Beiwu Local Geopark

Beiwu Local Geopark

The Helan Mountain Beiwu Local Geopark is the first provincial-level geopark in Ningxia. Located in the northern part of the Helan Mountains in Dawukou District, it holds a unique geographical advantage within the entire Helan Mountain range, covering an area of 68.8 square kilometers. The park boasts abundant geological relics, rugged rocks, lifelike and fantastical hoodoos, steep and precipitous mountain terrain, and a grand, majestic atmosphere. It is a natural museum that showcases a typical geological history and evolutionary process.

Inside Guide Gully, there are mainly “Four Scenic Spots and One Spring,” namely the Ancient Great Wall Beacon Tower Scenic Area, the Ancient Rock Painting Cluster Conservation Area, the Zuandonggou Natural Scenic Area, the Shayao Rural Scenic Area, and the Jijitan Mountain Spring. These “sceneries” and “spring” form a beautiful scenic belt and are one of the great wonders of the Helan Mountains. Especially within the Zuandonggou Natural Scenic Area, the various attractions are uniquely charming, including “Immortal Crane Peak,” “Sunset Gazing Peak,” “Ancient Three Peaks,” “Seven Immortals Pool,” “Dragon Head Drill Official Bridge,” “Pull-a-Slope,” “-Peak,” “Grey Crane Nest,” “Immortal Cave,” “Gods’ Color Pool,” “Seven Cypresses,” and “Twin Breast Peaks.” There are also various beautiful legends and cool, delicious mountain spring water.

Jiucai Gully, located to the north of Wudang Temple, is a pristine mountain valley in the Helan Mountains. The canyon stretches 10 kilometers in length, surrounded by mountains on all sides, offering a cool, tranquil environment with lush water and grass, and breathtaking scenery. Within the valley, natural formations such as “Lovers’ Peak,” “Heaven’s Gate Opening,” “Mountain God Patrol,” and “Strongman’s Exploration” are uniquely formed, incredibly beautiful, making one feel as if they are wandering through Zhangjiajie’s Tianzi Mountain or strolling along the Golden Whip Stream. A clear stream meanders through the gully, bubbling and gurgling, a natural mineral spring that is refreshing and pleasant to the taste. The military significance of Jiucai Gully is particularly valuable. Firstly, during the Ming Dynasty, military strategists built a section of the Great Wall approximately 2,000 meters long at the mountaintop over 1,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by overlapping peaks, to defend against enemy invasions. In the mid-20th century, due to contemporary military defense needs, many military fortifications were constructed in Jiucai Gully within the Helan Mountains. This layered military system in the mountains and on the peaks adds to the mysterious allure of Jiucai Gully, creating new excitement for those seeking adventure and discovery. The petrified ancient tree fossil discovered in 1994 in Xiaoquzigou, dating back over 200 million years, belongs to the genus Tuo Mu. About 8 meters are exposed above ground, with the original tree being over 40 meters long and 60 centimeters in diameter. It holds significant research and viewing value.

Currently, the ongoing work includes completing the application and striving for the designation of Beiwu Temple as a national-level cultural heritage protection unit. Additionally, in accordance with the requirements of the "Classification and Evaluation of Tourism Quality Grades," the development plan for the Beiwu Tourist Area is being revised and improved. Relevant supporting facilities within the forest park scenic area are being constructed and completed, achieving a substantive integration between the Beiwu Temple area and the forest park. Investment attraction tasks are being implemented, aiming to pass the acceptance inspection for a national 3A-level tourist attraction.