Sand Lake

Ningxia Sand Lake Tourist Attraction is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and one of China's top ten charming wetlands, nestled at the foot of the Helan Mountains on the golden banks of the Yellow River, 42 km from Yinchuan. The attraction covers a total area of 57,000 mu, where vast desert and boundless waters sit side by side, combining the ecological elements of "mountains, water, lake, reeds, and sand" and blending the elegance of Jiangnan water towns with the grandeur of the northern frontier desert, offering the unique scenery of "a world paradise for migratory birds, China's wonderland of sand and water." At Sand Lake, enjoy mountain views, gaze upon the water, get close to birds, experience fun fishing, play in the sand, admire the reeds, and reach for the moon—embark on an ecological journey of nature and poetry. In China, there are many places with water, but among the lake and mountain scenery, none have sand; there are many places with sand, but among the rolling lakes and seas, water's spirit is lacking. At Sand Lake, these two shortcomings are miraculously reconciled, giving people a wonderful place to return to nature. "At Sand Lake, hundreds of birds fly in spring, bringing beauty and joy to the world." Sand Lake is a famous paradise for migratory birds, and an international birdwatching festival is held here every year. From March to October each year, 216 species of migratory birds from 53 families and 19 orders gather here, with numbers reaching up to one million at peak times. The famous lines "rosy clouds fly together with the lone duck, and the autumn water merges with the vast sky" fit Sand Lake quite aptly. Among the activities, the "Flying with Wild Geese" program allows visitors to enjoy up close the magnificent spectacle of hundreds of geese flying together and even to race alongside them in close contact. A pool of emerald water descends from the sky, and a calm lake rises from the vast desert. Boating on the lake, one sees flocks of gulls and herons skimming the water; resting by the sand and water, strings of footprints are accompanied by laughter.