Helan Mountain National Forest Park (Suyukou)

贺兰山国家森林公园

Ningxia, Yinchuan★ 4.3·38.8565°N, 109.9802°E

Ticket Price

CNY 60 (peak season), CNY 40 (off-season)

Duration

4-5 hours

Rating

4.3 / 5.0

About Helan Mountain National Forest Park (Suyukou)

A pine and birch forest park on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains west of Yinchuan, Ningxia. Its gorges, waterfalls, mountain temples and a cable car to panoramic ridges offer a cool contrast to the desert landscapes around.

Highlights

• Pine and birch forest gorges on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains. • The Suyukou canyon, a waterfall, and a small ski area in winter. • Mountain temples and panoramic ridges.

Suggested Route

Entrance → canyon trail → waterfall → ridge viewpoint (cable car optional); allow half a day.

Food & Lodging

Mountain trout and Ningxia dishes at base restaurants; lodging in Yinchuan.

Facilities

Parking, restrooms, cable car, and cafe; high trails limit wheelchairs.

Travel Tips

Recommended routes: Route 1: Helan Mountain Museum — Sanqing Temple — Lingguang Temple — Songtao Villa (via cableway) — Qingsong Ridge (suspension bridge round trip) — Century Tower — Tu'er Keng — Cherry Valley. Route 2: Helan Mountain Museum — Sanqing Temple — Lingguang Temple — Cherry Valley — Tu'er Keng — Century Tower — Qingsong Ridge (suspension bridge round trip) — Songtao Villa.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: May-October

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.