1, Xihaigu, namely, Xihaigu Hui Autonomous Region established in 1953, governs Xiji, Haiyuan and Guyuan counties-the initials of the three counties are "Xihaigu", which was still under the jurisdiction of Gansu Province at that time. After several changes in administrative divisions, "Xihaigu" has become synonymous with the southern mountainous areas of Ningxia.

2. Xihaigu covers six counties in Guyuan, namely Xiji County, Haiyuan County, Guyuan County, Jingyuan County, Longde County, Pengyang County, and parts of Tongxin County (east and south). It is not a standard administrative division, and there is no strict definition. 1972 was identified by the United Nations Food Development Programme as one of the most unsuitable areas for human survival.

3. The name Xihaigu first appeared in August, 1949. Pingliang District Committee of Gansu Province established the "Xihaigu Anti-Bandit Sute Working Committee" in Xiji, Haiyuan and Guyuan counties. In 1980s, Xihaigu became one of the earliest pilot areas for regional poverty alleviation and development in China, and the name Xihaigu reappeared in the media. This time is not limited to three counties, but also the surrounding poor counties.