At a crossroad

China's barren Ningxia may seem an unlikely place for a contemporary art museum, but MOCA Yinchuan hopes its unusual location will serve as an intersection of two cultures. Lin Qi reports.

Ever since the first brick was laid, debate has swirled around MOCA Yinchuan, with many people questioning if the underdeveloped Ningxia Hui autonomous region in China's barren northwest is the best place for a contemporary art museum.

The museum finally showed its face to the world with a grand opening on Aug 8. The museum promises to rejuvenate the cultural glory of Yinchuan, a vital crossing point on the ancient Silk Road.