Xixia Imperial Tombs

西夏陵

Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025, the Xixia Imperial Tombs comprise nine imperial tombs and over two hundred accompanying tombs at the foot of the Helan Mountains. Their earthen tomb towers are known as the “Oriental Pyramids.”

The Xixia Imperial Tombs lie on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, about 35 km west of central Yinchuan. They are the royal mausoleum complex of the Western Xia Dynasty (founded by the Tangut people) from the 11th to 13th centuries. The site holds nine imperial tombs and over 250 accompanying tombs across roughly 50 square kilometers. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025, it is China's 60th World Heritage site. Each tomb complex consists of gate platforms (que), stele pavilions, crescent-shaped outer walls, inner walls, offering halls, and tomb towers. The above-ground structures were destroyed in the Yuan dynasty, leaving only rammed-earth ruins. The tallest tomb tower, about 20 meters high and shaped like a truncated pyramid, looks especially desolate and majestic against the Helan Mountains, which is why it is called the “Oriental Pyramid.”

How to visit: Buy tickets at the visitor center (about 95 yuan, including the shuttle bus). Start with the Xixia Museum, which displays unearthed artifacts such as a gilt bronze ox, a stone horse, Xixia-script stele inscriptions, and glazed chiwen roof ornaments, along with an introduction to Western Xia history and writing (allow about 1 hour). Then take the shuttle bus to Tomb No. 3, the Tai Mausoleum, traditionally attributed to the founding emperor Li Yuanhao. It is the largest and best preserved, and you can walk around it on a boardwalk. Tombs No. 1 and 2 are the twin tombs. You can also view the other tomb areas from the bus. Sunset, when the tomb tower and Helan Mountains are framed together, is the best time for photography. During peak season, reservations must be made on the official platform.

Getting there: A chartered car or tourist shuttle from the city takes about 1 hour. The route also passes Zhenbeipu Western Film Studio and Helan Mountain Rock Art.

Tips: The tomb area is open and unshaded, with strong, dry winds, so bring water and a hat. Climbing on the rammed-earth ruins is prohibited. Western Xia culture may be unfamiliar, so consider renting a guide or joining a guided tour.

Xixia Imperial Tombs

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