Ningxia Museum – Home to Nearly 40,000 Artifacts

The “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall” exhibit is located on the south side of the second floor of the Ningxia Museum, covering an area of 400 square meters. It focuses on the historical features of Ningxia during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. After the prolonged wars of the late Western Xia period, Ningxia’s economy deteriorated, agriculture declined, and the region fell into ruin. However, under Kublai Khan’s Yuan dynasty, Ningxia embraced the advanced economy and culture of the Central Plains, leading to a rapid recovery and development of its society and economy, and the Hui ethnic group began to form. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, as the country experienced unification and stability, the Hui people continued to grow. This exhibition showcases the social, economic, and cultural history of Ningxia during this period, highlighting the historical appearance of “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.”

The “Tracing the Legacy of Western Xia” exhibit is also located on the second floor of the Ningxia Museum. It features over 300 exquisite Western Xia artifacts discovered in archaeological excavations since the founding of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. This collection includes national treasures such as the Gilt Bronze Ox, unearthed from the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, known as the “Pyramids of the East,” as well as dozens of other first-class national cultural relics. The exhibition focuses on five aspects: Western Xia script, casting, ceramics, Buddhism, and architecture. It provides a comprehensive and authentic display of the unique charm of Western Xia culture and the latest research findings in Western Xia studies, reflecting the profound heritage of ancient Chinese civilization.

The “Silk Road Strongholds” exhibition is located on the second floor of the Ningxia Museum. Its primary goal is to showcase the archaeological discoveries from the Guyuan and Lingzhou regions, key strategic points along the Silk Road, dating from the Northern Dynasties to the Sui and Tang periods. These relics and artifacts highlight the rich cultural exchanges between East and West. During this time, Ningxia held a significant position on the Silk Road, acting as a key passage for ethnic groups entering the Central Plains. The exhibition reveals the historical prominence of Ningxia during an era of intense interaction between China and neighboring, as well as distant, countries.

The “Farming and Pastoral Homeland” exhibition is also located on the second floor of the Ningxia Museum and is divided into two sections: “Pastoral Songs of the Grassland” and “The Qin Pass under the Han Moon.” This exhibit illustrates the historical development of Ningxia from the Western Zhou, Spring and Autumn, and Warring States periods to the Qin and Han dynasties. Featuring 144 sets of artifacts, it aims to provide visitors with an outline of the region’s civilizational progress during these eras. The first section focuses on the distinctive bronze culture of the Rong people in southern Ningxia, displaying bronze ritual vessels, weapons, chariot fittings, bronze plaques, and belt ornaments. The second section highlights the agricultural development and construction of water infrastructure in northern Ningxia, featuring artifacts related to agriculture and handicrafts, primarily pottery and bronze items.

Located in the northeast corner of the second floor of the Ningxia Museum, the “Dawn of Civilization” exhibition recreates the cultural phenomena and significant archaeological findings from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic periods in Ningxia. Using scene restoration, artifact displays, and interactive multimedia, the exhibit brings these ancient times to life. Ningxia is situated on the northwestern edge of the Loess Plateau, at the upper reaches of the Yellow River, a crucial area for economic and cultural exchange. This region was home to early human civilization during the Stone Age, featuring the Shuidonggou Paleolithic site and the “Microblade Culture” of the Neolithic period along the northern Yellow River. In the south, the Guyuan region has key Neolithic cultural sites such as the Majiayao, Caiyuan, and Qijia cultures.

“Strolling Through Hui Culture” is located on the southeastern side of the third floor, covering 1,000–1,200 square meters. This exhibit showcases the rich cultural diversity of the Hui people in terms of religion, daily life, and customs. Utilizing innovative displays, including artifacts, photographs, texts, and models, the exhibition traces the deep connection between the Hui people and Ningxia. The Hui, one of China’s ethnic groups, has a long history and a vibrant culture. Since Islam entered China during the Tang Dynasty, the Hui people evolved over centuries, especially during the Yuan Dynasty. Ningxia is now the largest Hui-populated region in China and the only provincial-level Hui autonomous area.

Located on the west side of the first floor, the “Carved Chronicles” exhibition is divided into three main sections: “The First Homeland,” “Petroglyphs: Life Imprints on Stone,” and “Protection and Research: Ongoing Efforts.” It features a large collection of artifacts, including around 150 petroglyphs, 300 rubbings, 150 photographs, nomadic relics, and replicas. The exhibition places Ningxia’s petroglyphs within the broader context of global rock art, seeking to identify cultural commonalities while acknowledging the uncertainties in petroglyph research. The exhibit provides a rich exploration of these ancient markings, which were created by nomadic peoples and reflect the early life and culture of the region.