A former Ming-dynasty military fort converted into a film set in 1961, used for hundreds of Chinese martial-arts and western films, with reconstructed ancient streets, courtyards, and stunt shows.
Zhenbeibu occupies a Ming-dynasty military fort in Xixia District, about 35 kilometers northwest of central Yinchuan, that was converted into a working film set in 1961 and has since served as the backdrop for hundreds of Chinese martial-arts films and television dramas. The grounds recreate a Ming-and-Qing-style walled town along with a separate 'ancient village' area of reconstructed courtyards, shopfronts, and a small dust-blown desert square used for staged sword-fighting and stunt performances. Visitors can walk freely through the reconstructed streets and courtyards, many of which still show props and set dressing left over from film shoots, and several buildings house small exhibits on Chinese film history and behind-the-scenes photographs from productions shot on site. A daily stunt show and folk-costume photo opportunities are the main scheduled draws; check the current show times at the entrance, since they shift by season. A full visit covering both walled areas and a stunt performance runs about two to three hours. Late morning is generally the best time to arrive, timed around the daily performance, and also avoids the strongest midday sun on the largely shade-free desert grounds. The site draws steady tour-bus traffic through the day in peak season, with the performance area busiest just before and during the scheduled shows.
| Admission | Adult ¥80 (approx $12) · Child Free for children 6 and under or under 1.2m, and seniors 60+; half-price for students |
|---|---|
| Hours | Peak season (Apr 15-Oct 15): 8:00AM-6:00PM (last entry 5:30PM); off-season (Oct 16-Apr 14): 9:00AM-5:00PM (last entry 3:00PM) |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Late morning for the daily stunt and folk performances |
| Getting there | About 35km / 40 minutes northwest of central Yinchuan by taxi or tour bus |
| Address | Zhenbeibao, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China |
Location
Zhenbeibao, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
38.5904, 106.0983 View on map
Highlights
- A working Ming-dynasty fort converted into a film set used in hundreds of productions
- Reconstructed Ming-and-Qing streets, courtyards, and an 'ancient village' area
- A daily stunt and folk-performance show in the desert-set square
- Leftover props and set dressing from decades of Chinese film and TV shoots
Tips for visiting
- Time the visit around the daily stunt show; check current performance times at the entrance
- Arrive in late morning to combine the show with cooler temperatures before midday heat sets in
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the fort's dusty, uneven ground
- Children 6 and under or under 1.2 meters, and seniors 60 and over, enter free
When to visit
Late morning, timed around the daily stunt show, gives the best combination of performance access and milder temperatures.
Accessibility
The fort's paths are packed dirt and sand with some uneven sections that are difficult for wheelchair users; the main courtyards are relatively flat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Zhenbeibu take?
Most visitors spend two to three hours covering both walled areas and watching the daily stunt performance.
Is Zhenbeibu worth visiting with kids?
Yes, the stunt show and costumed photo opportunities are popular with children, though the desert setting has little shade.
Is photography allowed at the film studio?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the grounds, including during the stunt performances.