Plan at a glance
Foothills and visit time
Dawukou Forest Park lies on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in Dawukou District, Shizuishan. Shoufo Temple (Beiwudang Temple) is in an adjacent area. You can visit the forest trails and temple on the same outing, but the walking connection and transfer time between their entrances have not been confirmed. The 1–2-hour estimate covers only the foothill trails and time at the temple; allow extra time for a mountain hike and first check which trails are open.
Tickets and opening hours
Dawukou Forest Park is free to enter; Shoufo Temple requires a separate ticket. Confirm the ticket price, discounts and any temple-fair arrangements at the ticket office on the day. Usual opening hours are 08:00–18:00, and regular entry generally does not require a reservation. During a temple fair, follow that day’s entry arrangements; hiking cut-off times must be checked separately.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Forest paths and seasonal scenery
Established in 1997, the forest park covers about 30,000 mu (20 square kilometres). The foothill paths are suitable for a walk, with wild jujube and Euphrates poplar (胡杨) along the way; look out for the red-leaf forest in autumn. The wider Beiwudang Ecotourism Area also includes a Xerophyte Garden (旱生植物园) and the Helan Mountain Ecology Museum (贺兰山生态博物馆). Check the on-site signs for opening status and walking connections between these places.
The temple and Duobao Pagoda (多宝塔)
Shoufo Temple dates to 1701, the 40th year of the Kangxi reign. Its layout has four successive courtyards. The Duobao Pagoda is the main highlight; follow the courtyards to see the halls, gates and details of the pagoda. Observe the visitor etiquette signs inside.
Choose a route for your fitness
To see both woodland and historic buildings in half a day, combine a foothill path with the temple courtyard. If you are travelling with older adults or young children, stay in the foothill area; assess fitness and trail access separately before adding a hike.
For city collections that place local industry, folk customs and history in a wider context, see Shizuishan Museum.
Build your day
1–2-hour forest-and-temple visit
Start in the foothills of the Beiwudang Ecotourism Area. Choose an open forest path, then visit the Shoufo Temple courtyards and Duobao Pagoda. Confirm the entrances, walking connection and temple ticket arrangements with on-site guidance. Allow about 1–2 hours for the trails and temple; add transfer time if the entrances are far apart or you need to detour. A hike behind the temple is not included in this short visit.
Check conditions before hiking
A trail behind the temple leads into the mountains. Some sections have steep steps and no guardrails. At the temple entrance, ask which sections are open, when the uphill cut-off is, what return route to use and how long the hike is expected to take. Set out only if you receive clear directions and have enough stamina, and leave enough time for the descent.
Get there
Navigation and parking
If driving, navigate to “Beiwudang Ecotourism Area” (北武当生态旅游区) or “Beiwudang Temple” (北武当庙). At the foot of the mountain, follow the signs to the Forest Park or Shoufo Temple (寿佛寺) entrance. Free parking is available at the mountain foot. During festivals or temporary traffic controls, follow the signs and staff directions.
From Dawukou and Yinchuan
Check live bus information to see whether Routes 3 or 7 (3路、7路) go to the Forest Park area. For the temple, check the nearest stop and walking route separately. From Yinchuan, take an intercity coach to Dawukou and transfer to a taxi; the drive from central Dawukou to the scenic area takes about 10 minutes. Before setting out, confirm the coach’s arrival stop, last departure and your return plan.
Know before you go
Mountain paths and weather
The foothill paths and the mountain trail behind the temple have different difficulty levels. The hiking trail has steep steps, and some sections have no guardrails. If you are afraid of heights, have limited mobility or are travelling with young children, stay in the foothill area. At a closure or diversion, follow the signs back; do not leave the trail and enter a ravine. The eastern foothills get strong sun and wind, so bring sun protection, drinking water and a light jacket.
Food and refreshments
There are few shops in the park, so bring water and a small amount of food before walking. After your visit, return to central Dawukou for a meal. If you want a local snack, look for liangpi; specific shops and opening hours depend on your schedule.
Plan your return
Before starting your visit, confirm the return times for buses or intercity coaches. If the last service is approaching, end your walk and return to the entrance. Traffic controls may be introduced during holidays or temple fairs; check event notices before arrival and follow on-site directions when leaving.