Yongning County

Yongning County is located in the southern part of Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, situated in the hinterland of the Yinchuan Plain, bordered by the Yellow River to the east and the Helan Mountains to the west. It covers an area of approximately 934 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 320,000 (2023 data). Yongning County has a long history, with ancestors cultivating the land as early as the Qin and Han dynasties. The Yongning Fort was established in the Ming Dynasty, and the county was officially established in 1941. As a core area of the Ningxia Yellow River irrigation zone, Yongning County is known for its 'Sai Shang Jiangnan' (Oasis beyond the Great Wall) scenery, where agricultural civilization and Yellow River culture blend, creating a unique rural atmosphere. It serves as the southern gateway to Yinchuan City and is an important grain and vegetable production base in Ningxia. It also boasts rich tourism resources, such as the Chinese Hui Culture Park and Hequan Lake, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of Hui culture and natural ecology. Yongning County is also China's famous 'Hometown of Goji Berries', with a long history of goji berry cultivation and excellent quality, making it a key pillar of the local economy.

The tourism features of Yongning County lie in the combination of Hui cultural experience and Yellow River ecological scenery. Main attractions and activities are as follows:

I. Core Attractions 1. Chinese Hui Culture Park (located west of Yongning County seat, about 20 km from downtown Yinchuan): This is a national 4A-level scenic spot, integrating Hui culture display, folk experience, dining, and shopping. The park features a Hui Museum, Golden Ceremony Hall, and Hui Folk Village, where visitors can admire Hui architectural styles (such as domes and arches) and learn about Hui history and Islamic culture. Opening hours: Summer 8:00-18:30, Winter 9:00-17:00; ticket about 60 yuan. Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours. 2. Hequan Lake National Wetland Park (located northeast of the county seat, about 5 km from the city center): Known for its lake wetlands and bird habitats, the lake covers about 3,000 mu. Activities include boat rides, bird watching (common species: egrets, herons), and fishing. Free admission, but boat rides require an additional fee (about 30 yuan/person). Best visited in spring and autumn. 3. Jinsha Bay Yellow River Ecological Tourism Area (located south of Yongning County, about 15 km from the county seat): Relying on the desert and oasis landscapes along the Yellow River, it offers activities such as sand sliding, Yellow River rafting, and desert off-roading. Ticket price: 50 yuan, including some entertainment items. Nearby farmhouses serve Yellow River carp.

II. Special Activities and Festivals 1. Yongning Goji Berry Culture Festival (July-August annually): Held at goji berry planting bases (e.g., Shengli Township, Yongning County), visitors can participate in goji berry picking, taste fresh goji berries, and purchase goji products (such as goji wine and dried goji berries). 2. Hui Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: During these festivals, the Chinese Hui Culture Park holds special celebrations, including food fairs and song and dance performances, allowing visitors to experience the traditional festive atmosphere of the Hui people.

III. Food Recommendations Yongning County's cuisine features Hui flavors and Yellow River fish delicacies: 1. Yongning Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Made from local Tan sheep, boiled in plain water, and eaten with garlic and vinegar dip. The meat is tender and free of gamey taste. Recommended restaurant: 'Ma's Hand-Grabbed' in the county seat. 2. Yellow River Carp: Usually braised or stewed, with tender flesh. Recommended at 'Yellow River Family' farmhouse near Jinsha Bay Scenic Area. 3. Yongning Goji Berry Snacks: Such as goji cake and goji porridge, available at 'Goji Berry Specialty Street' in the county seat.

IV. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: From downtown Yinchuan, take bus No. 302 (from Yinchuan South Gate Bus Station to Yongning County seat), about 40 minutes, fare 6 yuan; or drive via G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway to Yongning exit. 2. Internal Transportation: Taxi starting fare in the county seat is 5 yuan; charter a car for sightseeing (about 150-200 yuan for a day trip). Bicycle rental points are few, so driving or taxi is recommended.

V. Accommodation Recommendations Yongning County seat has several budget hotels (e.g., Home Inn, about 150 yuan/night). Alternatively, stay at the cultural-themed inn within the Chinese Hui Culture Park (about 200-300 yuan/night) for a Hui ethnic experience.