Huoshizhai

Huoshizhai

Huoshizhai is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national geological park, and a science education base.

Huoshizhai National Geological (Forest) Park is situated in Huoshizhai Township, 15 kilometers north of Xiji County. It lies 140 kilometers east of the Liupan Mountains and 28 kilometers from the Sumeru Mountain Scenic Area. It is the only tourist destination in Ningxia that combines a national geological park, a national forest park, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, and a national nature reserve. The mountains here feature dark red rocks, which, when set against the backdrop of lush green trees, resemble blazing flames—earning the area the name “Huoshizhai,” or “Fire Stone Village.” In spring and summer, the hills come alive with vibrant wildflowers, buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and flourishing greenery. Scattered among the sparse woods are clumps of arrow bamboo, adding a touch of southern charm to the northern landscape. Within a hundred-square-kilometer radius of Huoshizhai, numerous towering peaks rise from the earth, including the famous Saozhuling, Shisisan, and Zhaobishan, among which the Natural Stone Fortress is particularly unique.

Stepping into Huoshizhai, visitors are greeted by steep, crimson cliffs with striking and fantastical shapes. The scenic area spans 100 square kilometers and is a prime example of “Danxia landform.” The spectacular combination of unusual mountains, exotic rocks, dense forests, caves, and grottoes is hailed as the five highlights of the park. The area is divided into three major sections: Yuntai Mountain, Shisisan, and Dashicheng. It includes eight main attractions such as Qingniao Peak, Qipan Ridge, Chanfo Temple, Ban Grottoes, Yuntai Mountain, Shisisan, and Dashicheng, along with over 30 ancient rock caves carved through the dynasties. The region is rich in flora and fauna, with diverse species and lush vegetation. The perfect harmony of Danxia landform and pristine forests creates one of the most surreal and colorful natural landscapes. The area is also notable for the peaceful coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam, making it China’s only sacred site where all three religions thrive together. Huoshizhai is both a sanctuary for spiritual cleansing and a place for worship and meditation.

Ascending Huoshizhai, visitors find themselves surrounded by crimson cliffs and white clouds. Gazing into the distance, they see the loess plains rolling like green waves. As the morning sun rises with the glow of dawn and the evening mist welcomes the crescent moon, the scene is so heavenly it seems almost otherworldly—there are few places on earth quite like Huoshizhai.

Huoshizhai Township: Located 23 kilometers northwest of Xiji County, Huoshizhai Township borders Xinying, Baiya, and Jiqiang Town. Covering a total area of 163 square kilometers with 48,000 mu of arable land, it is a dry and impoverished mountainous region. The area is home to unique Danxia landform and has been designated as a “National Geological and National Forest Park,” as well as a national 3A-level tourist attraction. The township comprises 12 administrative villages, 76 villager groups, and has a population of 2,700 households totaling 14,760 people, of which 76% are Hui ethnicity. In 2006, the per capita income of farmers was 1,960 yuan, with a total grain output of 6.582 million... More detailed information about Huoshizhai Township++