Wine growers on a mission of good taste

Despite the stunning scenery in the region, the wine is the main draw. This is epitomized by the Helan Qingxue Vineyard, which was thrust onto the world stage when its Jiabeilan series won the International Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2011, the world's largest wine competition.

"The award helped put Ningxia on the world's wine map," says Zhang Jing, winemaker at the vineyard.

Established in 2005, the vineyard sat on a vast stretch of saline soil and success was difficult at first. After years of cultivation, and the help of experts from universities, it was finally able to produce high-quality wine.

"We have spent lots of time and money on technology for cultivating and fermentation. Quality is our top priority," Zhang, one of the few female winemakers in the region, says.

The name of the boutique vineyard is derived from a scene made famous several hundred years ago. Qingxue refers to snowcapped Helan Mountains dazzling brilliantly under the summer sun. However, with climate change, such a scene is impossible to witness in the summer.

"In winter, it's also beautiful," says Zhang, standing in front of the fermentation equipment. Not far away, rows of vines with purple ripe grapes sweep down toward the Helan Mountains.

Although Helan Qingxue offers no dining or hotel service, groups of visitors drive to the vineyard from Yinchuan city, to sample its wine.