Cité cinématographique de l'Ouest à Zhenbeipu

Zhenbeibu Western Film Studio sits on the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in the Xixia District of Yinchuan, Ningxia, offering international visitors one of the most evocative film-set experiences in northwest China. Built around two original Qing-dynasty fortress ruins, the studio has preserved a rugged, weatherbeaten aesthetic of mud walls, dusty lanes, and desert light that has drawn Chinese filmmakers for decades. It is often described as the "Hollywood of the Northwest," and many of the country's most celebrated directors have chosen this location for its raw frontier character.

The site has hosted more than a hundred Chinese feature films, including several works regarded as milestones in the nation's cinema history. Classics such as Red Sorghum, The Herdsman, A Chinese Odyssey, and Guardians of the Tomb were filmed here, and the studio is closely associated with names such as Zhang Yimou, Gong Li, Jiang Wen, and Stephen Chow. Walking through the alleys, travelers can recognize alleyways, courtyards, and tavern fronts recreated from these productions, with bilingual signage marking the most famous scenes.

Unlike polished purpose-built backlots, Zhenbeibu embraces authenticity. The original fortresses — known as the older ruined fort and the late-Qing preserved fort — still dominate the layout, and the surrounding loess-desert scenery remains largely untouched. Visitors can explore three main zones, each with a distinct atmosphere: the ruined fortress, the Ming-Qing style market street, and a mid-twentieth-century socialist-era town used for period dramas. Costumes are available for rent, and many international travelers enjoy photographing themselves against the same backdrops that appeared on screen.

For first-time foreign visitors to Yinchuan, the studio is a memorable introduction to Chinese popular culture and the visual language of northwest cinema. It pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby Western Xia Mausoleums, since both sites are within a short drive of each other at the foot of Helan Mountain. Plan to wander rather than rush — the best experiences here come from slow exploration, sunset photography over the adobe walls, and a willingness to step into scenery that has defined an entire genre of Chinese filmmaking.