Built on the ruins of two Ming-dynasty desert fortresses, Zhenbeibu China West Film Studio has served as the backdrop for hundreds of Chinese films and television series set in the old West and imperial China, earning it the nickname the 'Hollywood of the East' or 'Oriental Hollywood.' Visitors wander reconstructed Qing-dynasty streets, desert fort walls and film sets, with staged stunt and martial-arts performances running through the day.
About 35 km northwest of central Yinchuan, in the desert foothills where the Helan Mountains meet the Ningxia plain, Zhenbeibu China West Film Studio grew out of two genuine Ming-dynasty garrison forts once used to guard the frontier. In the 1990s the site was redeveloped into a working film location, and its weathered rammed-earth walls, reconstructed courtyards and old-town streets have since appeared in hundreds of Chinese productions, from martial-arts epics to imperial dramas, giving it its popular nickname as China's 'Hollywood of the East.' A visit combines wandering the atmospheric fort ruins and film sets - many still dressed with props from recent productions - with scheduled live performances, typically stunt shows and staged fight sequences performed by resident actors several times a day. The setting itself, with the bare Helan Mountains rising behind sand-colored walls, is a striking backdrop for photography, especially in the softer light of late afternoon. The studio pairs naturally with the nearby Helankou rock art and Western Xia Tombs, all clustered in Yinchuan's western suburbs and reachable only by taxi, DiDi car or organized tour rather than public bus, making a hired car the practical way to link two or three of these sites into a single day.
| Distance | About 35 km northwest of central Yinchuan |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 40-50 minutes by car or taxi |
| Getting there | Mode: Car or taxi; Detail: No direct public bus route; reached by taxi, DiDi car, or as part of an organized tour combining it with Helankou and the Western Xia Tombs |
| Cost | Entry CNY 100-120 (USD 14.93-17.91), including access to the fort ruins and standard performances |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Zhenbeibao Town, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia |
How to get there
- Taxi or DiDi round trip from Yinchuan (about 40-50 min each way)
- Chartered car with driver, often combined with Helankou and the Western Xia Tombs
- Organized half-day or full-day tour from Yinchuan hotels
Location
Zhenbeibao Town, Xixia District, Yinchuan, Ningxia
38.6275, 106.0669 View on map
Highlights
- Original Ming-dynasty fortress ruins repurposed as film sets
- Live stunt and martial-arts show performances
- Reconstructed old-town streets used in dozens of Chinese films
- Desert backdrop views of the Helan Mountains
Tips for visiting
- Check the daily performance schedule at the entrance - stunt shows run at set times and are the highlight for most visitors
- Bring sun protection - the site is almost entirely outdoors with little shade
- Combine with the nearby Helan Mountain sites for a fuller western-suburbs day trip
- Photography opportunities are best in the late afternoon when the desert light softens the fort walls
When to visit
April to October, avoiding the coldest winter months when performances may be curtailed; visit in the late afternoon for the best light on the fort walls and cooler temperatures for walking the open site.
Accessibility
The site involves walking over uneven, sandy and sometimes stepped terrain between fort courtyards, which makes full wheelchair access difficult. Paths between the main film-set areas are generally flat but unpaved in sections.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zhenbeibu a real historic site or a modern film set?
Both. The core structures are genuine Ming-dynasty fortress ruins, later redeveloped as a working film studio; visitors see original defensive walls alongside constructed sets built for specific productions.
What are the stunt shows like?
Resident performers stage martial-arts and stunt sequences several times daily within the fort's courtyards, drawing on the site's decades of use in Chinese action and historical films.
How do I get there without a car?
There is no direct public bus to Zhenbeibu. Most visitors arrive by taxi, DiDi ride-hailing car, or as part of an organized tour, typically combined with the nearby Helan Mountain rock art and Western Xia Tombs.
Is there shade or shelter on site?
Very little. The site is mostly open desert terrain with exposed fort walls and courtyards, so sun hats, sunscreen and water are recommended, especially in summer.