The Western Xia Mausoleum, located at the foot of Helan Mountain in the western suburbs of Yinchuan City, is the royal tomb of the Western Xia Dynasty, where many emperors of the Western Xia Dynasty were buried. There are currently 9 imperial tombs and over 140 accompanying burial sites in the entire mausoleum area, making it one of the largest royal tombs in Chinese history. The shape of the tomb is different from other Chinese tombs, with an inverted concave head shape. In addition, the scenic area also has facilities and venues such as the Western Xia Museum, the Western Xia Historical Art Museum, and the Western Xia Stele Forest, which help tourists understand the historical and cultural background behind the tombs.
At present, the scenic area has opened tombs 1, 2, and 3 for tourists to visit, among which tomb 3 (the "Tai Tomb" of Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty) is relatively close to the Western Xia Historical Art Museum and the Western Xia Stele Forest.
The Western Xia Dynasty was established by Dangxiang people, and its writing and customs were different from those of the Han people in the Central Plains. After the downfall of the dynasty, the cities and history of Western Xia mysteriously disappeared into the Gobi Desert, becoming a mystery for eternity, until it was discovered and interpreted in modern times. The Western Xia Museum houses a rich collection of cultural relics from the Western Xia Dynasty, many of which are precious stone carvings in Western Xia script and murals with Western Xia style. The free explanations inside the museum are also very exciting, which can help everyone understand the customs, culture, and rise and fall of the mysterious Western Xia Dynasty, and also provide a more immersive visit to the royal tombs.
On July 11, 2025, the Western Xia Mausoleum was officially inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List.
You can approach and visit the Haowang Mausoleum within the scenic area. The huge inverted semi-circular tomb stands on the barren land, with the vicissitudes of history right in front of us. The ravines and ravines at the foot of Helan Mountain in the distance create a sense of desolation and grandeur.
The Xixia Museum (new building) in the scenic area has made a brand new appearance. The exhibition in the museum is divided into six parts: Western Xia history, Western Xia culture, Western Xia religious art, Western Xia social economy, Western Xia tombs, and protection and inheritance. Nearly 5000 collections including thangka, documents, clay sculptures, bronze and iron utensils, fabrics, porcelain, etc. were exhibited, including a large number of exquisite cultural relics unearthed during the archaeological research of the Western Xia Mausoleum in recent years.
Travel Tips
Address: Xixia Ling Scenic Area, Beijing Yinchuan Line, Xixia District, Yinchuan City
Phone: 0951-5668966
Opening hours: 10/22-3/31 08:30-17:00
Ticket: CNY95