Star Sea Lake

　　Star Sea Lake, also known as Beisha Lake, is located in the eastern part of Dawukou District, covering a total area of 43 square kilometers, with a perennial water surface area of 23 square kilometers. It is one of the ancient sites of the historical Shahu Lake and an important part of the water system of the "Seventy-Two Connected Lakes" on the Yinchuan Plain. It shares the same water system as the national 5A-level tourist attraction Sand Lake, sharing a common origin.

　　Originally named the Dawukou Flood Retention Area, Star Sea Lake is a naturally formed low-lying area. It borders the Baotou-Lanzhou Railway to the east and is situated in the central part of Dawukou District, the administrative center of Shizuishan City. It is just 2 kilometers from the city center of Dawukou District, with the Daping Highway running alongside the lake. It is only 5 kilometers away from the Beiwudang Ecological Tourism Area. The area mainly consists of three parts: the Dawukou Flood Retention Reservoir, the Changshengdun Flood Retention Reservoir, and the Dawukou Flood Retention Area. It has long served the functions of draining, discharging, and storing floodwaters from five major mountain torrents along the Helan Mountain.

　　In the past, due to years of operation and poor management, the Dawukou Flood Retention Area was often piled with garbage, infested with mosquitoes and flies, reeking with foul odors, and suffering from silt accumulation, leading to a continuous reduction in its storage capacity. During flood seasons, it posed serious threats to the safety of urban areas and people's lives and property, as well as to the safety of the Baotou-Lanzhou Railway.

　　In response to this situation, in early 2003, the municipal Party committee and government decided to make great efforts to renovate this wetland area and named it Star Sea Lake, symbolizing waters and lakes from all directions, shining stars, the star of the century, and the star of hope. It represents pooling wisdom and strength, carrying forward the spirit of Shizuishan, creating the "Shizuishan Speed," and promoting the development of Shizuishan. Star Sea Lake was built to improve the urban environment of Dawukou and construct a garden-like city integrating mountains and waters. After five years of construction, with the support of the citizens and the assistance of the Lanzhou support construction troops, a total of over 14 million cubic meters of earthwork have been excavated and transported. A wetland protection area of 43 square kilometers has been established, forming a perennial water surface area of 23 square kilometers. A 106-kilometer-long flood control dike has been built, along with 54 various flood control and drainage hydraulic structures. With an investment of nearly 300 million yuan, six major zones—namely six major scenic areas—have been completed: Hexiang Valley Scenic Area (North), Jinxiyu Scenic Area (West), Bainiao Ming Scenic Area (East), Bailuzhou Scenic Area (Central), Xinyuehai Scenic Area (New), and Nansha Hai Scenic Area (South). Subsequently, the construction of the Star Sea Lake Memorial Exhibition Square, Longteng Star Sea Square, Xinyuehai Ecological Square, Fishermen’s Wharf Square, Deer Island Square, and Zhongyu Fishing Center were also carried out. These include a large amusement park and a parking lot covering an area of 12,000 square meters, with over 30 various boats including large yachts and speedboats. Major structures include large mushroom-shaped pavilions, castles in Western European style, deer and pigeon sheds, the Moon-Embracing Bridge, and tensile membrane structures.

　　The completion of Star Sea Lake and the enhancement of its various tourism functions fully demonstrate its social, ecological, and economic benefits. In summary, it has the following four major functions:

　　1. Flood Control Function: After its completion, the water storage capacity of Star Sea Lake increased from 11.5 million cubic meters before renovation to the current 63 million cubic meters. Its flood control capacity has improved from a 10-year frequency to a 50-year frequency. This ensures the safety of the Dawukou urban area and the lives and property of its residents.

　　2. Drought Resistance and Water Storage: While maintaining normal ecological landscape water levels, Star Sea Lake provides supplementary irrigation water for downstream farmland during the low-demand period of agricultural irrigation each year.

　　3. Improvement of Urban East Ecological Environment: It has transformed the previously dirty, chaotic, and substandard ecological environment in the eastern part of the city. It regulates the urban microclimate, improves the urban environment, enhances the city's image and quality, improves living conditions, creates a favorable investment environment for attracting businesses, forms a new tourism pillar for the city, and drives the development of the city’s “smoke-free industry.”

　　4. Economic Benefits: After its completion, Star Sea Lake has created a perennial water surface area of 23 square kilometers, laying a solid foundation for the development of the “four-water industries” (fishery, aquaculture, water sports, and water tourism). The annual tourism revenue alone can exceed 2 million yuan.

　　The Star Sea Lake scenic area now teems with sandpipers and flocks of wild ducks, featuring a rich variety of species. Lush reeds and interconnected cattails stand tall, while the waters are tranquil and clear. In the early morning, Star Sea Lake is picturesque, with the glowing red sun, emerald green reed marshes, and silvery lake surface. When the first golden ray of sunlight shines into the serene morning waters, it instantly brings the whole lake to life. The distant and nearby waters suddenly awaken, rippling and shimmering. As far as the eye can see, the surface sparkles brilliantly—a truly enchanting scene. In the afternoon, Star Sea Lake offers a panoramic view of lake and mountain scenery, with the towering Helan Mountain vividly in sight. The mountain is serene, the water gentle, and gazing at it for long can bring a feeling of being transported to another world.