Audio Guide of Helan Mountains

The Helan Mountains National Scenic Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the high season (April-October), and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter. From Yinchuan, you can take a direct bus from the bus station (around 1 hour, costing about 20 CNY) or a taxi for about 100 CNY; the official website is nx.gov.cn for more details.

Admission to the park costs approximately 80 CNY for adults, with discounts for students and children (around 40 CNY), and it is free for children under 6 years old. It includes access to the main areas; buy tickets at the ticket office or online through platforms such as Trip.com.

It is recommended to allow at least 4-6 hours to explore the main trails, the rock carvings, and key viewpoints. If you want to do a longer hike, plan a full day to enjoy it without rushing.

The Helan Mountains are a key site on the ancient Silk Road, with rock carvings from the Western Xia dynasty (11th-13th centuries) depicting hunting scenes and mythology, as well as Buddhist ruins. They are part of Ningxia’s cultural heritage and reflect the ethnic diversity of the region.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal because of the mild weather and colorful landscapes, avoiding the extreme summer heat. Visit early in the morning to enjoy soft light and fewer crowds.

The park has paved paths in the main areas and an optional cable car to reach viewpoints, but the secondary trails are uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs. I recommend contacting the visitor center at +86-951-888-9999 for limited assistance options.

Nearby in Yinchuan, visit the Western Xia Museum 50 km away (with dynasty artifacts) or West Lake (Xihai Hu) for a scenic picnic. Another interesting site is the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, about 30 km away, accessible via the same route.

Bring comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen, as the terrain is mountainous and the sun is intense; hire a local guide for about 200 CNY for explanations about the rock carvings. Avoid visiting on very windy days and check the weather on AccuWeather before going.