Sand Lake

　　Located in Pingluo County, Ningxia, 56 kilometers from downtown Yinchuan, it is one of China's 35 premier scenic spots. Sand Lake features tens of thousands of acres of water, five thousand acres of sand dunes, two thousand acres of reeds, and a thousand acres of lotus ponds. It is abundant in fish and birds, home to dozens of rare species such as cranes, black-necked cranes, and swans. From the bird-watching tower, you can gaze at flocks of birds playing in the distance. Countless nests lie hidden among the reeds and at the base of the reed marshes. In spring, colorful bird eggs are scattered across the area, creating a truly spectacular sight.

　　In addition to its diverse bird population, Sand Lake is also rich in various fish species. At the aquarium on the southern shore, you can see dozens of rare fish, including the rare Wuchang fish and giant salamander (Andrias davidianus), as well as turtles with shells over a meter wide.

　　Around the western side of the lake, there are recreational facilities such as sand sliding, camel riding, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, paragliding, beach volleyball, and soccer. There are also aerial sightseeing tours by tourist planes.

　　Sand Lake is one of China’s first batch of 4A-level eco-tourism areas. It is located in Pingluo County, 46 kilometers from the capital city of Yinchuan. Thirty kilometers to its north lies Shizuishan, a famous industrial city in Ningxia. Traveling by car from Yinchuan along the Shizhong Expressway, it takes just over 40 minutes to arrive.

　　Sand Lake, with its southern sand dunes and northern lake, connected by water, and complemented by reeds and birds, forms a picturesque and enchanting scene. On June 19, 1991, former General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Comrade [name redacted] visited Sand Lake during an inspection tour in Ningxia and personally inscribed the name "Sand Lake," further enhancing its international reputation. Over the past decade of development, the scenic area has also hosted numerous Party and state leaders, including [names redacted]. Today, it has become a hotspot for tourism and investment in western China and serves as a window to showcase Ningxia and the charm of the western region to the world.

　　Sand Lake was originally a wetland. Due to the nearby Helan Mountain, heavy summer rains would cause mountain torrents to flow down, and over the years, this accumulated to form this natural lake. In the beginning, locals used the lake for fish farming to supplement their income. To ensure a stable water source, water from the Yellow River was diverted here. The lake water is crystal clear, the fish and shrimp are delicious, and there is no pollution—truly green food. Particularly notable is the large fish head from Sand Lake, which has even been served in Zhongnanhai as part of state banquets. The lake covers approximately 1,333.3 hectares, and there are also vast wetlands to its southeast. Combined, the total area exceeds 3,333.3 hectares, far larger than Hangzhou’s West Lake.

　　What makes Sand Lake beautiful is its uniquely swaying reeds. Across this vast lake, there are over 286.7 hectares of reeds, standing proudly like graceful maidens welcoming visitors from all directions. We say Sand Lake surpasses West Lake because of these enchanting reeds. It is these scattered yet well-distributed green landscapes that make Sand Lake vibrant and colorful. The reeds also play a crucial role in purifying the water quality.

　　Sand Lake is rich in aquatic resources, with common species like carp, grass carp, and silver carp, as well as less common northern species like Wuchang fish and giant salamanders. Every March, when life awakens, the reeds here begin to sprout new buds, just like those in Baiyangdian. As a result, the grass carp in Sand Lake grow alongside the reeds, feasting on the fresh sprouts. Similarly, the reeds trimmed by the grass carp become well-groomed, clustered here and there, turning into green flags swaying in the wind across Sand Lake.

　　Currently, the Sand Lake tourism area has reached a considerable scale, receiving over 600,000 domestic and international visitors each year. Developed attractions and activities include amusement parks, watchtowers, lotus gardens, aquariums, reed mazes, lake-center bird nests, western deserts, desert sailboats, water slides, jet skis, sand-sliding cableways, boating on the lake, natural bathing beaches, as well as rowing, fish watching, bird appreciation, fishing, sand sliding, parasailing, camel riding, and horseback riding.

　　The magic of Sand Lake also lies in the perfect combination of sand and water. Southern China has more water but less sand, while the north has more sand but less water. But here, the lake borders golden sands, combining both elements seamlessly, uniting north and south in a marvel of nature. Because Sand Lake lies in a low-lying area affected by monsoons, the winds continuously carry dust from afar, gradually forming such a vast desert over time. Only by stepping onto these undulating sand dunes can you truly appreciate their charm. When we walk barefoot on the soft, fine golden sand, a soothing, tingling sensation spreads through our entire body. The golden sand of Sand Lake not only holds value for sightseeing but also possesses many medicinal wonders. In summer, the sand absorbs the most luxurious amount of sunlight, concentrating numerous beneficial elements for the human body. Therefore, it can treat rheumatoid arthritis, replenish trace elements, promote blood circulation, and relieve fatigue.

　　Sand Lake is home to over one million birds of 198 species across 30 families and 13 orders, including five Class I protected species: great bustard, scaly-sided merganser, black stork, white-tailed sea eagle, and golden eagle. There are also 13 Class II protected species, such as whooper swans, tundra swans, and common cranes. Within the dense reed beds, thousands of birds live. Like humans, birds choose the best places to nest and build their homes. Here, humans and nature coexist harmoniously, and birds and fish rely on each other. It can be said that birds bring boundless vitality to Sand Lake, or that this is a paradise for birds, a world of fish, and a playground for visitors. Birds and fish are like twin siblings in the food chain, as bird droppings in the water provide food for fish, while fish, shrimp, and tender aquatic plants become sustenance for birds, maintaining ecological balance.

　　Early summer is the best time for bird watching, as various birds gather at Sand Lake. Some settle down to raise their young, some pause during migration to rest and prepare for the next leg, and others live by the water seeking tranquility. This cycle continues, welcoming and seeing off birds year after year.

　　A place where heaven and earth unite, a natural wonder. Sand Lake offers breathtaking views all year round—clear waters and green reeds with leaping fish and singing birds in spring; lotus-filled marshes and endless golden sands in summer; plump fish and crabs with drifting reed catkins in autumn; and a world of ice and silver in winter.

　　The magic of Sand Lake also lies in the perfect combination of sand and water. Southern China has more water but less sand, while the north has more sand but less water. But here, the lake borders golden sands, combining both elements seamlessly, uniting north and south in a marvel of nature. Because Sand Lake lies in a low-lying area affected by monsoons, the winds continuously carry dust from afar, gradually forming such a vast desert over time. Only by stepping onto these undulating sand dunes can you truly appreciate their charm. When we walk barefoot on the soft, fine golden sand, a soothing, tingling sensation spreads through our entire body. The golden sand of Sand Lake not only holds value for sightseeing but also possesses many medicinal wonders. In summer, the sand absorbs the most luxurious amount of sunlight, concentrating numerous beneficial elements for the human body. Therefore, it can treat rheumatoid arthritis, replenish trace elements, promote blood circulation, and relieve fatigue.

　　Sand Lake is home to over one million birds of 198 species across 30 families and 13 orders, including five Class I protected species: great bustard, scaly-sided merganser, black stork, white-tailed sea eagle, and golden eagle. There are also 13 Class II protected species, such as whooper swans, tundra swans, and common cranes. Within the dense reed beds, thousands of birds live. Like humans, birds choose the best places to nest and build their homes. Here, humans and nature coexist harmoniously, and birds and fish rely on each other. It can be said that birds bring boundless vitality to Sand Lake, or that this is a paradise for birds, a world of fish, and a playground for visitors. Birds and fish are like twin siblings in the food chain, as bird droppings in the water provide food for fish, while fish, shrimp, and tender aquatic plants become sustenance for birds, maintaining ecological balance.

　　Early summer is the best time for bird watching, as various birds gather at Sand Lake. Some settle down to raise their young, some pause during migration to rest and prepare for the next leg, and others live by the water seeking tranquility. This cycle continues, welcoming and seeing off birds year after year.

　　A place where heaven and earth unite, a natural wonder. Sand Lake offers breathtaking views all year round—clear waters and green reeds with leaping fish and singing birds in spring; lotus-filled marshes and endless golden sands in summer; plump fish and crabs with drifting reed catkins in autumn; and a world of ice and silver in winter.

　　Transportation: Take the tourist shuttle bus to Sand Lake from Yinchuan’s South Gate. The fare is 10 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

　　Ticket: 36 yuan (includes large boat fee)