Xixia

— A 3,000-ton-per-year andalusite plant began operation in Xixia County, Hunan Province. The andalusite source for the plant was a deposit with proven reserves of 7.8 million tons.

— By minibus and taxi Getting here from Yinchuan’s Xingqing district is either expensive or difficult. If you favour the expensive option, just grab a cab — drivers will start the bidding at ¥150 (or more) one-way, though you should be able to get them down to ¥200 return, including they take up to 2hr to reach the tombs. Finally, you could waiting time. Alternatively, green and red buses (no number, though with Xixia written on the front) run from a stop just east of Nanmen Square; these cost just ¥2, though to reach the tombs. Finally, you could split the difference and take a bus to Xixia district (1hr; ¥1), from which it’s a far cheaper taxi-ride to the ruins (¥25 each way).

— […]eastern Kansu, northern Shensi and Ningsia. In 1038 Yuan Hao, leader of the Tanguts, declared himself emperor and called his country Hsia, known in Chinese history as Hsihsia. Hsingching (modern Yinchuan, Ningsia) was made the capital.