Ningxia is an Autonomous Region in the northwest of the People's Republic of China, officially known as the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Covering an area of only 66,000 square kilometers and with a population of 5.6 million, Ningxia is one of the smallest and least populous provinces and regions in China, yet it is still twice the size of the Netherlands. The region is traversed by the Yellow River, which flows into Ningxia from the west and exits to the north.
Topographically, Ningxia becomes flatter towards the north, with an average elevation ranging from 1,100 meters to 2,000 meters. The highest point in the region reaches 3,556 meters.
Ningxia is home to Hui, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu, and Han ethnicities. Due to its strategic importance as a gateway between eastern and western China throughout dynastic times, the area was heavily fortified, evident in the remnants of the Great Wall found everywhere.
The Hui ethnic group comprises 1.8297 million people, accounting for 34.1% of the region's population and one-fifth of the national Hui population. The Han ethnic group makes up 65.36% of Ningxia's population. Additionally, there are 33 other ethnic minorities in Ningxia, including Manchu, Dongxiang, and Mongolian peoples. The Hui primarily reside in seven counties and cities: Tongxin, Guyuan, Xiji, Haiyuan, and Jingyuan in the southern mountainous region, and Wuzhong and Lingwu in the Yellow River irrigation area.
http://www.china.org.cn/e-xibu/2JI/3JI/ningxia/ningxia-ban.htm
Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the area. It is a city rich in ancient culture and hosts many historical attractions. The kings of the Western Xia dynasty (1038-1227) once resided here. Today, Yinchuan is developing into a modern industrial city. Due to the province's relatively small size, Yinchuan serves as a convenient starting point for visiting most of the region's attractions. Notable sights include the Mausoleum of the Western Xia Kings, the Haibao Pagoda, Shahu Lake Scenic Area, the Stupa in front of Changtian Temple, the Twin Pagodas in Baisikou, and the Nanguan Mosque.
The airport is located approximately 25 kilometers outside the city of Yinchuan. Currently, the airport offers 20 domestic connections, including routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
A shuttle bus operates between the airport and the city center, with a stop at the International Hotel downtown. Additionally, a train connection was established in 2019.
