Wuhai City Stone Museum

Wuhai City Stone Museum

Wuhai City is located in the middle section of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, bordered by the Helan Mountains and the Ulan Buh Desert to the west, and the Zhuozi Mountain Range to the east. The Yellow River flows through the city, covering a distance of up to 105 kilometers within Wuhai’s territory. The unique geographical features provide abundant high-quality stone resources for local stone collectors. The unusual stones found in Wuhai can generally be divided into three types: Yellow River pebbles, paleontological fossils, and Gobi wind-eroded stones. The Yellow River pebbles in Wuhai are mainly distributed along both banks of the river, with the most abundant and diverse selection found around the picturesque Populus euphratica-covered Huyang Island. These stones feature smooth shapes, vivid patterns, and rich colors. The only downside is that their texture is slightly coarser compared to the Yellow River stones found in Lanzhou.

The paleontological fossils in Wuhai can be further divided into petrified wood and animal fossils, mostly discovered in the mountain valleys of Zhuozi Mountain to the east of the river and Wuhu Mountain to the west. Among them, petrified wood is abundant and of high quality, with occasional rare specimens. The longest piece of petrified wood measures up to 36 meters, making it the longest of its kind in China. Gobi wind-eroded stones are the most beloved among Wuhai’s stone collectors, with dozens of enthusiasts owning collections numbering in the hundreds or even over a thousand. It has almost become a popular trend. During holidays, groups of stone enthusiasts often cross the Yellow River and traverse the Helan Mountains to venture deep into Alxa to search for these unique stones. Wind-eroded stones are known for their fine texture, toughness, smooth surface, vivid shapes, and extraordinary patterns, setting them apart from other beautiful stones. Together, Yellow River pebbles, biological fossils, and Gobi wind-eroded stones form a stunning and fascinating landscape in Wuhai—a whimsical world where nature and human artistry blend seamlessly.