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Hiking in Ningxia

Ningxia Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

The trails that define Ningxia, with distances, elevation, and when each is actually passable.

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This guide covers 9+ hiking trails in Ningxia — Suyukou Cliff Plank Road, Wudaotang Loop, Helan Mountain Suyukou National Forest Park and Helankou Rock Art Gorge Boardwalk top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a compact, landlocked province in north-central China, straddling the upper Yellow River between the Gobi and Tengger deserts and the Helan Mountains. Home to a large ethnic Hui Muslim population alongside the Han majority, Ningxia blends desert scenery, Yellow River irrigation culture, Xixia (Western Xia) dynasty heritage, and a fast-growing wine industry into one of China's most underrated travel regions.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Suyukou Cliff Plank Road

    5.3 km plank walkway built onto the cliff face3-4 hours round trip, longer with the return cable car queueClimbs from the park gate at about 1,700 m toward the upper ridge near 3,000 m; a cable car (up CNY 50 / down CNY 30) covers the steepest section

  2. 2

    Wudaotang Loop, Helan Mountain Suyukou National Forest Park

    3.36 km loop1.5-2.5 hours, or under an hour combined with the cable carReaches a maximum of about 2,162 m along the loop

  3. 3

    Helankou Rock Art Gorge Boardwalk

    About 2-3 km of boardwalk from the museum entrance up the gorge to the main carved panels2-3 hours including the on-site museumGentle grade along the gorge floor; only minor climbs to viewing platforms

  4. 4

    Helankou Deep Gorge Trek

    About 15.9 km beyond the tourist boardwalk, following the gorge deeper into the range6-8 hoursAround 664 m of cumulative gain from the gorge floor

  5. 5

    Baisikou Twin Pagodas Foothill Walk

    About 500 m from the bus stop to the pagodas, with an optional 3-4 km extension along the foothill track1-2.5 hours depending on how far the extension is walkedMostly level approach to the pagodas; the foothill extension climbs gently through scrub

  6. 6

    Xiaonanchuan Boardwalk, Liupan Mountain National Forest Park

    Several kilometres of wooden boardwalk looping through forest and along the streams that form one of the Jing River's sources2-4 hoursGentle valley-floor walking with minor climbs to viewing decks

  7. 7

    Liangdian Gorge Trail, Liupan Mountain

    About 10 km through the gorge, historically used as a summer encampment site4-6 hoursModerate valley-floor gain with rockier sections deeper into the gorge

  8. 8

    Shuidonggou Yardang Canyon Trail

    Walking routes of 3-6 km through the canyon's yardang formations, including the Ghost Town, Cyclone Cave, Lying Camel Ridge and Cloud-broken Valley sections3-5 hours to cover the main canyon circuitThe gorge itself is 6-14 m deep and 50-200 m wide, with level walking along the canyon floor and short climbs to overlooks

  9. 9

    Xumishan Grottoes Hillside Trail

    About 3-4 km connecting the eight scattered grotto clusters across the hillside2-3 hoursSite sits at roughly 1,700-1,850 m altitude, with moderate up-and-down walking between grotto clusters

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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