Yinchuan - Ningxia Province

Yinchuan is the capital of Ningxia, one of China's smallest provinces. Often overlooked in favour of its more high-profile neighbours, Inner Mongolia and Gansu, Ningxia has rich rewards for those who make the trip. With one third of the population coming from the ethnic Hui minority, Ningxia has a strong Muslim presence and this is reflected in the food and customs. Yinchuan itself may not seem like the most vibrant of Chinese cities, but it has a rich cultural heritage and many sights can be seen both in and outside the city. An unrestored section of the Great Wall lies in the desert just outside the city, and the Tengger Desert is tantalisingly close. In fact, the area is home to some truly stunning natural beauty, not least of which is the Yellow River, which cuts right through Yinchuan city.