Xixia Imperial Tombs
Imperial mausoleums of the Western Xia (Tangut) dynasty (1038–1227). Inscribed 2025. 9 imperial mausoleums and 271 attendant tombs on the eastern slopes of the Helan Mountains.
unesco2026-10-18
At a glance
- ticket
- ¥68 combined ticket (includes all open tombs and museum). Children under 1.2m free.
- hours
- 08:00–18:00 (April–October). 09:00–17:00 (November–March).
- bestTime
- March–May and September–November. Summer (July–August) is extremely hot. Winter is cold but has fewer crowds.
- transport
- From Yinchuan, take Bus 15 or a taxi (¥50–80 each way). Most convenient is hiring a driver for the half-day circuit.
- duration
- 3–4 hours for the full site including the museum.
- Category
- cultural
- Year inscribed
- 2,025
- Category
- cultural
Why visit
The most visually striking aspect is the three remaining brick pagodas (Ta_305) — the tallest Tangut Buddhist pagoda remaining, with intricate glazed tile details. The vast desert landscape gives the tombs a lonely, monumental quality unlike other imperial mausoleums in China.
Highlights
- Tomb 7 (Zhao Yuanhao's tomb) — the largest and most excavated
- The three pagodas of Tomb 305 — Tangut Buddhist architecture at its finest
- The Western Xia Royal Museum — artifacts including the Tangut script rubbings
- The陵园 (mausoleum precinct) wall foundations with their distinctive brick patterns
Tips
- Hire a local guide or driver — the site is spread over 40 km² and the tombs are not walkable between each other
- The ¥68 combined ticket is worth it — it covers all open tombs and the museum
- Bring sun protection and water; shade is minimal on the desert slopes
FAQs
What is the Xixia Imperial Tombs?
The burial complex of the Western Xia (Tangut) dynasty emperors, located west of Yinchuan. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025, comprising 9 imperial mausoleums and 271 attendant tombs. The Tangut script and culture were largely destroyed after the Mongol conquest in 1227.
How do I get to the Xixia Imperial Tombs from Yinchuan?
From Yinchuan city, take Bus 15 from the Nanyang intersection (¥3) or a taxi (¥50–80). A private driver for the half-day tour costs ¥150–200 and is the most practical option for visiting all sites.
What is worth seeing at the Xixia Imperial Tombs?
The Tomb 7 excavation (Zhao Yuanhao's tomb) is the most impressive structurally. The three pagodas of Tomb 305 are the most beautiful. The Western Xia Royal Museum gives essential context. Allow 3–4 hours total.