Introduction
Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is located in the northwest region of China. The Yellow River flows through the majority of this province. To its northeastern boundary is the 'Great wall of China'. Yinchuan is the capital city.
The regions of Shaanxi, Gansu and Inner Mongolia surround this autonomous region, which is spread over an area of 66,400 sq km (25637 sq miles). Some parts of this region are settled, however, most of the area is deserted.
Ningxia has a temperate continental type of climate. Here the winters are long and cold, and the summers are short and hot.
- Average rainfall: 190-700 mm (7.5" - 27.6")
- Average summer temperatures: 17 to 24°C in July (62.6ºF - 75.2ºF)
- Average winter temperatures: -7 to -10°C in January (19.4ºF - 14ºF)
- Best time to visit: May to October
Ningxia is an interesting tourist destination with beautiful landscape, unique customs and habits and rich history. Some of the places to visit while in this region are:
- Shapotou
- Liupan Mountain
- Yinchuan City
- Sand Lake Scenic Resort
There are 56 ethnic groups in Ningxia and according to the latest census; the region has a total population of almost 6 million people. One third of the residents are from the Hui community. Hui people are the descendents of the Arabic and Persian merchants who visited China in the 7th century.
There are 10 ethnic groups in this province who are Muslim. They are Hui, Uygur, Salar, Bonan, Tatar, Tajik, Kirgiz, Kazak, Ozbek and Dongxiang. Most of the Chinese Muslims in this region are Sunnis.
While in this region, you can taste some of the best Chinese delicacies. Yangro or lamiyan is a very popular local food. Hui people in this region usually prefer eating flour. Most of the restaurants serve Halal and indicate this on their menus. Hui people don't consume the meat of pigs, dogs, donkeys, horses and mules.
This region contributes to about only 0.3% of the nation's economy. This region has the third lowest GDP in the country. Its GDP was 83.4 billion yuan in the year of 2007. The per capita GDP was just 13,743 yuan.
