Zhenbeibu Western Film Studios (镇北堡西部影城)

Zhenbeibu Western Film Studios (镇北堡西部影城) is three abandoned walled villages in semi-arid Ningxia, bought up in the 1980s and turned into the most-used film set in China. Almost every classic 1980s-90s Chinese action drama that put the Yellow River on screen was shot here, on dirt streets, using real Ming-era town gates to fake a fortress. If you have seen Yellow River (黄河儿歌), A Better Tomorrow (英雄本色), or Zhang Yimou's Red Sorghum (shot nearby at Gaotou), you have seen this place.

Highlights

Qing City (清城) - The largest and busiest set: a walled compound with a garrison gate, a courtyard for wuxia sword fights, a prison yard, and a few props you can pose with. Fighting extras charge ¥50-80 ($7-11) for a few minutes with a sword, which is a better deal than the costume photo booth.

Ming City (明城) - The older, more ruined village, used for period dramas and desert chariot scenes. The reason cinematographers use it is the view: the sand starts about 200 m behind the wall.

The dune track - A dirt-bike and off-road circuit runs from the studios out into the dunes behind them, and fills up on weekend afternoons. Bikes run roughly ¥150-200 ($21-28) for a 20-minute loop, helmet included.

The studio museum - A small exhibition on what was filmed here, with posters and a few original props. It closes on irregular days, so do not build your day around it.

¥100 ($14) for Qing City and Ming City; about ¥140 ($20) for the combined all-in-one ticket. 25 km northwest of Yinchuan, 35 minutes, ¥60-100 ($8-14) one way by taxi. Half a day minimum, and it shares a road with the Western Xia Tombs, so a charter car can do both in one day. There is no shade in summer and no food on site.