History in one sentence: This museum honors the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227), a nearly 200-year-old Tangut civilization thriving in northwest China’s agri-pastoral regions.

Dive into the dynasty’s glory here. A trove of relics brings Tangut culture to life. Walk past stone horses, inscribed tablets, delicate porcelains, ancient sutras, vivid paintings and intricate statues. Your guide will explain each artifact, revealing the civilization’s artistic brilliance and daily rhythms.

History in one sentence: This outdoor exhibit features stone tablets with Tangut and Chinese inscriptions recording the dynasty’s politics, culture and ethnic exchanges.

Wander leisurely through this tranquil site. Ancient stone tablets are scattered across the landscape. Lean in to examine the dual-language inscriptions. Your guide will decode fascinating tales of dynastic life and cross-ethnic interactions etched into the stone.

History in one sentence: Dubbed the “Oriental Pyramids”, this 50-square-kilometer complex is the largest, best-preserved Tangut heritage site with 9 imperial mausoleums and 254 subordinate tombs.

Step into the grandeur of the Tangut empire at this iconic site. Explore well-preserved tomb walls, rammed earth platforms and architectural foundations. Visit Tombs No.1 (Yuling), No.2 (Jialing) and No.3 (Tailing), each with unique designs from outer enclosures to ritual halls. Marvel at unearthed funerary objects—detailed stone statues, ornate building components—all with distinct nomadic influences. Your guide will unpack the mausoleums’ layout, burial customs and construction techniques, deepening your understanding of this enigmatic civilization.

History in one sentence: These 3,000–10,000-year-old petroglyphs are prehistoric minority heritage, offering a rare glimpse into ancient regional life.

First, refuel with a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Then head to Helan Mountain, the historic homeland of minorities like Huns, Xianbei, Tujue and Uighurs. Start at the Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum. This modern venue displays 500+ exhibits from 31 countries, including rock art replicas, rubbings and photos. Board a battery bus to the mountain’s foot. Stroll with your guide to see petroglyphs in their natural setting. Gaze at vivid carvings of daily life, hunting and rituals. Each stroke reveals the creators’ aesthetic tastes, social traditions and way of life—a testament to early regional civilization.