Though relatively small in size and output, Ningxia Hui autonomous region "has promising prospects for further development thanks to its energy, agriculture and tourism", said Wang Zhengwei, chairman of the region.

Ningxia in northwestern China is the only autonomous region of the country named after its Muslim community. Of the 6.1 million people, Muslims account for 36 percent of the population.

The capital Yinchuan is known as a city of lakes north of the Great Wall that is now a pleasant and enterprising city. The autonomous region's growth has exceeded the national average for nine consecutive years.

Ningxia is rich in coal, water and mineral ores. Its coal reserves rank fifth in the country, with its Ningdong field, one of the country's top six deposits, a rich source of industrial coal. Its 56 types of ore deposits rank it fifth on the mainland.

The regional government approved Ningdong field as a center for large-scale energy and chemical development in 2003.

The region uses 10 percent of water from the Yellow River as it flows by, and has vast grasslands and undeveloped land reserves. The rich land, water and sunshine are favorable for the cultivation of fruit and grain as well as animal husbandry.

The region produces grapes, wolfberries, potatoes, rice, corn, wheat, sheep and cattle. It also produces half of the world's cashmere.

The Yellow River, the mysterious Xixia civilization, Muslim folklore and craggy deserts offer a different China that attracts tourists.

The region is called a "Great Wall museum" for its relics from various dynasties ranging from 2,000 to 200 years ago.

Shahu Lake tourism zone is a combination of water and sand hills. Shapotou, where the Yellow River meets the desert, is famous for its methods to control sand encroachment.

The eastern side of the Helan Mountains is home to mausoleums of Xixia Dynasty (1038-1227), rock paintings from ancient times and a former fort that serves as a movie set.

"Over the years the regional government of Ningxia has made huge efforts to optimize the environment for development, and created favorable conditions and an enterprising land for investors and overseas business communities," said Wang.