Shizuishan Travel Guide

Population: 732,000

Area: 5,310 square kilometers (2,050 square miles)

Nationalities: Han, Hui

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Dawukou, Huinong); 1 county (Pingluo)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0952-2039375
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0952-2013452

Location: Situated in northern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shizuishan City neighbors Yinchuan in the south and Inner Mongolia in the north with the Yellow River flowing along its east side.

History: In remote ages, the ancients in this area lived by hunting have created brilliant pasturing civilization. In Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), towns began to appear. The city was formerly called Shizuizi, and its name of Shizuishan was gained for the mountains and rocks where the Helan Mountains meets the Yellow River in the territory are in shapes of projecting mouths.

Physical Features: Lies on the east of the Helan Mountains, the city is in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. It neighbors the Ordos Terrace in the east and Yinchuan Plain in the west. Therefore, mountain area, alluvial plain and terrace constitute the main landform of the city.

Climatic Features: Enjoying a temperate continental climate, Shizuishan has rich sunshine. Summer is hot and short, while the winter is chilly and long. The weather is relatively dry all the year round, and the temperature varies greatly between day and night.

When to Go: September to October

Special Local Products: medlar, licorice root, Helan stone, lamb skin

Scenic Spots:
Sand Lake Scenic Resort (Sha Hu): 56 kilometers (35 miles) north of Yinchuan, the scenic area is a famous attraction combining water towns of South China and desert landscape. The Sand Lake is a paradise of the birds and fish.
Yuhuang Pavilion: Located in the county town of Pingluo, this historical relict built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is the largest Taoist site in Ningxia. During the fourth and fifth lunar months, grand temple fair will be held every year.
Beiwudang National Park: Lying at the east foot of Helan Mountains, this ecological tourist zone is made up of forest park, building complex of Beiwudang Temple, geopark, valley and ancient tree fossil.

Tourist Tips: Shizuishan is 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Xining, and 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Yinchuan Hedong Airport. From the Dawukou Bus Station, there are many buses departing to Yinchuan every few minutes. In addition, buses to the Yinchuan Hedong Airport are also available here. Regular buses from Dawukou to the Sand Lake depart every an hour.