Nestled in the foothills of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, the Xixia Imperial Tombs preserve the legacy of the Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227). Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2025, the site includes nine imperial mausoleums and 271 subordinate tombs.
Founded by the Tanguts, the dynasty developed a distinctive multicultural civilization shaped by Chinese imperial traditions, Silk Road exchanges and Buddhism. Today, the tombs offer a glimpse into a once-flourishing kingdom and its lasting place in the history of cultural exchange.
Reporter | Huang Xinying
Photos | Huang Xinying
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