Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains

Introducing Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains
Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains are images carved into the rocks of Helan Mountains. Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains represent the rock art of northern China, characterized by their rich and varied themes.

The Helan Mountains are home to a vast and fascinating collection of rock carvings dating back as far as 10,000 years. These petroglyphs, numbering in the tens of thousands, offer a unique window into the lives and beliefs of ancient people. They depict scenes of hunting, herding, rituals, warfare, entertainment, and coupling, alongside abstract symbols and zoomorphic figures. Together, these rock paintings provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, and artistry of prehistoric societies in the region.

Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains Fast Facts
• AKA: Helanshan Rock Carvings, Helanshan Rock Art
• Chinese Name: He Lan Shan Yan Hua 贺兰山岩画
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 3 - 4 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Rock Art, Chinese History & Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (Apr – Oct), 9:00 – 17:00 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY 70 (Shuttle Bus included)
• Address: Helan County, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

What to Expect at Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains
To see these rock arts is to be enchanted. The ancient artists, with their deft hands and boundless imagination, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire wonder. Allow yourself to be transported by the beauty and mystery of these rock arts, and let them ignite your curiosity for the history that shaped the world. 

World Rock Art Museum
The World Rock Art Museum, China’s first institution dedicated to rock art, boasts an impressive and meticulously curated collection of 547 representative rubbings, photographs, artifacts, and replicas that span the globe. This unique museum highlights the rich diversity and cultural significance of rock art by showcasing remarkable content from over 200 rock art sites across 30 countries. Visitors to the museum can explore the intricate stories and timeless expressions captured in these ancient works, offering a profound insight into the artistic and spiritual lives of early human societies. 

Awe-inspiring Rock Carvings
The rock paintings of the Helan Mountains reveal a rich understanding of the artistic and spiritual lives of ancient peoples, spanning millennia and encompassing three main periods: the Neolithic, the Qin (221 BC-207 BC) to the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-589 AD), and the Sui (581-618 AD) to the Western Xia (1038-1227 AD).

Realism dominates these ancient artworks, showcasing the artists’ keen observational skills and a simple, yet powerful style. Animals, a frequent subject, are depicted with remarkable accuracy, their forms captured with concise strokes that highlight key features like horns, manes, and stripes. Beyond realism, the rock carvings also hint at deeper symbolic meanings. Human figures, in particular, often feature exaggerated elements, such as oversized faces or masks, suggesting abstract concepts. The frequent omission of facial details and bodies, coupled with sun-like faces emphasizing radiating eyes, creates an atmosphere of solemnity and mystery. These fantastical elements likely represent the ancient people’s worldview, religious beliefs, and shamanistic practices.

 

How to Get to Helanshan Rock Carvings
• The Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains are located approx. 43 kilometers (27 miles) northwest of Yinchuan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Rock Paintings of Helan Mountains.

Additional Travel Advice on Helanshan Rock Carvings
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
• It is recommended to prepare a telescope for better seeing the rock carvings.