Yinchuan, the capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is a relatively small city by Chinese standards, with an urban population of about 886,700. The city lies on the Yellow River, sheltered from the deserts of Mongolia by the Helan Mountains, in the center of the Ningxia plain.

Both the river and the mountains are important sources of revenue for the city, with a reliance on fresh seafood from the river, and stone from the mountains for the city's famed carving industry.

Though there are four distinct seasons in Yinchuan in terms of temperature, the weather remains arid and dry for most of the year, with the average annual precipitation remaining around 20cm. January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping as low as -16C (4F) at night and rising to around freezing during the day, while summer temperatures reach a very comfortable 23C average. One thing to note, however, is the relatively frequent occurrence of sandstorms in this area, blowing in from the nearby desert regions, so be prepared.

The city is well connected to other parts of the country by road, rail and air.

The main industries in Yinchuan are the production of dates, apples, wheat and rice. Apart from these staple products, however, there are a number of local specialties available in Yinchuan, including the famed Tanyang lambskin leather goods and Ningxia carpets, renowned in China and internationally for being made of an exceptionally high quality lambswool.

Cuisine in Yinchuan is a mixture of the local Muslim Ningxia fare, mixed with Han Chinese dishes, as well as the omnipresent Sichuan and Guangdong influences. Western food is available at some restaurants in the city, and many hotels offer Western food on the buffet tables as well.

The real draw for Yinchuan is the scenery of the region, with arid plains, mountains, the Yellow River, and deserts all nearby. The view from the Haibao Pagoda of the surrounding region is unparalleled, and should not be missed.

Laid-back and full of rich culture, Yinchuan offers an interesting view into the Hui people's life in Ningxia.