Western Xia Mausoleum

The Western Xia Mausoleum is located on the desert grassland at the eastern foot of Mt. Helan 35 kilometers west of Yinchuan city proper. Nine tombs of Western Xia (1038-1227) kings and 140-plus companion tombs buried with the remains of major imperial family members and aristocrats are laid out according to the rise and fall of the terrain. Covering 50 square kilometers, it represents one of the largest and most intact imperial burial sites in China.

Western Xia, a minority kingdom with strong military force in the 11th century, disappeared mysteriously much like the Mayan Civilization, leaving behind an eternal mystery in the history of world civilization. What is no less mystical is over the centuries, numerous ferocious mountain torrents rushing down from Mt. Helan had never touched this weathered imperial resting place.

The mausoleum is as large and spacious as the Ming Tombs in Beijing. However, in contrast to the Ming wooden-stone structures, the tombs are earth- and- brick structures, each being an independent architectural complex more than 100,000 square meters in area, with turrets, archways, a stele pavilion, an outer wall, an inner city, a memorial hall, a pagoda-shaped altar, and a divine wall.

The area was almost destroyed completely into ruins when invaded by the Mongolian cavalry in 1227. The relics left over on the present site mostly are conic in shape, hence famed as "Oriental pyramids," which are not only a resemblance of the Egyptian pyramids in appearance but also in the suggestion of mystery and hints of a long-gone civilization.

The desolation, mystery and wildness of the area captivate the cameras of directors and producers for martial arts filming.

 Mt. Helan

The northeast-southwest Mt. Helan is located between the Yinchuan Plain and the Alxa Plateau. It is said the mountain was covered with lush trees like a horse, or "helan" (as called by the locals), hence the name. With its beauty and remoteness, Mt. Helan has long been a symbol of the northern frontiers, attracting numerous scholars, film producers, and directors who swarm here to feast their cameras with the best shots. 

The most ideal "studio" is the Suyukou Pass State Forest Park 40 kilometers northwest of Yinchuan. In an area of 16, 675 hectares, wave upon wave of trees of numerous species stretches afar, verdant and luxuriant all yearlong. In spring, lilac flowers extending several miles waft off fragrance, and wild flowers dotted here and there attract hordes of butterflies. In summer, from the summit, cliffs are beneath you and the snow-capped mountaintops are like a white canopy shading the light from the sky. In autumn and winter, water subsides and stones emerge. Grotesque natural stone sculptures, rich scenery of vales and gorges, running red deer, and bounding blue sheep form the most beautiful scene for western scenery films.

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