Yinchuan is the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, with a population of 290,000. A famous city along the Great Wall, it once served as the capital of Western Xia.
  The Huis, an ancient tribe then in the country, once roamed around here as a nomadic tribe. In the early 5th century, Yinhan City was constructed; in the Ming (1368--1644), Ningxia Command was set up; and in the Qing (1640--1911), it was changed to Ningxia Prefecture; and in 1947, Yinchuan City was established.

  With Beijing--Lanzhou Railway passing the city, Yinchuan is served by passenger planes to Beijing, Lanzhou and Baotou. Yinchuan's carpets in an ancient style enjoy a ready market in Europe and America. Facai, stone ware, argali sheep hide, wolfberry fruit and licorice root are known as Ningxia's "five treasures".
  Major scenic spots and historic sites include Sea Treasure Pagoda, Chengtian Temple Pagoda, Jade Emperor Pavilion, imperial tomb of the state of Western Xia, etc. Square and eleven storied, rising 54 metres high, Sea Treasure Pagoda was rebuilt by the king of the state of Western Xia at the beginning of the 5th century, towering in the north of present-day Yinchuan.