The Region - East Foothill of Helan Mountain
Located in a “golden zone” for vineyards, the east foothill of Helan Mountain in Ningxia has all the natural conditions needed for premier cultivation including the correct sunlight and temperature range, pollution-free soil, decent rainfall and irrigation. The environment produces aromatic grapes with high sugar levels and moderate acidity. Wines produced at the east foothill of Helan Mountain got the title of Geographical Indications Products given by the Committee of national geography indication in 2003. And it is the only wine-producing region in China that uses the chateau classification system from France to manage local wineries. In 2013, East Foothill of Helan Moutain Wine Region was listed in The World Atlas of Wine.
The support from the government is also the strength to enhance the wine industry. In the late 1990s, the Ningxia agricultural authority began investing time, effort and capital in thousands of hectares of land long deemed inhospital to crops. By now, People’s Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has made the wine industry priority in its strategic planning.
Currently, vine and wine industry is developing rapidly at the east foothill of Helan Mountain. This area is home to 33 thousand hectares of vineyards and over a hundred wineries by 2020.
LOCATION
Ningxia, short for Ningxia Hui (Muslim) Autonomous Region, benefits from a south-north ridge called Helan Mountain. It can prevent Ningxia from severe weather conditions coming from the west. Thanks to the moderate climate in the east foothill, a series of vineyards started to get planted, which became the current premier wine region of China - East Foothill of Heland Mountain.
SUBREGIONS
Along the east foothill of Helan Mountain, six main sub-regions have been established, namely (from North to South in the map):
Shizuishan,
Jinshan international experimental area,
Zhenbeibu,
Yuquanying,
Qingtongxia,
Hongsipu.
History
1980s - Professor Li Hua came to Ningxia for the research of local terroir, firstly bringing up the potential for Ningxia to make great wines.
1984 - Yuquanying winery started its construction, indicating vine growing in a large scale has began.
2003 - Protection of Geographical Indication for Ningxia wine industry was approved.
2011 - Wine of “Jiabeilan 2009” from Helanqingxue winery won the gold medal of Decanter World Wine Awards, presenting Ningxia wine in front of the world.
2013 - The region of the East Foothill of Helan Mountain was included in “the World Atlas of Wine" (the 7th edition).
2017 - Wines from the region won 150 awards in Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
2019 - Over 800 awards were gained in total for wines from Ningxia, bringing the region to an international level.
Terroir
Located between alluvial fan of Helan Mountain and alluvial plain of Yellow River, the surface of the region is over 200,000 hectares.
Low annual precipitation, adequate sunlight, wide daily range of temperature makes the region ready to grow outstanding grapevines. Average elevation is above 1000 meters; total annual active accumulated temperature (≥10℃) is 3400 - 3800℃; daily range of temperature is 12～15℃; annual precipitation is 150～240mm; total sunlight hours is 1700～2000h; total non-frost days is 160-180 days. However, due to the low temperature of winter, all the vines are buried underneath the soil by the end of November, and un-covered in April of the following year.
Based on the alluvial plain, plenty of gravel and sands can be found in the soil, which contributes great porosity. Light sierozem is dominant in the soil (over 50%), and organic matters are relatively low. pH is between 7.5 – 8.7.
Source: Ningxia Wine Bureau
Northwest China · East of the Helan Mountains
Discover
Ningxia
Come for the wine, then discover the place around it: mountain foothills, the Yellow River, desert landscapes, Hui cultural traditions and food worth lingering over.
Meet the region ↓
A sense of place
Between mountains
and river
NINGXIA HUI AUTONOMOUS REGION · CHINA
Along the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, vineyards grow in a dry, sunny landscape shaped by sandy soils, high elevations and water from the Yellow River.
This is the heart of Ningxia’s wine story. Explore the wineries at your own pace, look beyond the tasting room and make time for the landscape that gives each visit its sense of place.
Explore the wineries →Get to know Ningxia
A small region.
Many different worlds.
Where is Ningxia?
Ningxia lies in northwestern China, between Gansu, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia. Officially the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, it is relatively small by Chinese standards, yet brings together strikingly different landscapes.
An oasis shaped by water
The Yellow River has sustained irrigation and farming here for centuries. Around Yinchuan, green fields and wetlands contrast with the dry country beyond. The Helan Mountains rise to the west, while the Liupan Mountains shape the region’s south.
Begin in Yinchuan
Ningxia’s capital is a useful base for exploring the nearby wine country. Modern neighbourhoods sit alongside older streets, markets and historic landmarks. Leave time to discover the city as well as the cellar doors.
Understanding the terroir
What makes Ningxia distinctive?
Climate, soil and the work of local growers come together in every vineyard.
Bright days,
high vineyards
Abundant sunshine and elevated vineyard sites define the growing environment along the Helan Mountain foothills.
A dry landscape,
a vital river
Sandy soils and low rainfall make irrigation essential. Water from the Yellow River helps sustain the region’s vines.
A winter ritual
To protect vines from severe winter cold, growers bury them beneath the soil, then uncover them again in spring. It is a remarkable part of the region’s annual rhythm.
The wine story
Local roots.
International recognition.
Behind Ningxia’s reputation are growers and winemakers translating a challenging landscape into wines with their own identity.
A breakthrough moment
Helan Qingxue’s Jia Bei Lan 2009 won an International Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards, bringing new attention to the potential of Ningxia wine.
Read the story at Decanter ↗People, culture & everyday life
Discover Ningxia
around the table.
Hui heritage, local lives
Ningxia is home to Hui, Han and other communities. Muslim traditions are an important part of many Hui people’s cultural life, and you will encounter this heritage through food, places of worship and everyday customs.
People’s beliefs and practices vary. Let the people you meet tell their own stories, and ask your host when you are unsure about local etiquette.
When sharing a meal, check your companions’ dietary preferences. At religious sites, follow the posted visitor guidance, dress respectfully and ask before photographing people.
A taste of the northwest
Lamb is one of Ningxia’s most memorable flavours. Try shou zhua yang rou — tender, simply cooked lamb traditionally eaten by hand — or a bowl of noodles with lamb and vegetables.
Beef noodles, warming soups and babao cha, or eight-treasure tea, are other ways into local food culture. In Wuzhong, morning tea can become a generous meal of noodles, tea and small dishes.
Halal dining is part of the local food landscape. Tell your host about allergies and dietary needs, and check with each restaurant about ingredients and its policy on alcohol.
Beyond the vineyard
Leave room for discovery
A wine journey can also be a journey through landscape, history and local life.
The Helan landscape
Take time between winery visits to enjoy the mountain backdrop and the changing light across the foothills.
Xixia heritage
The Xixia Imperial Tombs lie at the southern Helan Mountain foothills. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a window into the Tangut civilisation and its Silk Road connections.
Discover the heritage ↗Life around the table
A market visit, a pot of tea or a shared meal can bring you closer to everyday Ningxia. Follow your curiosity and leave space for conversation.
Landscapes & living history
Two views of Ningxia.
A few practical notes
Feel at home.
Plan a little ahead.
Getting around
Keep your hotel and destination addresses in Chinese for taxi or ride-hailing journeys. Check the fare in the app or with your driver. For winery days, arrange transport in advance and leave time between appointments.
Markets & daily life
Browse local markets for a glimpse of seasonal produce and everyday shopping. Ask your host about a nearby market and its opening times. Carry a translation tool and the contact details of someone who can help with language.
Travel at your own pace
Think about how much time you want for wine, food, history and landscapes. Confirm bookings, language support and transport before you arrive, and arrange a driver if you plan to taste wine.
Your next chapter
Experience Ningxia
for yourself
Start with the wineries, then explore the experiences that bring the region to life. Build your visit around what interests you, and confirm arrangements before you travel.
Explore wineriesBuild your own journeyFurther reading: Helan Mountain East Region · The winter vineyard tradition · Xixia Imperial Tombs · Region & geography · Yinchuan · Local flavours · Wuzhong morning tea