Ningxia Museum

　　The predecessor of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum was the Ningxia Geological Museum Preparatory Office, established in September 1959, and it was officially renamed the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum in 1973. The original site was located within the Chengtian Temple complex in Yinchuan, the capital city of the autonomous region. In 1988, the entire compound was renovated and reconstructed in a traditional Chinese architectural style, which has been in use ever since. In 2004, the construction of the new Ningxia Museum was listed as a key project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous region. In November 2006, construction began on the new museum with a total investment of 228 million yuan. After two and a half years of dedicated effort, the new museum officially opened in September 2008 to coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations. It features an elegant exterior, advanced facilities, comprehensive functions, innovative exhibitions, and high-quality services.

　　The new museum is located on the east side of People's Square in Jinfeng District, Yinchuan City, with a total construction area of 30,258 square meters and a height of 21.2 meters, spanning four floors. The underground level covers an area of 8,456 square meters and includes storage rooms for cultural relics, equipment rooms, and office areas, with a maximum capacity to house 150,000 artifacts. The above-ground area totals 21,802 square meters, with the first floor housing the central hall, VIP reception rooms, temporary exhibition halls, and visitor service areas. The second and third floors contain various exhibition halls, library reading rooms and stacks, multimedia classrooms, and visitor service zones. The main structure of the new museum embodies strong regional and ethnic characteristics. The building’s layout is based on a “回” (Hui) shaped plan, reflecting the name of the Hui Autonomous Region. The facade of the entrance and exit draws inspiration from Islamic architectural styles, while the partial use of glass curtain walls on the third-floor exterior creates a striking contrast between traditional artistry and modern aesthetics, all while maintaining a distinct ethnic flavor. The combination of perforated upper-level framing with lower-level stone materials highlights the building’s graceful, simple, balanced, and composed character. Decorative architectural elements used on the exterior walls—such as the Karyobinga and the Lotus-Pedestal Vajra—as well as the decorative patterns on the four main gates, are representative of Ningxia’s historical and cultural heritage, showcasing strong regional characteristics.

　　Ningxia has a long history and rich cultural heritage. The Ningxia Museum currently houses nearly 40,000 cultural relics. Among them, there are over 4,000 precious relics rated at Level 3 or above, with 159 confirmed as national first-class relics. The Stone Door of the Tomb with Relief Carvings of the Whirling Dance, the Gilded Bronze Ox, and the Lotus-Pedestal Vajra have been designated as national treasures. The collection of Western Xia Dynasty relics and Hui ethnic cultural artifacts is notable both in quantity and quality, drawing attention across the museum and cultural heritage sectors. The museum’s distinctive local and ethnic characteristics set it apart among museums nationwide. Representative items also include rock carvings from the Helan Mountains, as well as revolutionary relics from the Red Army’s Western Expedition and the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region period. The new museum’s exhibitions on the first, second, and third floors are divided into three major thematic sections—Comprehensive History, Special Topics, and Temporary Exhibitions—featuring twelve individual displays that complement and enhance one another. These exhibitions offer a multi-faceted and in-depth portrayal of Ningxia’s history, culture, and regional identity.

　　The new Ningxia Museum fully leverages its collection advantages, integrating functions such as artifact display, scientific research and preservation, and public education. Additionally, the museum’s rich cultural ambiance, spacious central atrium, and advanced facilities make it an ideal venue for hosting various ceremonial events. It is also a perfect destination for leisure travel and cultural exploration.

　　Address: No. 6 East Renmin Square Street, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

　　Type: Museum

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

　　Phone: 0951-5085093; 0951-5042945

　　Official Website: http://www.nxbwg.com/

　　Opening Hours:

　　9:00–16:50 (Closed on Mondays)

　　Ticket Information:

　　Free admission. Visitors may collect free entry tickets at the ticket office with valid identification.

　　Source: Ningxia Museum