Xianhelou

Xianhelou is an old halal restaurant at 204 Xinhua Street in Xingqing District, Yinchuan, the capital of China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, known for its Yellow River carp. Serving Hui cuisine, it offers a broader menu than the city's snack shops, with sit-down dishes suited to family meals and small banquets. The signature dish is Huanghe liyu, Yellow River carp, a freshwater fish long linked to the Ningxia stretch of the river and traditionally braised or steamed with local seasonings. Steamed lamb is another staple, cooked gently so the meat stays tender, and a Hui snack platter gives visitors a sampler of regional pastries and small plates. As a halal establishment, it does not serve pork, and alcohol is not central to the dining culture. The dining room is more traditional and formal than a snack counter, with round tables for groups, attentive but unfussy service, and a moderate noise level; no strict dress code is applied, though smart casual is common for family occasions. Prices are about 60 to 120 yuan per person, or roughly 8 to 17 US dollars, depending on whether fish is ordered. Lunch and dinner are served, and hours should be confirmed locally. Walk-ins are welcome; reserving through the DiDi or Dianping apps is advisable for weekends, holidays and tables of six or more. Ordering carp by weight gives control over cost, and sharing several dishes is the norm. Xinhua Street sits in the older, central part of Xingqing District, so the restaurant combines easily with a visit to the Drum Tower area. The restaurant is a sensible choice for visitors wanting a seated halal meal with a regional fish specialty, which differs from the lamb-focused dishes found at most other listed Yinchuan venues.