108 Pagodas

108塔

An enchanting 12th-century Islamic monument consisting of 108 small brick pagodas arranged in a triangular formation overlooking the Yellow River valley. This unique structure blends Buddhist and Islamic architectural traditions in the remote Ningxia landscape.

Things to do

• Explore the Pagoda Complex — Walk among the 108 brick pagodas arranged in their distinctive triangular formation and examine the intricate Islamic and Buddhist architectural details up close.
• Yellow River Valley Viewpoint — Stand at the overlook above the pagodas to capture panoramic photographs of the sweeping Yellow River valley and surrounding Ningxia landscape.
• Photography and Sunset Watching — Time your visit for late afternoon when golden light illuminates the brick pagodas and creates dramatic shadows across the triangular formation.
• Visit the On-Site Museum — Learn about the site's 12th-century origins, the blending of Buddhist and Islamic traditions, and the historical significance of the Yellow River region.
• Hiking the Surrounding Terraces — Trek the loess plateau terrain around the pagoda site to experience the dramatic geography and visit nearby Hui Muslim villages.

Food to try

• Ningxia Goji Berry Dishes — Sample local goji berries in traditional dishes, soups, or tea—Ningxia is renowned as China's premier goji-growing region.
• Hui Muslim Lamb Skewers (羊肉串) — Enjoy grilled lamb seasoned with cumin and chili at local vendors, a staple of Hui Muslim cuisine in the Ningxia region.
• Yellow River Carp — Taste fresh carp prepared steamed or braised, sourced from the nearby Yellow River and served in local restaurants.
• Ningxia Red Wine — Sample locally produced wines from Ningxia's growing wine region, known for quality red wines made from grapes grown in the loess plateau.
• Hui Muslim Noodles (蜂窝面) — Eat hand-pulled or knife-cut noodles served in aromatic broths with lamb, a comfort food central to Hui Muslim dining traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Islamic and Buddhist Traditions — The site represents both Islamic and Buddhist heritage—dress modestly and be respectful when visiting, particularly if Hui Muslim locals are present for worship or gatherings.
• Best Time to Visit — Plan your visit for spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild; summers are hot and winters extremely cold on the loess plateau.
• Language and Local Engagement — Few English speakers are present at the site; learning basic Mandarin phrases will enhance your experience and allow meaningful conversations with local guides and villagers.
• Appropriate Footwear and Preparation — Wear sturdy hiking boots as the terrain is uneven loess soil; bring water and sun protection as the site offers minimal shade and can be quite remote.