Helan Mountain East Foothills Wineries
贺兰山东麓葡萄酒庄
China's most important wine region, where more than a hundred wineries line the foot of Helan Mountain. Touring the cellars and tasting Cabernet Sauvignon makes for one of Yinchuan's most refined half-day outings.
The eastern foothills of Helan Mountain are the Chinese wine region that has won the most international awards in recent years. The region stretches about 200 kilometers along the foot of Helan Mountain, from Qingtongxia to Shizuishan. The Yinchuan section, around Minning Town in Yongning and Zhenbeibu in Xixia District, has the highest concentration of wineries. More than a hundred wineries are here, including Zhihui Yuanshi, Helan Qingxue, Liushi, Jianan Meidi, Changyu Moser XV, Great Wall Tianfu, and Xige. Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan are the signature varieties. Most wineries offer reservation-only tours and tastings, usually priced at about 100 to 300 yuan per person. These include cellar tours and tastings of three to five wines. Zhihui Yuanshi Winery, a Chinese-style garden and stone complex converted from a disused quarry, is the most popular. It is a 4A-rated scenic area with admission of about 60 yuan. Changyu Moser XV has a European-style castle. The modern buildings and restaurant at Xige Winery are good for a meal. Many wineries have vineyard restaurants and guesthouses, where you can stay overnight and watch the sunrise over Helan Mountain. From September to October, some wineries open their vineyards for harvest and grape-stomping experiences. The wineries are spread along the Helan Mountain East Foothills road, 10 to 20 kilometers from the Western Xia Tombs and Zhenbeibu Film Town. Hiring a car with a driver is recommended, since you should not drive after tasting. Minning Town in Yongning is about 40 minutes from the city center. Almost all wineries require advance reservations. Children may tour but cannot taste wine. Wine can be bought directly at the wineries, usually at prices lower than retail. The coordinates given are an estimate of the Xixia District winery cluster.
Opening hours
Most wineries 09:00–17:30, by appointment
Nearby sights
- Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio
- Xixia Imperial Tombs
- Yuehai National Wetland Park
- Baisikou Twin Pagodas
- Suyukou National Forest Park
- Ningxia Museum
- Helan Mountain Rock Art
- Haibao Pagoda