Plan at a glance
Forest and mountain scenery at Suyukou
Ningxia Helan Mountain National Forest Park sits in the central section of the Helan Mountain National Nature Reserve. The visit centres on forest, canyons, and outdoor walking. Songtao Villa (松涛山庄), Cherry Valley (樱桃谷), and Qingsong Ridge (青松岭) are common areas to explore, linked mainly by the park shuttle and trails. Helan Mountain Rock Art is nearby, but it has separate tickets and routes. If you plan to visit both in one day, check the transport and entry times for each separately.
Check which areas are open first
Allow about 2–3 hours for an easy visit, or half a day if a suitable hiking route is open and you want more time in the mountains. The route depends on which facilities, trails, and areas are operating. Ask the park what you can reach that day, then plan around the areas open to visitors.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Songtao Villa: transfer from the foot of the mountain
Songtao Villa is one of the park’s service and transfer points. Ask here about the shuttle’s service area, return times, and open areas. The park also has a Helan Mountain Museum (贺兰山博物馆) about the mountain’s wildlife, geology, and history; check whether it is open that day before planning a visit.
Cherry Valley: choose an easier walk
Cherry Valley is known for its canyon scenery and wild cherry trees. Its trail is about 2 km long, making it a good choice for a walk in the woods. Weather and maintenance can affect trail access. Before setting out, check whether it is open, the trail conditions, and whether a shuttle transfer is needed. Shorten the walk in rain, snow, strong winds, or slippery conditions.
Qingsong Ridge and canyon facilities: ask before you go
Qingsong Ridge offers mountain views. The cable car, canyon suspension bridge, and upper mountain trails may be affected by maintenance, weather, or park arrangements. Ask which areas and facilities are operating before setting out. If they are closed, focus on the forest trails and viewpoints open that day; do not enter a closed section to follow an original plan.
Match the route to your fitness
If your group has limited stamina or includes children, choose open areas reached by shuttle with shorter walks, and plan places to rest. Experienced hikers can ask the park for a recommended open route and estimated duration. Carry enough water and return by the same route; do not take an improvised shortcut if you are unfamiliar with the mountain trails.
Build your day
Easy short route
At the visitor centre, check which shuttle stops are operating. Ride to an open area, follow the main trail to a suitable viewpoint, then return as staff direct. If the Songtao Villa stop is open, it can be a starting point for a short visit. Do not rely on a cable car or suspension bridge to connect the route until its operation is confirmed.
Half-day hike
First check whether the trails in Cherry Valley or around Qingsong Ridge are open, then choose an out-and-back route from the park map. Follow signs at trail forks and allow enough time to return. Connections and shuttle service between areas depend on the day’s arrangements, so confirm them before planning a route.
Plan your return as well
Mountain shuttles and city buses run less frequently than urban services. When you enter, ask for the last shuttle, park transport, and options for getting back to town. If you plan to hike, set a return reminder and allow time to walk back to the stop, wait for transport, and adjust for changing weather.
Get there
Check tourist bus services
Yinchuan Bus has listed Tourist Route 2 (游二路) and Tourist Route 3 (游三路) for scenic areas along the western Helan Mountain route; some services include Suyukou and Helan Mountain Rock Art. Routes and seasonal schedules change. Check the day’s Yinchuan Bus notice for the departure point, whether the bus stops at the forest park, return times, and the last service.
Use a scenic-area shuttle or ride-hailing car
Direct shuttles from downtown may operate in certain seasons or during events. Before booking, check the pickup point, return arrangements, and whether you need a reservation. Set the ride-hailing destination to “宁夏贺兰山国家森林公园游客中心” (Ningxia Helan Mountain National Forest Park Visitor Centre). Allow time to find a ride for the return trip; vehicle availability and mobile coverage near the mountain gate may be less reliable than in town.
Drive to the park
Set your map destination to “宁夏贺兰山国家森林公园游客中心” (Ningxia Helan Mountain National Forest Park Visitor Centre) and park as directed on site. The mountain road has many bends; slow down in rain, snow, or strong winds. Check the day’s park notice for parking fees, temporary traffic controls, and which areas are open.
Know before you go
Confirm opening and facility status
Reference opening hours are 8:00 am–4:30 pm, but times may change with the season, weather, or management arrangements. The cable car, shuttle, and some mountain trails may not be operating. Before travelling, call 0951-4114390 or 0951-2079103 to confirm accessible areas, facility status, and the last shuttle time.
Bring mountain gear and follow safety rules
Wear shoes with good grip for uphill walking, and bring water, sun protection, and a windproof layer; it may feel cooler in the mountains than in town. Stay on open, marked routes and keep out of closed areas. Keep a safe distance from wildlife such as blue sheep (bharal). Do not approach, chase, or feed them. During the forest fire-prevention season, follow all fire restrictions and do not smoke or light a fire in the forest.
Check prices and the neighbouring scenic area
Admission, the shuttle, cable car, and canyon activities may be charged separately; check current prices and package inclusions for your travel date. Helan Mountain Rock Art is a separate nearby scenic area, with its own admission, sightseeing transport, and visit time. If you plan to visit both, check opening times and transfer arrangements for each.