Western Xia Imperial Tombs | Mysterious Ruins at the Foot of Helan Mountain

### **🏜️ Western Xia Tombs Travel Guide | Exploring the "Oriental Pyramids"**
**📍Location**: Eastern foothills of Helan Mountain, Western Xia District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia
**🎫Tickets**:
- **Peak Season (Apr-Oct)**: CNY 68 (includes ruins area + museum + shuttle bus)
- **Off Season (Nov-Mar)**: CNY 48
**⏰Opening Hours**: 8:30-18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
**🚗Transportation**: About 30 minutes by taxi from Yinchuan city center (approximately CNY 40), or take the tourist bus line (Tour Route 1)

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### **🌟 Must-See Highlights**
**1. Western Xia Tombs Ruins Area (Oriental Pyramids)**
- **Tomb No. 3 (Tai Tomb)**: The largest tomb, believed to be Emperor Li Yuanhao's mausoleum, where you can observe the rammed earth platform up close.
- **Shuttle Bus Loop**: Passes Tombs No. 1-6, with audio commentary on board. Sit by the window for better photo opportunities.
- **Stunning Sunset**: The tombs glow golden in the evening light—a must for photography enthusiasts!

**2. Western Xia Museum**
- **Must-See Exhibits**:
- **Gilded Bronze Ox**: The iconic artifact representing Western Xia culture and the museum's treasure.
- **Western Xia Script Stone Tablets**: Physical evidence of the mysterious Western Xia writing system.
- **Tomb Restoration Models**: Learn about the mausoleum layout and construction techniques.

**3. Western Xia History Art Gallery (Immersive Experience)**
- Experience the rise and fall of the Western Xia through 3D films and scene reconstructions (separate fee of about CNY 30, but worth it).

**4. Hiking or Cycling (In-Depth Experience)**
- Cycling paths surround the scenic area. Rent a bicycle to ride along Helan Mountain and view the desolate beauty of the tomb complex from afar.

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### **📸 Photography Tips**
- **Spot 1**: In front of Tomb No. 3, use a wide-angle lens to capture the imposing presence of the tomb against Helan Mountain.
- **Spot 2**: At the shuttle bus stop, photograph the panoramic view of the tomb complex.
- **Outfit Suggestion**: Wear red, white, or black clothing to create a strong contrast with the yellow earth background.

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### **🚗 Transportation Guide**
- **Self-Driving**: About 25 km from Yinchuan city center to Western Xia Tombs. Navigate to "Western Xia Tombs National Archaeological Site Park."
- **Public Transit**: Take Tour Route 1 bus from Yinchuan Railway Station (about 1 hour, CNY 8).
- **Charter/Shared Car**: Can be combined with **Helan Mountain Rock Carvings** or **Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio** for a day trip (they're on the same route).

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### **🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations**
- **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: Ningxia Tan sheep is tender with no gamey taste. Recommended: "Guoqiang Hand-Grabbed" (a Yinchuan institution).
- **Western Xia Beer**: Local specialty, perfect with mutton!
- **Hao Zi Noodles**: A Zhongwei specialty, but available in some Yinchuan restaurants.

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### **🏨 Accommodation Suggestions**
- **Yinchuan City Center**: Choose hotels in Jinfeng or Western Xia Districts for convenient access to other attractions the next day (near Kempinski or Western Xia Wanda).
- **Around Huaiyuan Night Market**: Good choice for night food lovers to experience local atmosphere.

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### **📌 Practical Tips**
1. **Sun and Wind Protection**: The scenic area is open with little shade. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential.
2. **Guide Services**: Recommended to rent an electronic guide (CNY 20) or hire a tour guide, otherwise you might just be "looking at dirt mounds."
3. **Combo Ticket Discount**: Consider buying a "Western Xia Tombs + Helan Mountain Rock Carvings" combo ticket (about CNY 120), only a 15-minute drive apart.
4. **Restrictions**: The tombs are a cultural heritage protection area. Do not climb on them or collect stones.

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### **🎯 Recommended Itinerary**
**Half-Day Tour**: Western Xia Museum → Tomb No. 3 Ruins → Shuttle Bus Tour (suitable for visitors with limited time).
**Full-Day Tour**: Western Xia Tombs (morning) → Helan Mountain