Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park

　　Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park is situated in Zhangzheng Town, Xingqing District, Yinchuan City, Ningxia, about 10 kilometers from downtown Yinchuan and 3 kilometers from the Yellow River. As the first national wetland park in the Yellow River basin and western China, the scenic area combines landscapes of the Loess Plateau, the Yellow River, lakes, reeds, and wetlands. After visiting, you may feel as though you’re not in the northwest of China, but somewhere in the south—Yinchuan truly lives up to its title as the “Jiangnan (Land of Abundance) beyond the Great Wall.”

　　The lake water within the park is crystal clear, offering a typical view of the Jiangnan water town. In summer, you can stroll along the water’s edge, go fishing, admire the weeping willows nearby and the reeds in the distance. You can also take a boat ride on the lake to get a close-up view of the lotus flowers. The scenic area offers a variety of recreational activities for younger visitors, such as water-based plum blossom piles, water S-bridges, water cloud ladders, and other water amusement activities. There are also some thrilling adventure sports available for those seeking excitement.

　　Even if you visit in winter, you won’t be disappointed—you can enjoy snow sports at the ski resort within the park. If you’re a bird lover, spring and summer are the best seasons to spot thousands of precious birds here, including several protected species such as the black stork, the scaly-sided merganser, the white-tailed sea eagle, and the great bustard.

　　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 conservation area. There are four entrances to the park, most of which are located in the northern region, with the southwestern entrance situated at the boundary between the northern and southern areas.

　　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. With a planned area of over 10,000 mu (approximately 667 hectares), it is an ecological demonstration zone integrating ecological protection, tourism, sightseeing, conference resorts, and leisure entertainment.

　　Birdwatching at Mingcui Lake Wetland, quietly listening to the chorus of birds, is truly one of life’s great pleasures. The park is home to 97 species of birds, including the black stork, the scaly-sided merganser, the white-tailed sea eagle, and the great bustard, all of which are Class I nationally protected animals. Currently, the park has established basic infrastructure for water, electricity, roads, and landscaping, and has developed tourist attractions such as the “Waterwheel Garden,” “Reed Maze,” “Wild Fishing,” and “Bird and Flower Viewing,” making it a perfect place for relaxation and spiritual refreshment.

　　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.