Wuzhong Travel Guide

Population: 2,050,000 (Hui 720,000)

Area: 27,000 square kilometers (10,425square miles)

Nationalities: Hui, Han

Administrative Division: 1 district (Litong); 2 counties (Yanchi, Tongxin); 1 county-level city (Qingtongxia)

Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0953-2039391
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China: 0953-2013253

Location: Wuzhong is situated in the center of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, neighboring Yinchuan in the north. It is bordered by Shaanxi in the east and also shares boundaries with Inner Mongolia and Gansu.

History: Human relics left thirty thousand years ago are discovered in this area. In remote times, pastoral-nomad tribes inhabited there and it was during the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) that the court started water project to help field irrigation. By the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it had become a flourishing land.

Physical Features: The Loess Plateau, Ordos Massif, alluvial plain of the Yellow River and mountainous area all have wide ranges in the city. The terrain of Wuzhong generally declines south- north. Its northern area belongs to the Yinchuan Plain, while the south has distribution of hills and mountains.

Climatic Features: Wuzhong is an inland city, bearing a temperate semi-dry continental climate. It has four distinct seasons, but summer is not hot. Being one of the cities with most abundant sunshine all around the nation, Wuzhong is rich land favorable for the planting of agriculture products. Generally, the temperature varies greatly during the day and night.

When to Go: May to October is the golden season to Wuzhong for comfortable weather and picturesque scenery.

Special Local Products: Yellow River carp, pearl rice, apple, melon seed, Tan Sheep skin

Scenic Spots:
108 Lamaist Stupas: As the name suggested, this scenic spot is a pagoda forest of 108 Lamaist brick stupas. It is situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the Qingtongxia City. As to the age of theses pagodas, no verdict has been worked out yet. According to textural research, it has no less than 900 years of history. The pagoda complex has a unique layout and ranks among the three pagoda complexes in China (the other two are the pagoda forest of Shaolin Temple in Henan and Lingyan Temple in Shandong.)
Tongxin Great Mosque: Being one of the ten extant oldest mosques in China. It lies in the west of the Tongxin County, 150 kilometers (106 miles) from downtown Wuzhong. Constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the mosque stands on a black brick terrace 7 meters (23 feet) above the ground. The whole building combines Chinese classical architecture perfectly with Islam wood and brick carving art, being of great value for appreciation.

Tourist Tips:
1. Wuzhong is only 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Yinchuan, within an hour's drive by highway. From Yinchuan's bus station near the South Gate Square, buses to Wuzhong will depart every twenty minutes. Yinchuan tourism bus station in Donghuan Bei Lu also offers bus routes to Wuzhong. Wuhzong Bus Station is located in Litong Bei Jie. From 08:00 to 18:30, buses to Yinchuan depart every 15 minutes.
2. Way to the 108 Lamaist Stupas: Take public buses from the Qingtong city proper to the Qingtongxia Reservoir and then change to ferries. The entire journey will cost about one hour and a half. In addition, Wuzhong has public buses running directly to the Tongxin Great Mosque or visitors can take private motorbikes to the destination.