Ningxia Administrative Divisions

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区) is located in the northwestern part of China and has a unique administrative structure. This region is an important administrative and cultural area, offering travelers an opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Below is an overview of the administrative divisions of Ningxia, its cities, counties, and other key locations.

Overview of Ningxia’s Administrative Division

As of May 2025, Ningxia is divided into 5 prefecture-level cities (地级市), including 9 urban districts, 2 county-level cities, and 11 counties. The region is governed by its capital city, Yinchuan (银川), which serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the area. Ningxia is the smallest provincial-level administrative region in China, covering an area of 66,400 square kilometers.

Key Administrative Divisions of Ningxia

Yinchuan City (银川市)

• Subdivisions: Xingqing District (兴庆区), Jinfeng District (金凤区), Xixia District (西夏区), Yongning County (永宁县), Helan County (贺兰县), Lingwu City (灵武市)

• Capital of Ningxia, home to major cultural landmarks and historical sites.

Shizuishan City (石嘴山市)

• Subdivisions: Dawukou District (大武口区), Huinong District (惠农区), Pingluo County (平罗县)

• Known for its industrial heritage and nearby natural scenic areas.

Wuzhong City (吴忠市)

• Subdivisions: Litong District (利通区), Hongshibao District (红寺堡区), Yanchi County (盐池县), Tongxin County (同心县), Qingtongxia City (青铜峡市)

• Famous for its agricultural production, including goji berries and Tan sheep.

Guyuan City (固原市)

• Subdivisions: Yuanzhou District (原州区), Xiji County (西吉县), Longde County (隆德县), Jingyuan County (泾源县), Pengyang County (彭阳县)

• Located in the southern part of Ningxia, it is known for its natural beauty and historical sites.

Zhongwei City (中卫市)

• Subdivisions: Shapotou District (沙坡头区), Zhongning County (中宁县), Haiyuan County (海原县)

• Famous for Shapotou Scenic Area (沙坡头景区) and Tengger Desert (腾格里沙漠).

Important Cities in Ningxia

Yinchuan (银川)

Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, is a historic city with rich cultural significance. Located in the central part of the Ningxia Plain, it is home to several 5A and 4A-rated tourist attractions. In 2023, the population of Yinchuan reached 2.91 million, with a notable urbanization rate of 82.84%. The city's population growth continues to be driven by industrial development and talent attraction policies.

Yinchuan is famous for its historical architecture, including the Cheng Tian Temple Pagoda (承天寺塔), Hai Bao Tower (海宝塔), and the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁). Additionally, it is home to natural attractions such as Mingcui Lake (鸣翠湖) and Helan Mountain (贺兰山).

Shizuishan (石嘴山市)

Shizuishan, located near the western edge of Ningxia, is an industrial city with a significant presence in the mining sector. The city is also known for its scenic spots such as the Helan Mountain Rock Paintings (贺兰山岩画), offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient heritage.

Wuzhong (吴忠)

Wuzhong is an important city in Ningxia for agriculture and tourism. It is home to some of Ningxia’s best-known agricultural products, including goji berries and Tan sheep. The city is also known for the Qingtongxia Reservoir (青铜峡水库), a popular spot for tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

Guyuan (固原)

Guyuan, located in the southern part of Ningxia, is known for its mountain landscapes and rich historical sites, including the Six Pillar Mountain (六盘山). The city also plays a role in the development of the eco-tourism industry in Ningxia.

Zhongwei (中卫)

Zhongwei is a central city in Ningxia, known for the Shapotou Scenic Area (沙坡头景区), which is located at the edge of the Tengger Desert (腾格里沙漠). The city is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique desert landscape combined with cultural and historical sites.

Ningxia Administrative Division by Area

Here is the complete list of Ningxia's administrative divisions as of May 2025:

Ningxia’s administrative divisions showcase the region’s diverse geography, from its urbanized plains in the south to the arid northern deserts. Each of its cities offers visitors unique cultural, historical, and natural experiences. Whether you're exploring the historic sites in Yinchuan (银川), the industrial heritage of Shizuishan (石嘴山), or the desert landscapes of Zhongwei (中卫), Ningxia is a place where the old meets the new, creating an ideal destination for travelers.