Beidawang Ecological Tourism Area

Beidawang Ecological Tourism Area

Beidawang Ecological Tourism Area is a National AAA-level Tourist Attraction.

In northern Ningxia, there lies an ancient temple hidden among forests and mountains, echoing the spiritual energy of the Helan Mountains and encapsulating the scenic beauty of Yinchuan. This is the renowned Beidawang Temple in the northwest. The Beidawang Ecological Tourism Area derives its name from this temple and is located on an alluvial fan at the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Dawukou District, Shizuishan City. It is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating mountains, forests, temples, geological sites, and military experiences. Situated just 3 kilometers from the city center, it was rated as a National AAA-level Tourist Attraction in December 2009. The area consists of five parts: the Beidawang Temple complex, Forest Park, Guide Gully, Jiucui Gully, and the Helan Mountain Ecological Museum, covering a total area of 68.8 square kilometers. It is one of the earliest developed and most comprehensively equipped ecological tourism areas in Shizuishan City, and currently the largest of its kind in Ningxia.

Beidawang Temple (Shoufo Temple)

Beidawang Temple (Shoufo Temple) is an ancient temple that harmoniously blends Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and is renowned across Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Historically, it has been honored as the “Famous Temple of the Western Xia Amidst Forested Mountains.” It was first built during the prosperous Tang Dynasty, boasting a history of over 900 years. The temple was officially established here in the 40th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1701). Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty once bestowed upon it the honorary title “Protectorate State Shoufo Chan Temple.”

Covering an area of 12,000 square meters with a constructed area of 4,300 square meters, the ancient temple is built against the mountain, drawing the mountain’s grandeur into its midst. The layout of the temple complements the rugged peaks, enhancing and embellishing one another. The entire temple complex faces south and follows a meticulously structured four-courtyard layout, exuding solemnity and elegant beauty. The central axis structures, including the mountain gate tower and side halls, are symmetrically arranged, creating a harmonious and natural aesthetic.

With the morning bells and evening drums, the temple music of Beidawang resonates melodiously. From afar, the massive Chinese character “佛” (Buddha) and the surrounding mountain ranges appear to be veiled in mist, emerging and fading into view. A gentle breeze carries one back to nature, offering a moment of tranquility and clarity, where the subtle Zen philosophy of life becomes quietly apparent.

Over the years, it has attracted countless devotees, pilgrims, and tourists—an uncountable number. However, the worn steps beneath the mountain gate speak volumes about the temple’s enduring popularity. Standing before the temple, one can take in the entire urban landscape of Dawukou District, the coal city of Shizuishan. Climbing higher offers sweeping views of the beautiful landscapes of northwestern Yinchuan, refreshing both the eyes and spirit. On regular days, the place remains serene and secluded, frequented by only a thousand or so worshippers and visitors. But during temple fairs, it comes alive with exceptional vibrancy. There are as many as seven major and minor temple fairs held here each year. The “minor fairs” on the second day of the second lunar month, the third day of the third lunar month, and the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month only host worshippers and visitors without formal vegetarian meals. The “major fairs” on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month not only involve incense offerings but also welcome thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all directions. On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month alone, the fair receives up to 200,000 visitors in a single day.

The Hidden Gem of Forested Mountains — Beidawang Temple

If ancient water towns in the south evoke a sense of harmony with their “small bridges, flowing streams, and homes,” then an ancient temple tucked away in the forests and mountains of the northwest stirs a deep sense of Zen. Located in Dawukou District, Shizuishan City, Beidawang Temple is embraced by mountains to the north and overlooks the plains to the south. Such a location distances it from urban clamor, allowing it to bask in the vast serenity of the hills. Many assume the temple’s name is somehow closely linked—or even a branch—to the famed Wudang Temple in Hubei, but this is a common misconception. In fact, the “Wu” in Beidawang refers to the True Martial Emperor (Zhenwu Dadi), the deity of the north revered in Taoism. “Dang” means “to be located.” Thus, “Wudang” signifies the dwelling place of the True Martial Emperor. To distinguish it from the world-renowned Wudang Temple in Jun County, Hubei, and due to its location in northwestern China, the word “Bei” (north) was added, hence “Beidawang.” Also called Shoufo Temple, it is known as the “Famous Ancient Temple in the Forested Mountains of the Western Xia.” Its defining feature lies in the integration of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—rooted in Buddhism but harmonizing all three traditions. This historically evolving temple, nestled within the mountains, continues to shine brightly.

According to the Inscription on the Construction of Beidawang Temple: The temple was expanded in the 48th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1709) by Zheng Hui, a lay Buddhist from Hongguang Camp, along with Zhou Zhaoxiong from Ningxia Town, who jointly funded the project on the foundation of a smaller temple. It underwent several expansions thereafter: in the 40th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1755), a main hall with no pillars was added behind the Hall of Infinite Life; early in the Jiaqing era, side halls were constructed; in the 14th year of Jiaqing (1809), a pair of stone lions was placed in front of the mountain gate; and in the 16th year of Jiaqing (1811), a three-bay arched gate was built in front of the main hall. During the Guangxu era, the monk Guangyu of Beidawang Temple studied at Tanzhe Temple in Beijing. Introduced by the abbot of Tanzhe Temple, he invited Empress Dowager Cixi—who frequently visited Tanzhe Temple to offer incense—to inscribe a white silk banner for the temple, reading “Protectorate State Shoufo Chan Temple.” Since then, the temple also became known as Shoufo Temple. Influential figures such as Zuo Zongtang also contributed calligraphy and paintings, greatly enhancing its reputation. Major temple fairs are held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, attracting a continuous stream of worshippers and pilgrims.

Folklore also offers a legend about the temple’s establishment: In the year of Ji Si during Emperor Kangxi’s reign, soldiers stationed at Shizuishan often heard calls of “carry me” while patrolling the mountain foothills at night. One night, after responding to the voice, a soldier suddenly found someone on his back and had to carry the person away. When asked where they lived or why they were there, the figure remained silent. After carrying the figure several miles and finding it increasingly heavy, the soldier angrily demanded, “Are you made of stone? Why won’t you speak?” As soon as he spoke, the figure fell to the ground. Lighting a torch, the soldier discovered it was a stone statue of the Buddha of Infinite Life. Nearby, he found a cave and placed the statue inside. Later, during a hunting trip in the Helan Mountains, Qing troops suddenly spotted auspicious clouds enveloping the peaks, accompanied by the sounds of clashing weapons and galloping hooves. Upon searching, they rediscovered the statue in the cave. When they reached Heidun Tower, it became too heavy to carry further. A benevolent layperson suggested building a temple at the flat, open site to enshrine the statue. However, there was no water for construction. After a silent prayer, the ground became moist, and digging revealed a fresh spring of sweet, clear water. A temporary shelter was erected, and the temple was built using stones from the mountain and rammed earth. Pilgrims from hundreds of miles around came to worship, praying for blessings and ensuring the temple’s enduring prosperity.

Today, as a sacred Buddhist site and tourist attraction, Beidawang Temple draws many visitors with its tranquil and elegant environment. Viewed from below, the temple is nestled in the mountains and shrouded in mist. Midway up the mountain, a giant Chinese character “佛” commands reverence. Reaching the summit, with eyes closed and a gentle breeze brushing by, the chaos of the mundane world fades away—a serenity rarely found amid urban noise. The undulating mountain terrain allows the temple’s layout to unfold gradually, with subtle, rhythmic patterns that create an open and expansive feel, making it stand out amidst the surrounding peaks. Several ancient trees, over a hundred years old, stand firmly beside the temple. The entire temple complex faces south and is laid out in a large rectangle. From south to north, it includes the front gate tower, Linggong Palace, Guanyin Tower, Hall of Infinite Life, Pagoda of Treasures, and the Great Buddha Hall. Among these, the five-story Pagoda of Treasures in front of the Great Buddha Hall stands 20 meters tall, built in a brick pavilion style with many corners formed by doorways and windows. Its structure resembles the Haibao Pagoda in Yinchuan but is smaller, retaining an air of ancient majesty. The temple complex features varied heights, orderly arrangement, solemn dignity, compact structure, and logical layout. The tinkling of wind chimes from pavilions enhances the ethereal atmosphere. Statues within the temple are vividly crafted. The walls of the Buddha halls are adorned with murals depicting flying Apsaras and guardian deities, all lifelike and solemn. Here, the temple layout and the surrounding peaks complement one another, enhanced by the frequent mountain mists that contribute to the site’s divine aura. Approaching Beidawang Temple, one is captivated by the harmony between temple and mountain. The scenery of mountain and temple fills the eyes, while the lingering echoes of morning bells and evening drums inspire contemplation on the deeper meanings of life.

Dawukou Forest Park

Covering an area of over 20,000 mu, Dawukou Forest Park is an artificial ecological forest built by the people of Shizuishan through years of afforestation efforts on the Gobi Desert. It serves as a green barrier, natural oxygen bar, and urban lung for western Shizuishan. The park features 13 functional zones, including recreational areas, maple leaf viewing spots, and a subtropical plant museum, as well as themed forest areas such as Celebrity Memorial Forest, Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest, and Youth Volunteer Forest. It is recognized as a National Patriotic Education Base for Youth.

The park has developed a unique garden system in northern China, centered around scenic tree species, complemented by trees, vegetation, pavilions, and landscape ornaments. It forms a distinctive forest landscape and is gradually becoming the largest maple leaf viewing destination in the northwest. Former national leaders such as Jiang Zemin have inspected the forest park and praised its remarkable achievements in greening the Gobi and restoring beautiful landscapes.

Today, Dawukou Forest Park harmonizes its landscapes with pavilions. In spring, it attracts throngs of visitors with its refined tranquility; in summer, its lush greenery provides a cool retreat for rest and recreation; in autumn, it dazzles with crimson leaves and birdsong; and in winter, its snowy vistas display majestic beauty. Each season brings vibrant yet elegant scenery.

Guide Gully

Guide Gully is a pristine valley within the Helan Mountains. It features “four scenic spots and one spring”: the Ancient Great Wall Beacon Tower scenic area, Ancient Rock Painting Conservation area, Zuandong Gully Natural Scenic area, Shajiao Pastoral Scenic area, and Jijitan Mountain Spring. Together, these form a stunning landscape and one of the great wonders of the Helan Mountains. Notably, the Zuandong Gully Natural Scenic area boasts unique attractions such as Crane Peak, Sunset View Peak, Ancient Three Peaks, Seven Immortals Pool, Dragon Head Drill Bridge, Pull-Up Slope, - Peak, Grey Crane Nest, Immortal Cave, Shen Se Pool, Seven Cypresses, and Twin Breast Peaks, along with various beautiful legends and refreshing mountain spring water.

Helan Valley

Also known as Jiucui Gully, Helan Valley is a pristine mountain valley located north of Beidawang Temple. It is a 10-kilometer-long gorge surrounded by mountains, offering a cool, serene, and lush environment. Natural formations such as Lovers’ Peak, Heaven’s Gate, Mountain God Patrol, and the Strength Explorer create breathtaking views reminiscent of Zhangjiajie’s Tianzi Mountain or the Golden Whip Stream. A crystal-clear stream winds through the valley, its murmuring waters providing natural mineral spring water that is cool and refreshing. The military significance of Jiucui Gully is also notable. During the Ming Dynasty, to defend against invasions, a section of the Great Wall approximately 2,000 meters long was built atop the mountains at an altitude of over 1,500 meters. In the mid-20th century, additional military defense installations were constructed here due to national defense needs, adding to the mysterious allure of the valley and sparking curiosity among explorers.

Helan Mountain Ecological Museum

The Helan Mountain Ecological Museum is located in the heart of the Helan Mountains, within Xiaoquzi Gully in Dawukou. A significant ancient tree fossil, discovered in 1994 in Xiaoquzi Gully, is 18 meters long, dates back over 200 million years, and belongs to the genus Tuo Mu. About 8 meters of the fossil are exposed above ground, remarkably well-preserved. It is the highest carbonized and largest ancient tree fossil discovered in China, as well as the longest, largest, and best-preserved in Ningxia, holding high research and viewing value. To better protect the fossil and establish a natural science education base for local youth, the Dawukou District Government funded the construction of the Helan Mountain Ecological Museum.

The museum features a uniquely designed exterior with profound symbolism. Its surface is decorated with stone veins (frost cracks), and the roof edge mimics traditional crenellations. The northern mountain area uses artificial rock formations on both the east and west sides to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The main structure is divided into three stone-textured layers, resembling three stone books. At the center of the front facade is a giant imitation Chinese character “石” (stone), forming a design that represents the Chinese characters “石, 口 (mouth/mouthpiece), 山” (mountain) and the English letter ‘V’, symbolizing “Shizuishan is Great!” The project is a two-story frame structure with a construction area of 680 square meters, divided into three sections: the Ecology Exhibition Hall, Ancient Fossil Exhibition Hall, and Geological Exploration Area.