Private Yinchuan Day Trip to Western Xia Tombs with Flexible Departure

Your English-speaking guide and private vehicle will greet you at your Yinchuan hotel lobby, ready to depart for the Western Xia Tombs. En route, your guide will share fascinating histories and anecdotes about the Western Xia Dynasty – feel free to ask questions anytime to deepen your understanding.

Your first stop is the Western Xia Museum, where you’ll join your guide to uncover the splendid legacy of the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227). Marvel at rare cultural relics including stone horses, Tangut script tablets, delicate porcelains, ancient Buddhist sutras, traditional paintings, and exquisite statues – each artifact telling a story of the dynasty’s prosperity. Don’t miss iconic pieces like the gilded bronze ox, a symbol of Western Xia craftsmanship, and tomb restoration models that illustrate the mausoleum’s original layout .

Next, proceed to the Western Xia Tablets Forest. Wander through the serene complex and examine a collection of ancient stone tablets, each inscribed with Tangut characters and historical records that vividly recount the dynasty’s key events and cultural traditions .

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Xia Imperial Tombs are the largest and best-preserved cultural heritage of the Tangut civilization – a unique ethnic minority civilization that thrived in Northwest China’s agri-pastoral region . The complex encompasses 9 imperial mausoleums, 254 subordinate tombs, a large architectural site, and over 10 brick-and-tile kiln ruins. Its unearthed funerary objects, inscriptions, stone statues, and architectural components boast vivid designs, unique decorations, and distinct nomadic influences .

Led by your guide, explore the well-preserved tomb structures – including tomb walls, rammed earth platforms, foundations, and original building fragments. You’ll visit Tombs No. 1, 2, and 3 (notably Tomb No. 1, believed to be Emperor Li Yuanhao’s mausoleum, and Tomb No. 3 with its intact murals) . Gain insights into the imperial mausoleum’s ingenious layout, ancient burial customs, masterful construction techniques, and artistic achievements, while uncovering the mysteries of the Tangut civilization.

After the tour, savor a delicious local meal (lunch or dinner, depending on your departure time). Following the meal, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your Yinchuan hotel, marking the end of your immersive Western Xia journey.