Qingtongxia Town ( Qingtongxia zhen ), located in Qingtongxia county, about 80km south of Yinchuan, is the last major gorge on the upper stretches of the Yellow River ( Huang he ). This gorge is about 6km long and river rides can be arranged down the river here, and at other stretches along this massive waterway.

The gorge itself is not an amazing sight, but on the gorge's western bank, lying on the eastern slope of the Jiakou Mountain , stand the impressive 108 Dagobas ( Yibailingba ta ). This group of buildings were originally built in the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), and are arranged in twelve rows, tapering from one to nineteen, in the shape of a large equilateral triangle. The largest dagoba by far sits at one corners, and all are pure white in colour, contrasting nicely with the yellow desert environment, and Tibetan in style.

This dagoba complex is a cenotaph for Buddhism. The number 108 is a Buddhist number that is meant to represent all of the mistakes that even the most humble of worshippers are liable to fall prey to. A devout Buddhist is to wear a rosary with 108 beads and say prayers 108 times in acknowledgement of man's sins and to stave off such unlucky occurrences.

How to get to 108 Dagobas: Head by bus or train to Qingtongxia, which will normally drop you off in the city ( Qingtongxia shi ), although more conveniently in the town ( Qingtongxia zhen ). From the city a taxi, motor-rickshaw or bus will carry you on to the Dagobas. From the town you can grab a rickshaw, bus, taxi or even hike.