The 108 Dagobas form one of the most striking Buddhist monuments in China: a triangular formation of 108 white brick stupas, arranged in 12 rows from a single dagoba at the apex down to a wide base, built on a hillside above the Yellow River during the Western Xia or Yuan period. Set against the river and the dam at Qingtongxia, the site is as much a landscape encounter as a religious one.
About 80 km south of Yinchuan, on a hillside above the Yellow River near Qingtongxia Dam, stands one of Ningxia's most unusual religious monuments: 108 white-plastered brick dagobas (Buddhist stupas) arranged in a precise triangular formation of 12 rows, with a single large dagoba at the apex widening to 19 stupas across the base. Built during the Western Xia or early Yuan period, the exact origins and purpose of the number and arrangement remain debated among scholars, but the effect - a geometric field of white domes stepping down the slope toward the river - is striking and photogenic, particularly from the lower viewing terraces that reveal the full triangular pattern. The site sits within view of Qingtongxia Dam, one of the earlier hydroelectric projects on the Yellow River, adding an industrial-landscape counterpoint to the historic stupas. Reaching Qingtongxia from Yinchuan takes about 1.5-2 hours, either by long-distance bus from Yinchuan South Bus Station followed by a short local taxi to the dagobas site, or by a direct chartered car or DiDi ride covering the whole route. The town of Wuzhong lies conveniently between Yinchuan and Qingtongxia on both the rail and road corridors, making it easy to combine a stop there - Wuzhong has its own smaller attractions and a good selection of Hui Muslim cuisine - with the dagobas as a single day out. Because public transport options taper off in the afternoon, visitors relying on the bus should confirm return times before setting out, while those with a chartered car or rental have more flexibility to linger over the river views.
| Distance | About 80 km south of Yinchuan |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1.5-2 hours by bus or car |
| Getting there | Mode: Bus or car; Detail: Long-distance bus from Yinchuan South Bus Station to Qingtongxia, then a local taxi to the dagobas site; or a direct chartered car from Yinchuan |
| Cost | Entry CNY 40-60 (USD 5.97-8.96) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | 108 Dagobas Scenic Area, Qingtongxia, Wuzhong, Ningxia |
How to get there
- Bus: Yinchuan South Bus Station to Qingtongxia (about 1.5-2 hours), then taxi to the site
- Chartered car or DiDi direct from Yinchuan (about 1.5-2 hours)
- Combine with Wuzhong, which sits between Yinchuan and Qingtongxia on the rail line
Location
108 Dagobas Scenic Area, Qingtongxia, Wuzhong, Ningxia
38.0209, 106.0691 View on map
Highlights
- The precise triangular formation of 108 individual stupas
- Sweeping views over the Yellow River from the hillside site
- Views of Qingtongxia Dam, one of the Yellow River's early hydroelectric projects
- A quieter, less crowded alternative to Yinchuan's more visited heritage sites
Tips for visiting
- Combine the visit with a stop in Wuzhong, which lies on the rail and road route between Yinchuan and Qingtongxia
- The hillside site is exposed with little shade - bring water and sun protection
- Photograph the full triangular formation from the lower viewing area to capture the arrangement's geometry
- Public transport options thin out after mid-afternoon - confirm the last return bus time before heading out
When to visit
April to June and September to October bring milder temperatures for the exposed hillside walk; visit in the morning or late afternoon for the most flattering light on the white stupas.
Accessibility
The hillside site involves walking up a sloped, unpaved path to view the stupas at close range, which is difficult for wheelchair users; a lower viewing area offers a more accessible vantage point over the full formation.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there exactly 108 dagobas?
The number 108 holds significance in Buddhism, commonly associated with the 108 earthly desires or afflictions in Buddhist teaching, though the precise historical reasoning behind this specific site's arrangement is not definitively documented.
Can I combine this trip with Wuzhong?
Yes. Wuzhong sits on the route between Yinchuan and Qingtongxia by both road and rail, making it easy to add a stop there before or after visiting the dagobas.
How do I get to the dagobas without a car?
Take a long-distance bus from Yinchuan South Bus Station to Qingtongxia town, then a short local taxi to the 108 Dagobas site on the Yellow River's west bank.
Is there shade at the site?
Very little. The dagobas stand on an open, exposed hillside, so sun protection and water are recommended, particularly in the summer months.