The Gunzhong Pass ( Gunzhong kou ) is a beautiful area that is a part of the Helan Mountain Range . This is a perfect area for hiking and admiring the scenery of one of China's least travelled provinces. Gunzhong literally translates as "rolling bell", and the pass was so named because it resembles a lying bell, with the bell mouth opened to the east, and the mountains forming the bell surface in the other three points of the compass. This is one of Helan Shan's most famous sights, about 35km northwest of Yinchuan.

The actual Gunzhong Pass itself is well known as an enjoyable summer resort, with some interesting buildings, including the Laojun Hall , the Doumu Palace , Xiaodongtian , the Helan Temple and the Wancui Pavilion . The Chinese locals here are fond of pointing out the various rockforms that apparently resemble lions and tigers, although only in the very imaginative.

There are walking trails up into the surrounding hills which provide travellers with plenty of opportunities for hiking around and admiring the views. Nearby include the Baisi Pass Twin Pagodas ( Baisikou shuangta ) and the Western Xia Tombs .

How to get to Gunzhong Pass : The best way to reach the pass is by hiring a bicycle, by using a travel agency tour to see a number of sights or by hiring a taxi for the day (under RMB200).
Travel Agencies: Both the China International Travel Service ( Zhongguo guoji luxingshe , Tel: 0951-5048006) and the China Travel Service ( Zhongguo luxingshe , Tel: 0951-5044485) can be found at 150 Jiefang xijie . China Comfort Travel Service (Tel: 0951-5045678/5043734) are at 6 Gongyuan jie . Ningxia Tourism Bureau (Tel: 0951-6022744) are at 49 Jiefang xijie . Prices for tours to a number of the out of town sights range from RMB200-500 (normally per group).