Shuidonggou Tourist Area is located in Linhe Town, Lingwu City, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is 19 kilometers west of Yinchuan City, 30 kilometers south of Lingwu City, and 11 kilometers away from Hedong Airport. It is situated in the core area of the Hedong Tourism Belt in Yinchuan and borders Ordos City, Inner Mongolia to the north. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area with an area of 7.8 square kilometers.
The scenic area has remarkable features, integrating various elements such as archaeological sites, canyon soil forests, flat lake wetlands, pastoral idylls, desert customs, and Great Wall fortresses. It has rich Yardang landform landscapes, forming more than twenty unique scenic spots like the Devil City, Whirlwind Cave, Camel Lying Ridge, Skyscraper Cliff, Broken Cloud Valley, and Strange Willow Ditch. Here is also a grand exhibition garden of military defense buildings in the Ming Dynasty of China, including the Great Wall, beacons, fortresses, trenches, hidden soldier caves, grand canyons, and watchtowers. It is a relatively well-preserved three-dimensional military defense system of the Great Wall in China.
Historical Culture
The history of Shuidonggou goes back a long way. As early as 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, there were humans settling and living here. In 1923, French paleontologists Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Émile Licent discovered the Shuidonggou Site in the Biangou River Basin of Lingwu, Ningxia. This is one of the earliest Paleolithic sites discovered in China.
Since then, after six scientific archaeological excavations, a large number of precious cultural relics such as stone artifacts and animal fossils have been unearthed, providing important physical evidence for the study of human origin, evolution, and the production and living styles of early humans. The stone tool assemblage of the Shuidonggou Site is unique in China's Paleolithic culture system. At the same time, it also shows certain connections with the Paleolithic cultures in the late Middle and Late Paleolithic periods in Europe, Mongolia, and Siberia.
In the Ming Dynasty, in order to resist foreign invasions, a series of military defense buildings such as the Great Wall, beacons, fortresses, and hidden soldier caves were built in the area of Shuidonggou, forming a complete three-dimensional military defense system and witnessing the historical changes and ethnic integration at that time.
Main Scenic Spots
Site No. 1
Site No. 1 is an important part of the Shuidonggou Site and one of the areas where archaeological excavations were carried out earliest. Here, visitors can intuitively see the original archaeological excavation site, deeply understand the process and methods of archaeological work, and personally experience the unique charm of the Paleolithic cultural site.
Site No. 2
Site No. 2 is also a key excavation point of the Shuidonggou Site. A large number of stone artifacts and animal fossils with research value have been unearthed. These cultural relics have played an important role in deeply exploring the connotation and extension of the Shuidonggou culture, allowing visitors to have the opportunity to get close to the living remains of ancient humans.
Site No. 3
Site No. 3 further enriches the cultural connotation of the Shuidonggou Site, showing the traces and characteristics of human activities in different periods. It provides more physical materials for a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of the Shuidonggou area and is an important empirical evidence for the study of the human development process.
Shuidonggou Grand Canyon
The two sides of the Shuidonggou Grand Canyon are steep with strange walls, and there are numerous gullies. After long-term erosion by rainwater, the thick loess has formed a unique "soil forest" landscape. The soil columns stand upright and strangely shaped, and the stream murmurs at the bottom of the valley, contrasting with the surrounding Yardang landforms, forming a magnificent and mysterious natural picture scroll.
Ming Great Wall
The Ming Great Wall in the Shuidonggou Scenic Area is one of the most completely preserved sections of the Ming Great Wall site in Ningxia. It starts from Hengcheng on the east bank of the Yellow River, passes through Lingwu and Yanchi in Ningxia, and extends to Dingbian County, Shaanxi. The Great Wall was mostly rammed with loess. Under the illumination of the morning and evening sun, it contrasts with the copper-colored Yellow River water, presenting a unique purple color, so it is also known as the "Purple Fortress". It winds among the stacked hills and mountain gullies, just like a giant dragon, majestic and spectacular.
Hongshan Lake
Hongshan Lake is a lake wetland landscape formed by the accumulation of the Qingshui River flowing into the Yellow River. The lake water is clear to the bottom, and there are shady green trees around. It shines with the blue sky, white clouds, the Great Wall, and the Yardang landforms, forming a picturesque and beautiful scenery. Just like a bright pearl inlaid in the desert, it creates a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
Shazao Bay
The Shazao forest in Shazao Bay is lush and green. Every autumn, the Shazao fruits hang all over the branches, and the air is filled with the rich and sweet smell of Shazao. Visitors can take a leisurely walk here, feel the gift of nature, enjoy the peaceful and beautiful pastoral scenery, and experience the unique rural amorous feelings.
Hidden Soldier Cave
The Hidden Soldier Cave is an important part of the military defense system of the Ming Great Wall. The interior of the cave is complex in structure, full of organs and hidden weapons, winding and tortuous, just like a mysterious underground maze. Here, visitors can personally experience the wisdom and ingenuity of ancient military defense, feel the tense and mysterious atmosphere during the war years, and appreciate the intelligence and military strategy of the ancients.
Hongshan Fort
Hongshan Fort is a military castle in the Ming Dynasty. The city walls are tall and thick, and the buildings inside the fort are scattered in an orderly manner. It used to be an important stronghold for garrison troops and has witnessed countless historical vicissitudes. Standing on the Hongshan Fort, one can almost hear the sounds of swords and horses in those days, feel the thickness of history and its changes, and can't help but be filled with emotions.
Delicacies
Hand-grabbed Mutton
Hand-grabbed mutton is a representative traditional delicacy in Ningxia. It is made from high-quality local mutton through a simple and unique cooking process. The meat is tender and juicy, fat but not greasy. When eating, just dip it in a little special seasoning, and you can taste the most authentic and delicious flavor of the mutton, which is unforgettable. It is one of the must-try delicacies for visitors to the Shuidonggou Tourist Area.
Sheep Entrails
Sheep Entrails use the internal organs of sheep such as the heart, liver, lungs, stomach, and intestines as the main ingredients, and are matched with ingredients such as vermicelli and tofu. After careful cooking, they are boiled into a pot of fragrant and rich soup. The soup is mellow and delicious, and the sheep offal is clean without peculiar smell, with a rich and diverse taste. It is one of the favorite traditional breakfasts of local residents and a good choice for visitors to experience the local food culture.
Cold Noodles
The Cold Noodles around the Shuidonggou Tourist Area have unique characteristics. The cold noodles are firm and smooth in texture. They are paired with seasonings such as chili oil, vinegar, and garlic sauce, and added with fresh side dishes such as shredded cucumbers and bean sprouts, with bright colors and rich tastes. They are sour, spicy, refreshing, and greasy-reducing. Especially in the hot summer, they are a popular refreshing delicacy.
Sanjzi
Sanjzi is a traditional fried noodle food, as thin as hair, golden in color, and crispy in taste. It is usually used as a special food for festivals or entertaining guests. It can be eaten directly to enjoy its crispy taste, or soaked in milk tea, which has a unique flavor. It is one of the common traditional delicacies in the Ningxia area.
Stir-fried Pulled Noodles
Stir-fried Pulled Noodles are made by boiling the pulled noodles and then stir-frying them with various vegetables and meats. The pulled noodles are chewy and elastic, and the side dishes are rich and diverse. After stir-frying, the taste is rich and mellow, and the aroma is tangy. This dish is not only filling but also delicious, and it is deeply loved by both locals and tourists. It is a must-try among the characteristic delicacies of Ningxia.
Ticket Prices
The full-price ticket is 60 yuan, and the half-price ticket is 30 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "宁夏水洞沟旅游", to get the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Peak season: 08:00 - 19:30
Off-season: 09:00 - 17:30
You can get the latest information on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Route
The following is a classic tour route suitable for most visitors: After entering from the main gate of the scenic area, first visit the Shuidonggou Site Museum. Through the rich exhibits and modern display means in the museum, deeply understand the historical culture and archaeological excavation achievements of Shuidonggou. Then go to Zhang San's Small Inn to feel the working and living scenes of the archaeologists there. Subsequently, take a sightseeing bus to visit Site No. 1, Site No. 2, and Site No. 3 in turn to observe the activity remains of ancient humans up close. After that, go to the Shuidonggou Grand Canyon and stroll along the canyon trail to enjoy the unique soil forest and Yardang landform landscape. Then take a cruise to tour Hongshan Lake and enjoy the lake view and mountain scenery. After getting off the boat, go to the Ming Great Wall to experience its grandeur. Then go to the Hidden Soldier Cave to explore the mysterious underground military defense project. Finally, arrive at Hongshan Fort to feel the historical charm of the Ming Dynasty military castle.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Yinchuan urban area, you can go to the Shuidonggou Tourist Area via Yingu Expressway, Qingyin Expressway, etc. The scenic area has a large parking lot for convenient parking.
- Bus: You can take the tourist special line bus to Shuidonggou at Xinyue Square, Xingqing District, Yinchuan City. It departs regularly every day, with affordable fares and convenient travel.
- Chartered Car: If there are more people in the group or you want a more flexible way of travel, you can book a chartered car to the Shuidonggou Tourist Area at travel agencies or car rental companies in Yinchuan urban area.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Shuidonggou Site Museum: Using rich exhibits and advanced display technologies, the museum systematically introduces the discovery, excavation process, and research achievements of the Shuidonggou Site. Through forms such as the 5D cinema, it vividly reproduces the living scenes of the Shuidonggou ancestors, and it is an important window to understand the Shuidonggou culture.
- Shuidonggou Grand Canyon: With unique landform landscapes, there are jagged rocks and numerous gullies in the canyon. Walking in it is like being in an ancient world, and you can deeply feel the uncanny workmanship of nature. It is a must-visit place for photography and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hidden Soldier Cave: An outstanding representative of the military defense projects in the Ming Dynasty, the organs in the cave are ingeniously set, showing the excellent military wisdom of the ancients. Visitors can personally explore this underground maze and feel the thickness and mystery of history.
- Ming Great Wall: A well-preserved section of the Ming Great Wall site. Standing on the city wall, you can overlook the desert scenery and recall the ancient battles. It has extremely high historical and cultural value and ornamental value.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to choose a sunny day to visit so as to better appreciate the natural scenery of the scenic area and take beautiful photos.
- Since the scenic area is large and the distance between some scenic spots is relatively far, it is recommended to buy a package ticket including a sightseeing bus to save energy and time.
- The scenic area is located on the edge of the desert, and the ultraviolet rays are relatively strong. Be sure to take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- When visiting underground scenic spots such as the Hidden Soldier Cave, the light in the cave is relatively dark and the ground may be slippery. Please pay attention to safety and follow the instructions of the scenic area and the guidance of the staff.
- It is advisable to learn some historical and cultural knowledge about Shuidonggou in advance, which can make the tour more interesting and rewarding.
Notes
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in the scenic area to prevent fires and ensure the safety and environmental cleanliness of the scenic area.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit everywhere or litter, and jointly maintain the natural ecology of the scenic area.
- When taking transportation such as cruise ships and sightseeing buses, obey the order, follow the arrangements of the staff, fasten the seat belt, and ensure your own safety.
- When visiting the ruins and cultural relics, do not touch or climb to avoid damaging the cultural relics, and jointly protect the precious historical and cultural heritage.
- The temperature is relatively high in summer, and the water replenishment points in the scenic area are relatively limited. It is recommended to bring an appropriate amount of drinking water and anti-heatstroke medicine to prevent heatstroke.