Name: Wuzhong

Chinese Name: 吴忠

Province: Ningxia

Status: City

Population: 2,050,000 inhabitants

Area: 27,000 km²

Wuzhong is located in the center of the autonomous region of Ningxia, in the northern part near Yinchuan. It is said that this city is also the cradle of Chinese civilization and is designated as the pearl of Chine. It was once one of the commercial passages in eastern Chine.

History

The history of Wuzhong refers to bones dating back thirty thousand years, found in the region. Under the Qin dynasty, the court decided to undertake a water irrigation project in the region's fields and allowed Wuzhong to become fertile land.

During the 19th century, the region became the stronghold of the Jahriyya of the Sufi order.

The city was an important trade passage to Inner Mongolia between Baotou, Hohhot and Beijing.

The city was called Jinjipu during the Muslim rebellion from 1862 to 1877. It was therefore the headquarters of rebels in the Ningxia region. After the rebellion, the city was transferred to Zuo Zontang and many soldiers were massacred.

Today

Nowadays, Wuzhong has become a very famous tourist site. It is especially renowned for its magnificent landscape formed by plains and oases in the northeast, which give the place a particular charm. Visitors can also find the Heishan Gorges in Zhongwei and the Shapotou Desert Park. However, there are many other tourist sites in Wuzhong.

During your trip to Wuzhong, you will not miss the 108 Lamas Pagodas. They are located on the west bank of the Qingtong Gorges. Together, they take the form of a triangle consisting of 12 rows with odd numbers from top to bottom. They were made of bricks spread over an area of 4,000 square meters, with varied sizes and heights. It is said that they were built under the Xia dynasty to honor Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Also visit the Tongxin Mosque located in the western suburbs of Tongxin County. It is said to rank among the largest and oldest Islamic mosques of the Hui people in the Ningxia region. It was erected during the Ming dynasty and restored during the Qing dynasty. The mosque is described as a gigantic building built with a blend of Chinese style (wooden construction) and Arab architectural and artistic style (brick structure). Muslims gather in this mosque during Islamic festivals or for prayers.

You can also taste the region's gastronomy. Indeed, the cuisine in Wuzhong is both a mixture of Chinese and Muslim cuisine. As a result, the flavors blend together and take on a salty, sour but also spicy flavor with seasoning accompanied by aromatic herbs. As a famous dish, you will be able to taste the specialty of beef with licorice, fried lamb, etc.

Beyond historical and religious sites, the city of Wuzhong is a place rich in abundant and exceptional natural resources such as deserts, oases and grasslands.

Wuzhong is also best known for the majority of its people consisting of the Hui ethnic group which contributes to the cultural diversity of its population. It is said to be also the cradle of this ethnic group. Wuzhong also offers exceptional mountainous landscapes north of the Great Wall and a beautiful view of the Yellow River. Nowadays, the city has become increasingly populated and modernized. The first thing you notice during a stay in Wuzhong is the resounding call of the mosque for the morning prayer. Indeed, most of the inhabitants in this city are also Muslim. The mosque is also an image and witness to the city's evolution. The city is also nowadays the industrial hub in the manufacture of halal products.

Climate

The climate in the city of Wuzhong is a temperate semi-arid continental climate since it is located in an inland area. It also has four distinct seasons but in summer, it is not very hot and the temperature can vary greatly between day and night. However, it ranks among the sunniest places in the country. With its climate, Wuzhong possesses very fertile soil.

The city of Wuzhong is located 60 kilometers from Yinchuan. The journey takes less than an hour. Yinchuan Bus Station also has tourist buses at Donghuan Bei Lu which offers routes to Wuzhong. Wuzhong Bus Station is located in Litong Bei Jie.

Train

The Wuzhong Station is located in Qingtongxia, and trains are served by Yinchuan, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Pingliang, Hohhot, Xining and Jiayuguan, as well as by Yuquan Station.

Bus

Wuzhong is served by numerous buses and four highways. This makes it accessible from cities in the region and also from Beijing.

Tourists can tour the city via the many public buses that serve the city and can drop you off in front of the main historical sites. Furthermore, they can also rent a private motorcycle to take a ride around the city.

What to Do in Wuzhong?

• Discover the 108 Lamas Pagodas and their impressive shape.
• Stop at the Tongxin Mosque and admire the different architectural styles that compose it.
• Venture out to the Shapotou Desert Park.