Sand Lake Scenic Resort

Introducing Sand Lake Scenic Resort (from CITS & Official website)
At the foot of the Helan Mountain in the northwestern area of China lies a vast desert while next to the desert a blue green lake ripples. The lake area is known as Sand Lake Scenic Resort and is a miracle of blue sky, green lake, yellow sand dunes, green reeds, lotus and beautiful birds. The Sand Lake Scenic Resort, located in Pingluo County which is near to Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It was awarded the first National Group of AAAA Tourism Scenic Areas in 2001. Sand Lake combines sand, water and hill together. Reeds and lotuses seem to be endless at the lake. Many exciting activities such as water-motorcycling, surfing and sliding down the dunes.

Sand Lake Scenic Resort Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Sha Hu 沙湖
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 day
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Boating
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 50 from Apr to Oct; CNY 40 from Nov to Mar
• Address: Shizuishan City, Pingluo County, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

What to expect at Sand Lake Scenic Resort

The Lake
The lake looks like a resplendent pearl nestled in the Ningxia Plain. The water in the lake is so rich in its blue-green color that it could almost be mistaken for the ocean and makes. There are many kinds of fish in the lake if visitors wish to take part in fishing. Not just the silver carp, grass carp and crucian carp but also the blunt-snout bream, which is rarely found in North China. You can find giant salamanders here as well.

 

Bird Island
Sand Lake is one of the best places for bird-watching lover, with its Bird Island. As it is home to 198 species of birds, many precious bird species, such as swans, white and grey cranes, black storks, and wild geese live. It is one of the largest and best areas for watching birds in China. When boating on the lake near Bird Island, one can take in the beautiful scenery - several white gulls hovering in the sky against a backdrop of golden sandy hills.

Lotus Scenic Resort
The Lotus Scenic Resort located in the east of Sand Lake where water lily, reed bamboo and other water plant grows. When the water lilies are in blossom, one can take in the smell of a sea of flowers giving out their fragrance. One can also pick the lotus seeds while on the boat, under the guidance of the local people.

 

International Sand-carving Artistic Area
On the south bank of Sand Lake there is an area called International Sand-carving Artistic Area which gathers together numerous classical works of art such as sand-carvings of Pyramids and Sphinx. In the desert not far away camels can be seen walking in time to the beat of their bells around their necks.

Sand Lake offers many other pursuits for the more active tourists, such as parachuting on water, motorcycling on water, surfing and the most exciting of all - sand sliding on the ropeway. While riding the motorboats, the breeze in your face and the scenery rushing by will give you an exhilarating feeling.

 

How to get to Sand Lake Scenic Resort
• Sand Lake Scenic Resort is approximately 56 Km from Yinchuan
• From Apr. 20 to Oct 20, there are direct buses from Yinchuan Beimen Tourist Bus Station to the resort.
• Take a regular bus from Yinchuan Beimen Tourist Bus Station to Dawukou, Huinong, Hongguozi, Ruqigou, Longhu, Pingluo, Yaofu or Shahu, and get off at Shahu.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Yinchuan to Sand Lake Scenic Resort.

Additional travel advice on Sand Lake Scenic Resort
• Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent strong UV.
• It is very hot in the sand zone in summer, so it’s not suggested to visit there at noon during sunny days.