In Ningxia dialect, "beach" refers to the wild, outside. There are many plains in Ningxia. In the past, cattle and sheep were raised, and they ate weeds to grow. So "beach sheep" comes from "sheep raised in the wild".

Tan sheep is a kind of sheep, which can be used for both meat and skin. Mainly produced in Ningxia Plain, east of Helan Mountain, where the Yellow River flows. Beach mutton has even fat, tender meat, no peculiar smell and delicious taste. It is not only eaten by people of all ethnic groups in Ningxia, but also transported to various provinces and cities in China and exported to the Middle East.

Tan sheep producing area

Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, still retains the place name of "Mutton Street Corner" (the intersection of Zhongshan South Street and Xinhua East Street in xingqing district).

According to legend, this street was a place where beach sheep and mutton were sold in Xixia period. Hand-grabbed mutton, stewed mutton, mutton paomo, stir-fried mutton and chop suey in history. Mutton made from beach mutton is still a traditional mutton food in Ningxia. Mutton obtained from two kinds of fur is tender and delicious. After careful processing by senior chefs, it can be said that it is better than delicacies. It is mostly used for frying mutton, and Huangquqiao Town, Pingluo County, Shizuishan City, Ningxia is the best. From ancient times to the present, "mutton wine" has always been a delicious food praised by people.