Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park

Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park

Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a national wetland park.

Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park, located in Zhangzheng Town, Xingqing District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia, is about 10 kilometers from downtown Yinchuan and approximately 3 kilometers from the Yellow River. It is the first national wetland park in the Yellow River Basin and western China. The scenic area combines landscapes such as the Loess Plateau, the Yellow River, lakes, reeds, and wetlands. After visiting here, you may feel as though you’re not in the northwest of China, but rather somewhere in the south—Yinchuan truly lives up to its reputation as the “Jiangnan of the Frontier.”

The lake inside the park has clear water, presenting a picturesque scene reminiscent of the southern water towns. In summer, you can take a stroll along the water’s edge, go fishing, and enjoy the nearby weeping willows and distant reeds. You can also paddle a boat on the lake to admire the lotus flowers up close. The scenic area offers numerous recreational activities for younger visitors, such as water-based plum blossom piles, water S-bridges, water cloud ladders, and other water sports, as well as some thrilling adventure activities to choose from.

If you visit in winter, you won’t be disappointed either—you can enjoy snow sports at the ski resort within the park. If you’re a bird lover, you can observe thousands of precious birds in the spring and summer, including many protected species such as black storks, scaly-sided mergansers, white-tailed sea eagles, and great bustards.

The wetland park can be divided into northern and southern sections. Almost all the artificial attractions and recreational facilities are located in the northern part, while the southern part is a more natural ecological reserve. The park has four entrances, almost all situated in the northern area, with the southwest entrance located at the boundary between the northern and southern sections.

Located in the eastern suburbs of Yinchuan, the Mingcui Lake Wetland Ecotourism Area is about 9 kilometers from the city center and 2 kilometers from the Yellow River. Covering a planned area of over 10,000 mu, it is an ecological demonstration zone integrating ecological conservation, tourism, conferences and holidays, and leisure and entertainment.

Visiting Mingcui Lake Wetland to observe birds and quietly listen to the natural symphony of birdsong is truly one of life’s great joys. Mingcui Lake is home to 97 species of birds, including black storks, scaly-sided mergansers, white-tailed sea eagles, and great bustards, which are all national first-class protected animals. Currently, the park has basically established infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, and landscaping, and has developed tourism projects like the "Waterwheel Garden," "Reed Maze," "Wild Fishing," and "Bird Watching and Flower Appreciation," making it a great spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Address: Within Zhangzheng Town, Xingqing District, Yinchuan City

Type: Lake Wetland

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 0951-6121959

Official Website: http://www.mingcuihu.com/

Opening Hours:

Spring, Summer, Autumn (April 1 – October 31): 7:00–19:00; Winter (November 1 – March 31 of the following year): 9:00–17:00

Ticket Information:

Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 60 RMB; Off-Season (November 1 – March 31 of the following year): Free.