Yellow River Shoals and Islands

Yellow River Shoals and Islands

The Yellow River Shoals and Islands are scattered sandbars and islands along the course of the Yellow River. As the river flows through Wuhai for 75.5 kilometers, this section embodies both the rugged grandeur of the north and the delicate charm of the south. Along the way, there are more than ten large and small islands and midstream shoals, like emeralds scattered across a silk ribbon of the river. The islands and shoals are covered in lush green grass and shaded by towering trees, offering breathtaking natural scenery.

Downstream, the Yellow River flows toward the Hetao Plain, flanked by the Ulan Buh Desert. On the west bank of the river, there is a desert scenic area with tourist facilities accessible by boat, where visitors can go sandboarding, swimming, and ride camels. The main attractions of the Yellow River Shoals and Islands include—

Dazhong Shoal: Surrounded by water on all sides, it has been partially developed with numerous flowering trees, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. In spring and summer, the island bursts into a sea of blossoms.

Lihua Shoal: The island is covered with dense forests and lush flowers, embraced by green trees and vast reed beds, presenting a pristine natural landscape. The natural scenery here is exceptionally beautiful. In the near future, a multifunctional, comprehensive amusement area will become a reality.

Wuxiao Shoals (also known as the Poplar Island): Comprising five small islands with a total area of about 1,500 mu, they are surrounded by water and abundant with trees and flowers, offering pleasant scenery. The area is especially famous for its tall, dense stands of poplar trees. The islands have initially established various types of tourist facilities, including classic, modern, and ethnically distinctive buildings, as well as over ten cruise boats to meet visitors’ needs for sightseeing, accommodation, and leisure.

Transportation

At Xihaibu Town on the banks of the Yellow River in Haibowan District, Wuhai City, there is the Dayu Dock, just 2 kilometers from the city center. It takes less than half an hour by boat from the dock to reach the scenic area. Large boats can accommodate twenty to thirty people at a cost of 100 yuan per hour per boat, while smaller boats can carry 16 people at 80 yuan per hour. Additionally, there is another ferry crossing west of the train station, but those are small wooden boats that are generally cheaper than the larger ones.