Jian Zhao
I'm standing at the gate of the Western Xia Imperial Tombs — the desert wind kicking up dust. A traveler just walked up to me, phone dead, no idea how he’d get back to Yinchuan. He took the wrong bus. This happens more than you'd think.
Let me save you from that headache. The Western Xia Imperial Tombs are about 30km west of Yinchuan, and without a private car, you need a clear plan. I've led groups there dozens of times, and I've tested every public transport route personally. Here’s what works — and what doesn’t.
Tourist Bus from New Moon Square
This is the most convenient public option for foreign visitors. The Tourist Bus Line 1 departs from New Moon Square in the heart of Yinchuan. Look for the big bus stop near the square’s south side. The bus is bright green with “旅游专线” written on the side. One-way fare: 10 RMB — cash or WeChat Pay (Alipay works too).
Schedule: Departs 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Return buses leave the tombs at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM. The ride takes about 40 minutes. But here’s the catch — the bus only runs from April to October. Off-season? You're out of luck.
Regular Public Bus Route 708
Route 708 is the bread-and-butter public bus connecting Yinchuan city center to the Western Xia Tombs area. It starts from Yinchuan Railway Station Bus Hub. Catch it at the stop just outside the west exit of the station (look for the big blue sign).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route number | 708 |
| From | Yinchuan Railway Station Bus Hub (West Exit) |
| To | Western Xia Imperial Tombs (get off at “Xixia Wangling” stop) |
| Fare | 7 RMB (cash or mobile payment) |
| Frequency | Every 20 minutes, 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Travel time | ~50 minutes (plus 15 min walk from bus stop to ticket gate) |
Now, the walk from the bus stop to the actual entrance is about 1km along a dusty road. Not fun in summer heat. But buses are reliable year-round. One major con: The bus stop sign is in Chinese only. Show the driver “西夏王陵” on your phone. Most drivers will nod and let you know when to get off.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing: The Comfort Option
If public buses feel like a hassle, use Didi (China’s Uber). From Yinchuan city center, a one-way ride costs 60-80 RMB depending on traffic. The drop-off point is right at the ticket booth — no extra walking. Pro tip: When you arrive, ask your driver if he’s willing to wait. Many will agree for an extra 30-50 RMB. That saves you the nightmare of finding a return taxi in the middle of nowhere. The tombs are in a remote area; ride-hailing cars are scarce after 4 PM.
I always tell my groups: if you’re two or more people, a round-trip taxi with a waiting driver is cheaper than two bus tickets plus the headache. Total cost about 150 RMB for the whole car. Split three ways — that’s 50 RMB each.
Combined Tour Packages
Several travel agencies in Yinchuan offer half-day tours that include hotel pickup and English-speaking guide. Popular ones are on Trip.com and Klook. Typical price: 200-350 RMB per person. Includes entrance fee (75 RMB normally) and transport in an air-conditioned minibus. This is what most foreign tourists end up booking. Worth it if you value time over money — and you get commentary about the tombs’ history.
But honestly, if you’re on a budget, the tourist bus (first option) does the same job for 10 RMB. You just miss the guide.
My Insider Tips & Common Mistakes
- Don't go on Mondays. The ticket office is open, but the museum inside is closed. You'll miss the best artifacts.
- Buy tickets online. Scan the QR code at the entrance or pre-book on WeChat mini-program “西夏陵”. Foreign cards don’t work there — ask a Chinese friend to pay, or use Alipay if you have it set up. Cash works at the counter but expect a long line.
- Bring water and snacks. There’s one small shop inside that sells overpriced instant noodles (15 RMB) and warm bottled water. Not great.
- Best photo time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM. The sun is behind you, lighting up the mausoleum mounds. Afternoon creates harsh shadows.
- Watch for wind. The area is exposed; dust gets everywhere. I always carry a scarf or buff.
- Check the weather. If it’s raining, the bus 708 might not come — drivers sometimes skip stops. Have a backup taxi number saved in your phone.
Here’s a mistake I see all the time: tourists take Bus 708 back to the city but get off at “Xixia District” thinking it's downtown. It’s not. Stay on until you see the big railway station. From there you can transfer to metro line 1 or grab a taxi.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions
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I was skeptical about taking a city bus all the way to a UNESCO site, but it exceeded expectations. The driver was friendly and even pointed out the entrance when we arrived. I liked that there were both Chinese and English route maps inside the bus. Only tiny complaint: the last bus back to Yinchuan leaves at 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly. Otherwise, an awesome, local way to see one of China’s hidden historical gems. Highly recommend!
Perfect for photographers on a budget! The bus dropped me right at the main entrance of the Western Xia Imperial Tombs scenic area. I spent the whole morning exploring the pyramid-like mounds against the Helan Mountains—stunning light and no crowds. The return bus was exactly two hours later, which gave me just enough time to see everything. Very reliable, cheap, and the view from the bus window of the desert landscape was a bonus. Five stars!
Honestly, a bit of a letdown. The public bus to the tombs only runs every two hours, and the first bus left at 9:00, which is too late if you want to beat the midday heat. I waited at the stop for almost an hour because the schedule posted online was outdated. When the bus finally came, it was packed with tour groups. The cemetery ruins are amazing, but the bus experience really dampened my enthusiasm. Bring a hat and a lot of patience.
Extremely convenient! Hopped on the direct bus from Yinchuan Bus Station at 8 AM, and within 45 minutes I was walking through the ancient imperial burial mounds. The bus was clean, air-conditioned, and had a digital display showing the stop names in English. No need for a tour guide or taxi—this is the way to go for solo travelers. Total cost? Less than a coffee. 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Yinchuan.
The bus from Yinchuan to the Western Xia tombs is cheap and runs fairly regularly, but the signage at the bus stop near the city center is pretty confusing. I ended up asking three different locals before finding the right spot. Once on the bus, the ride was smooth and took about 40 minutes. The tombs themselves are breathtaking—definitely worth the hassle. If they just improved the bus stop signs, this would be a perfect budget trip.