The Garden of Lotus, Pond of Old Dragon, River of Two Dragons, Gate Pass of Ghost, Gorge of Cool Palace, and Sha'nan Gorge: As a "green isle" on the loess plateau, the exuberant vegetation and waterfalls make the land bearing the grandeur of North China and at the same time the beauty of South China.

About 10 kilometers north of the county seat stands the "Swing", or two towering peaks, which, as legend has it, is the place where Mu Guiying -- the famous ancient woman general -- had once played the swing. The famous Yanling Temple caves 30 kilometers south of the county is where the legendary Song (960-1279) monk Jigong cultivated himself to become an immortal.

With beautiful scenery and rich historical connotations, the area not only boasts the best shots that feast your cameras, but also tells centuries-old enchanting stories.

 TRANSPORTATION

1. To Yinchuan: It is located in the heart of the Ningxia Plain. Air and rail lines to Yinchuan are available in China's major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan and Urumchi. Nearby sites include Western Film Castle, Western Xia Mausoleum, Mt. Helan, and Sand Lake.

2. To Zhongwei County: It is located in southwestern Ningxia, close to the Tengger Desert, with convenient transportation like the Bao-Lan and Bao-Zhong railways and National Highway 109 running through. The Baotou-Lanzhou (Bao-Lan) Railway runs right through Shapotou.

6. To Qingtongxia: Qingtongxia City has convenient transportation, with the Bao-Lan, Da-Gu railways and National Highway 109 passing through. Head to Qingtongxia by bus or train; and then a taxi, motor-rickshaw or bus will carry you on to the Pagodas 108.

7. To Guyuan County: It is one of the traffic hubs in Ningxia, with the Ping-Yin, Xi-Lan, and Lan-r highways, and the Bao-Zhong Railway running through. Nearby sites include: Liupan Mountains and the source area of the Jinghe River.

 TRAVEL TIPS

1. Ningxia is the only autonomous region inhabited by the Hui minority group. The Hui people are very hospitable and warmhearted to visitors. But it would be foolish to upset various religious taboos. You'd better prepare yourself with some Hui knowledge before your travel.

2. In the above various places, yurts, camels, boats, and motorboats are usually provided for tourists.

3. Mt. Helan, Mt. Liupan, and Tengri Desert are favorable for the mountaineering tour, desert tour, forest tour, and hunting safari.

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