Experience Immersive Performance in Helan’s Western Xia Cultural Town
Introduction
As dusk falls on the slopes of Helan Mountain, the ancient Western Xia civilization stirs to life in a spectacle of light, sound, and live acting. This is not a typical theme park but a living, walking performance—a place where visitors become time travelers. At Manpu · See Helan immersive performance town, you can stroll reconstructed Western Xia streets, trace the mystery of rock art, sample full-bodied Helan Mountain wines, and even improvise scenes with costumed actors. As China’s first cultural-tourism complex centered on “walking performances,” it revives dormant cultural IPs using 16 original performance scenes, holographic technology, and live-stage night shows.
1. Core features: When culture meets high tech
“Daytime wandering + nighttime performances” is the soul of Manpu · See Helan. Unlike traditional amusement parks, there are no roller coasters here—only theatrical scenes such as “The Helan Mountain Grand Ceremony” and “Lingzhou Alliance” that stitch together a 200-acre outdoor stage. Around every corner you might meet ritual dancers, attend a recreated Western Xia wedding at the winery, or watch beasts from rock art leap off the cliff via holographic projection. Opened in 2023, the site quickly became a new Ningxia landmark and was selected as a national-level night cultural and tourism consumption cluster.
2. Themed immersion: Western Xia elegance in the details
From the moment you step into the town, the reconstructed stone city walls, camel-bell caravan sculptures, and paving inspired by rock art build a powerful sense of temporal immersion. Daytime is the best time to notice these cultural details:
– Architectural authenticity: The winery uses the Western Xia “high base, low slope roof” style; window and door motifs are modeled on artifacts excavated from the Heishui City ruins.
– Interactive surprises: Seek out rock-art rubbing stations scattered throughout the town and take home your own print of the classic Helan sun-god image on special rice paper.
– Multi-sensory design: The air carries a faint fermenting wine aroma while background music blends Western Xia ancient tunes with contemporary arrangements.
3. Must-do activities and hidden experiences
3.1 Daytime performance route (recommended 3 hours)
Follow the golden camel-bell markers on the map to start the “See Helan” main quest:
– “The Winemaker’s Secret” (10:30 / 14:00): Join an immersive vineyard play where you help an NPC decode a wine recipe—and taste an award-winning Cabernet at the end.
– “Lingzhou Alliance” (15:00): A large-scale historical reenactment on a 2,000 sqm square where actors may invite audience members to play the role of a Tibetan envoy during the oath ceremony.
– Hidden quest: Whisper the password “Helan Clear Snow” to an actor wearing antler headgear to unlock a limited rock-art decryption mini-game.
3.2 Night main show (19:30–21:00)
“The Helan Mountain Grand Ceremony” is the apex of tech-meets-culture:
– A 40-meter-wide natural rock face becomes a projection screen while drone swarms transform into migrating mountain sheep.
– Best viewing spot: the second-floor terrace in the wine-tasting area (access with any beverage purchase).
– Bonus: Scan the QR code under your seat after the show to unlock an exclusive rock-art AR filter.
4. Leisure experiences: Slow down and savor Helan
Beyond performances, the town is a micro-vacation destination:
– Wine tasting: At the “Western Xia Wine House” try traditional grape stomping with expert commentary plus three tastings (128 RMB per person).
– Intangible heritage workshops: Carve a tiny camel from Helan stone in a 30-minute beginner class and take your work home.
– Hot springs: Guests at the on-site hotels can enjoy outdoor hot pools infused with goji and Helan mountain herbs.
5. Practical tips
5.1 Tickets and hours
– Day ticket: 158 RMB (9:00–17:00, includes five scheduled daytime performances)
– Night ticket: 218 RMB (17:00–22:00, includes the main night show and three interactive performances)
– VIP fast-track: +50 RMB for priority entry into three popular scenes (recommended for “Lingzhou Alliance”)
Tips: Closed for maintenance every Tuesday; summer night shows sometimes extend to 23:00.
5.2 Getting there
– Bus: Tourist Line 1 goes directly to “See Helan Station” (about 50 minutes from Yinchuan Railway Station).
– Self-drive: Navigate to “Manpu Town”; parking costs 10 RMB/day (parking is tight after 19:00).
– Combination recommendation: Visit Zhenbeibu Western Film Town in the morning, and spend the afternoon and evening at Manpu · See Helan.
5.3 Local insider advice
– Beat the crowds: Weekends are busiest at night; Thursday afternoons offer a quieter experience.
– Food tip: Try freshly grilled flat lamb skewers on Camel Alley near the performance square—look for the Hui master with a white hat.
– Photo spots: At dusk head to the Western Xia tower for shots that capture both the Helan ridge silhouette and the town’s first lights.
Conclusion
At Manpu · See Helan, history is no longer locked behind glass. Holding a glass of Helan wine while feeling connected to a thousand-year-old winemaker, or watching rock-art totems glow in your palm, you’ll understand the magic of “small scenes, big history.” This cultural hideaway at the base of Helan Mountain awaits your footsteps and your senses.
