Shuidonggou, Yinchuan

(银川市灵武水洞沟旅游区 yín chuān líng wǔ shuǐ dòng gōu lyǔ yóu qū)

Shuidonggou Scenic Area in Yinchuan city, the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region [Photo/IC]

Shuidonggou Scenic Area, 19 kilometers west of Yinchuan, the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, can trace its history back to more than 30,000 years. It is the only excavated spot from the Paleolithic Age in the Yellow River area.

Being called "the Birthplace of China's Prehistoric Archeology," the area is known as "Historical Evidence of Cultural Exchanges between East and West," and was listed as "one of the most significant archaeological discoveries among 100 Chinese civilization sites".

Covering an area of 7.8 square kilometers, Shuidonggou boasts more than 20 magnificent scenic spots created by the unique Yardang landform, including Ghost Town, Cyclone Cave, Lying Camel Ridge, Ferris Cliff, Cloud-broken Valley and Strange Willow Gully, all of which record the growth and lives of our ancestors over the past 30,000 years.

The ancient Great Wall military defense system, consisting of "Cross-City Edge," beacon smoke stations, city barriers and camps, as well as the Ancient-Troop Hiding Cave, is the best-preserved military defense architecture in China.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ideal Sightseeing Season: Late April to October

Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00 during the peak season (April 1 to Oct 31)

8:00 -- 17:30 during the low season (Nov 1 to March 31)

Ticket price: 76 yuan ($11.1) during the peak season

60 yuan during the low season

Free Tickets:

① Children below 6 years old or below 1.2 meters;

② Disabled persons, active servicemen, retired army officers, journalists and those aged 60 or above with a valid certificate.

Half Price:

① Minors aged 7 to 18;

② Full-time university bachelor or junior degree students with a registered student ID card.

Address: Shuidonggou Scenic Area, Yinchuan city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region

Website: http://www.shuidonggou.com/(Chinese)

http://www.shuidonggou.com/en/(English)

Note:

1. Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized as the air is dry on-site.

2. The fantastic views of the city beyond the Great Wall are best enjoyed at sunset.

3. Protect yourself from sunburn and wear sunglasses.

4. Follow instructions when riding the camels.

5. Live-action performances are shown at 12:00, 15:00 and 17:30. The ticket price is 198 yuan.