Ningxia Autonomous Region of the Hui Minority, in northwest China, shares borders with Shaanxi to the east, Gansu to the south and Inner Mongolia to the north. With an area of 66,400 sq km, it is the smallest autonomous region in China.

The region was once the center of the Western Xia empire (1038-1227) and remnants from this era remain, especially in the capital Yinchuan. Ningxia was also part of the Silk Road, and this strategic location not only brought trade to the region, but also different cultures. 1/3 of the population are Hui, and there are also Tibetan, Mongol and Manchu communities. The Hui are descendants of Muslim traders and Middle Eastern influences on architecture and lifestyle can be seen throughout the province.

Much of the terrain in Ningxia is desert sands and arid hills. However, the Yellow River, which crosses through the north of the province, provides much needed water. An extensive irrigation system, first built during the Han dynasty (206BC-220AD), transfers water from the river and is still vital to Ningxia's agriculture.