Heron Spring Lake

Heron Spring Lake

Heron Spring Lake is a national wetland park.

The Heron Spring Lake Ecological Wetland and Ethnic Culture Tourist Area is located 2 kilometers northeast of Yongning County in Yinchuan City, 1.5 kilometers east of the intersection of National Highway 109 and Guanhu Road, 18 kilometers north of Yinchuan City, and 2 kilometers east of the Yellow River. The lake covers an area of over 3,000 mu, with over 400 mu of clean water surface.

Legend has it that long ago, the tears of a crane immortal transformed into six springs, forming the current lake, also known as Heron Spring Lake. The crane immortal also transformed a temple west of the lake into what is now the Shan Shen Temple (also called the Shaanxi Temple). The temple was bustling with worshippers, who believed the spring water had healing powers and regarded it as sacred, considering Heron Spring Lake a divine lake.

Heron Spring Lake is famous for its large, high-quality crucian carp. The lake features crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by reeds, offering beautiful scenery and a tranquil environment. Dozens of bird species play on the lake’s surface, while fish and shrimp thrive in the water, creating a unique natural landscape of lakes within the northern frontier. Boating through the lake feels like entering a mystical realm, adding a special charm to the experience. In the 1980s, many film and TV productions from both within and outside the region were shot at Heron Spring Lake.

On April 18, 2006, Heron Spring Lake was purchased by Yinchuan University, invested in and founded by BaoTa Petrochemical Group, as an important part of its new campus. To protect the ecological wetland and develop branded tourism, Yinchuan University has invested over 10 million yuan in comprehensive planning and construction of the lake's attractions and recreational projects. New activities include speedboat rides, boating, fishing, Halal cuisine in farmhouse courtyards, and Mongolian yurts, integrating ecological sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, dining, and accommodation. Heron Spring Lake has formed a complete premium tourist route together with the Najiahu Mosque in Yongning County and the China Hui Ethnic Culture Park, and officially opened to tourists in full during the "May Day" Golden Week this year.

Transportation: Take bus No. 9 from the South Gate of Yinchuan or a minibus from Yinchuan to Yongning or Lijun, and get off at the intersection of National Highway 109 and Guanhu Road, then walk east.

Address: Within Yonghong Village, Yanghe Township, south of Yinchuan City

Type: Lake

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Opening hours:

8:00-21:00

Ticket information:

No admission fee required.