, lush grasses, fountains, and pavilions nestle among the towering buildings. Its strategic location, backed by mountains and facing the water, suggests the ancient city's military significance. It covers a total area of 12,000 mu (approximately 16,000 mu). Due to erosion by hillside streams, agricultural cultivation, and soil excavation over the years, much of the ancient city walls have been destroyed. Only the north and east walls remain visible. The remaining east wall is 360 meters long, with a remaining height of approximately 3 meters. Every flowering season, the pear orchard's owners meticulously care for the pear trees, meticulously nurturing the pear trees, and meticulously ensuring that the dense, brown buds, proudly perched on their branches, burst forth in full bloom.
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;
Nearby attractions: Yunqing Temple, Zhongning Shikong Temple, the Ancient Great Wall, Jinshawan Tourist Area, Qinqu Park in Litong District, a jade belt in the city, and the unique scenic spot - the mosque
Ticket price: 10 yuan
All day
Ancient City Bay is a historically significant area in Ningxia, known for its ancient city ruins dating back centuries. It has been a pivotal location in the development of the region, once serving as a key hub for trade and culture. The city’s architecture and layout reflect the historical influence of different dynasties, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s ancient past.
Ancient City Bay is located in Ningxia, near the city of Yinchuan. The most common way to reach the area is by taxi or private car from Yinchuan, which is about 30-40 minutes away. Public buses are also available, though they may be less frequent. The area is not accessible by metro, as the infrastructure is limited to road transport.
The attraction is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months (April to October). These months offer mild weather ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer can be hot, while winter can be cold, but both seasons offer fewer crowds.
Entry fees for Ancient City Bay vary depending on which areas you plan to visit, with general admission for the ancient city ruins priced at around 40-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site, and there are no official online ticketing options at the moment.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless you are planning to visit during peak tourist seasons or if you are part of a large group. For individual visitors, purchasing tickets on-site is sufficient.
A visit to Ancient City Bay typically takes about 2-3 hours, especially if you are interested in exploring the ruins, nearby temples, and taking a leisurely walk along the bay. If you plan to visit surrounding attractions or take a boat ride, it may take up to half a day.
Must-see highlights include the ancient city ruins, the city wall, local temples, and the scenic views of the bay. The ancient city’s architectural remains, including traditional gates and residential structures, offer a fascinating look into its past. Also, a walk along the waterfront offers picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they are highly recommended for visitors wanting to learn more about the history and significance of the site. Audio guides in Mandarin are also available, though English-speaking guides may be harder to find.
The best photography spots include the views of the ancient city walls, the city gates, and the waterfront area. The scenic bay and surrounding landscape provide excellent backdrops for photography, especially during sunset or sunrise.
Start your visit by walking through the ancient city ruins, taking time to explore the gates and wall. Then, head towards the bay area for a scenic stroll along the waterfront. If time allows, visit a local temple or historical museum to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Night visits are not typically available at Ancient City Bay. However, during certain festivals, the area may host special cultural events or light shows. It’s advisable to check in advance for any seasonal events or tours that may take place at night.
The site is generally not crowded, but peak tourist seasons (summer months and public holidays) can bring in more visitors. For a more peaceful experience, visit during weekdays or during the off-peak season, from November to March.
Basic facilities such as public toilets are available at the site. There are also small food stalls selling local snacks and drinks. Rest areas are provided for visitors to relax, and small souvenir shops are available selling regional crafts and keepsakes.
The main areas of Ancient City Bay are accessible to elderly visitors and children, though some parts of the ancient city ruins may involve uneven terrain. The attraction is not fully wheelchair accessible due to its historical nature.
Cash is commonly used at Ancient City Bay, although mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in most places. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so it’s recommended to carry cash or use mobile payments.
There are a few local eateries and small restaurants nearby, offering traditional Ningxia cuisine. Options include noodle dishes, dumplings, and other local specialties. For a broader range of dining options, you can head to the city of Yinchuan, which has a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available, as Ningxia cuisine includes a variety of vegetable-based dishes. Halal food options are also commonly available in the area due to the significant Hui Muslim population in Ningxia.
There are several hotels in the nearby city of Yinchuan, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some recommended hotels include the Yinchuan Grand Hotel and the Wanda Realm Yinchuan, both offering comfortable accommodations not far from Ancient City Bay.
Nearby attractions include the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum, the Sand Lake Scenic Area, and the Xixia Tombs. These can easily be combined into a day trip with Ancient City Bay, as they are all within a short drive from the site.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near Ancient City Bay. Typical souvenirs include traditional crafts such as handwoven textiles, pottery, local jewelry, and other regional handicrafts. Visitors can also find items related to the Hui Muslim culture.
After visiting Ancient City Bay, the best transportation options are taxis or private cars to continue your journey. The city of Yinchuan offers bus services and has more transportation options for visitors looking to explore other parts of the region.
