Huoshizhai National Geopark (火石寨国家地质公园) is located in Guyuan City, Ningxia, covering an area of 97.95 square kilometers, with its highest peak reaching 2,450 meters. The park features spectacular Danxia landforms, formed over more than 100 million years through the processes of red sediment deposition, mountain uplift, and erosion. It is the largest Danxia landform area in northern China and the highest in elevation across the country.
During spring and summer, the landscape comes alive with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and fluttering butterflies, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere. Arrow bamboo clusters, typically found in southern regions, add a unique charm to the northern mountainscape. Scattered across the park’s expanse are various towering peaks, including the notable Bamboo Sweeping Ridge, Stone Temple Mountain, and Zhaobi Mountain, with the most extraordinary being the Natural Stone City. In addition to its mesmerizing natural scenery, Huoshizhai is home to over ten stone cave structures, blending geological wonder with historical significance.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 140 RMB including admission, shuttle bus, camel cart, cable car, and glass bridge. |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0954-3906999 |
Location and Transportation
Huoshizhai National Geopark is located 15 kilometers north of Xiji County in Guyuan City, Ningxia. There is currently no direct public transportation to the geopark, so visitors need to take a taxi to reach the site.
Highlights of Huoshizhai National Geopark
Stone City
Located 1 kilometer south of Chanyao Village, Stone City is surrounded by steep peaks, including Paojia Mountain, Qilibao Mountain, General Mountain, and Zhaobi Mountain. It is accessible only through canyons on its east and west ends, giving it the appearance of a fortress, strategically difficult to attack and easy to defend. The name “Stone City” is a figurative reference to its unique geological features. The area can be divided into an inner and outer city, with the “inner city” resembling a reclining ox. This central formation stands isolated, with a base circumference of 900 meters and vertical cliffs over 50 meters high. The steep, sheer walls make it almost impossible to climb, except for an artificial staircase with 80 steps carved into the southeast corner.
Stone Caves
The Chanfo Temple Stone Caves are located in Chanyao Village in Huoshizhai and are connected to Xumishan Mountain in Guyuan County, earning them the name Xumishan Chanfo Temple. These caves are a significant site for Chan Buddhism, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The caves are carved into a pagoda-like peak, surrounded by bizarre rock formations in various shapes.
The Shisishan Stone Caves are situated to the southwest of Huoshizhai Township. The mountain is named after the caves carved into its peak. Shisishan forms a “山” shape, with stone peaks rising over 100 meters high. The cliffs are imposing, and access to the summit is only possible via a man-made staircase on the eastern side. The caves, carved during the Sui and Tang dynasties, include eight rectangular chambers and four water cisterns. Although the statues inside have been damaged, remnants of Buddha niches and murals still exist.
The Bamboo Sweeping Ridge Stone Caves are located amidst the stone peaks to the south of Huoshizhai Township. The ridge is named for the bamboo used to make brooms that grows there. With over 30 caves, Bamboo Sweeping Ridge holds the largest concentration of stone caves in Huoshizhai. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, only the northeast side has a man-made stairway for access. The area’s rugged terrain is reminiscent of the famous Maiji Mountain in Tianshui, known for its similar steep and perilous rock formations.
Huoshizhai Geological Museum
The Huoshizhai Geological Museum covers an area of over 840 square meters and is divided into two floors. The museum is organized into three main sections: “Cosmos and Earth Science,” “Danxia Geological Landforms,” and “Huoshizhai Resources.” It showcases the process of human interaction with geological changes and is divided into ten units. Using modern art, multimedia, and large-scale scene paintings, along with new materials, the museum serves as a comprehensive base for Danxia science education, ecological protection, and leisure tourism. The museum houses over 100 rare ancient fossils and geological specimens, providing visitors with a wealth of information. A scaled terrain model of Huoshizhai National Geopark offers a panoramic view of the park’s landscape, making it an ideal educational and visual experience.
Great Buddha Hall
The Great Buddha Hall is located in the upper part of Yuntai Mountain and is the largest stone cave on the mountain. Inside the cave is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, the only surviving stone-carved and clay-molded sculpture, restored by local artisans over several years to its original appearance. The Buddha stands 5 meters tall, with a 4.8-meter waist circumference, exuding a serene and compassionate expression, and his ears nearly touch his shoulders. The imposing figure is awe-inspiring in its grandeur. The hall also features 18 powerful and solemn Arhat statues on the altar, along with vivid flying deities depicted on the walls, enhancing the profound Buddhist atmosphere. The 108 small Buddha statues on the three-tiered niches vary in expression, creating an intriguing and sacred presence. Traditionally, a grand temple fair is held here every year on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.
