Vineyards beneath Helan Mountains drive growth in Ningxia

Rows of grapevines now stretch across what was once barren land at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountains in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Over four decades, generations of pioneers cleared stones, leveled the Gobi terrain and planted vines, creating what many call a "purple miracle."

Today, the region is recognized as one of China's premier wine-producing areas, with more than 600,000 mu (40,000 hectares) of wine grapes under cultivation and an annual output of 140 million bottles. Yet wine here represents more than an industry. It reflects local culture, craftsmanship and a distinct sense of place.

Wine tourism has become a natural extension of this growth. Visitors stroll through vineyards, tour production workshops and experience the region's unique terroir firsthand. Along a 195-kilometer wine corridor, over 100 wineries and integrated tourism complexes – such as themed wine towns and vineyard retreats – welcome more than 3 million visitors each year.

By linking vineyards with tourism, Ningxia has built a full industry chain that supports jobs, boosts rural income and brings new vitality to communities beneath Helan Mountains. (Photos via VCG)