The Western Xia, also known as the Tangut Empire and to the Tanguts and the Tibetans as Minyak, is an empire that exists from 1038 to 1227 in what are now the northwestern Chinese provinces of Ningxia, Gansu, eastern Qinghai, northern Shaanxi, northeastern Xinjiang, southwest Inner Mongolia, and southernmost Outer Mongolia, measuring about eight hundred thousand square kilometers.

The state suffers from devastating destruction by the Mongols who establish the Mongol Empire, including most of its written records and architecture.

Its founders and history therefore remained controversial until recent research conducted both in the West and within China.

They occupy the area of an important trade route between North China and Central Asia, the Hexi Corridor.

The Western Xia make significant achievements in literature, art, music, and architecture.

Their strong position in relation to the other empires of the Liao, Song, and Jin is attributable to their effective military organizations that integrate cavalry, chariots, archery, shields, artillery (cannons carried on the back of camels), and amphibious troops for combats on land and water.