Helan Mountains, Mountain range in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
The Helan Mountains form a mountain range that extends roughly 200 kilometers from north to south with peaks over 3,500 meters high. The lower slopes are dry and bare, while steep rock faces characterize the landscape and contain several nature reserves and distinctive rock formations.
The mountains served as a settlement area for nomadic peoples and later became the seat of the Western Xia Dynasty, a Tangut kingdom that controlled this region. Archaeological remains including mausoleums from this era demonstrate the area's importance as a cultural and political center.
Ancient rock carvings on the mountainsides depict scenes of nomadic life and religious rituals practiced by early inhabitants. Visitors can still see these images carved into stone today, offering windows into the daily lives of people from distant times.
The area has several access points and marked hiking trails leading to main attractions. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid heat in lower areas and to bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water.
On the eastern base of the mountains, major Chinese wine producers cultivate grapes across extensive vineyards. This wine region has developed significantly over recent decades as a source of quality wines.
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