Shahu Tourist Scenic Area is located in Pingluo County, Shizuishan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is situated at the foot of Helan Mountain and along the Golden Bank of the Yellow River, 42 kilometers away from Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The scenic area is a national 5A-level scenic area, one of the Top Ten Charming Wetlands in China, and one of the New Ten Sceneries of Ningxia. The total area of the scenic area is 80.10 square kilometers, including a water area of 45 square kilometers and a semi-mobile desert area of 22.52 square kilometers. Here, seven major resources such as lakes, sand dunes, reeds, birds, fish, distant mountains, and colorful lotuses are integrated. It has both the grandeur of the desert and the elegance of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River, making it a rare cultural and tourist destination.
History and Culture
Shahu was originally a butterfly-shaped wetland on the Xidatan of Yinchuan Plain. Because it is shaped like an ingot, it is also known as "Yuanbao Lake". In 1952, the First Independent Division of the Northwest Military Region of the Chinese People's Liberation Army was reorganized into the First Agricultural Construction Division of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and the officers and soldiers came to Xidatan to open up wasteland and cultivate fields. In 1986, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region listed Shahu and its surrounding wetlands as key protected areas. In 1989, the Ningxia Agricultural Reclamation Bureau began to develop tourism on the former fishing lake and named it "Shahu Tourist Area". In September of the same year, Bai Lichen, the then Chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, renamed it "Shahu". In 1991, Jiang Zemin, the then President of China, personally inscribed the words "Shahu" when he visited Shahu. Since then, Shahu has continued to develop and won many honors. For example, it was rated as one of the first batch of national 5A-level scenic areas in 2007 and was selected as one of the "Top Ten Charming Wetlands in China" in 2013.
Main Scenic Spots
Shahu International Sand Sculpture Garden
The Shahu International Sand Sculpture Garden officially opened on August 11, 2002. It is the competition venue for previous Shahu International Sand Sculpture Competitions. Sand sculpture masters from many countries such as the United States, France, and Russia have competed here.
Bird Island (Hundred Birds Paradise)
Bird Island is located in the core area of the Shahu Bird Reserve. It is one of the bird-watching spots in China where visitors can get closest to birds and where there are the largest number and variety of birds. The number of birds is the largest in April and October every year.
East Lake Wetland (Bird Observation Station)
The East Lake Wetland covers an area of 40,000 mu. It is an excellent habitat for birds to inhabit and reproduce and the most advantageous bird-watching place in the Shahu Scenic Area. The Bird Observation Station integrates the functions of wetland and bird viewing, detection, and protection.
New Entrance Area Square
The main shape of the scenic area gate is a white swan spreading its wings and taking off. It is made of steel structure and has a profound meaning.
Desert Camel Team
When entering the desert area, you can see the rolling yellow sand extending to the horizon. On the vast desert, only the desert camel team marches forward with their heads held high.
Shahu Fishing Girl
The sculpture reflects the harmonious beauty between human and nature, and between human and the environment. It is a spiritual portrayal of the people of Shahu who love Shahu, their life, and nature.
Sea Lion Pavilion
On the pleasant shore of Shahu, lovely and smart little sea lions are waiting to bring happy memories to the guests.
Ostrich Park
There is a group of ostriches with their necks held high. They live in groups and look very cute when running.
Agricultural Reclamation Museum
Since its establishment, China's agricultural reclamation cause has shouldered the great mission of establishing and ensuring national food security. The museum showcases the eventful years of agricultural reclamation.
Ningxia Wetland Museum
The museum was completed and opened on October 29, 2010. It takes the popularization of wetland knowledge and bird exhibitions as the main content, takes wetlands as the exhibition main line, takes Shahu as the key point, and takes the harmonious unity of nature, society, and human beings as the theme.
Delicacies
Shahu Big Fish Head
Shahu is a "National Ecological and Healthy Breeding Demonstration Area". The "Shahu Big Fish Head" produced here is very famous and is known as natural "brain gold". It is a high-quality dish for state banquets. Its meat is tender, rich in nutrition, and delicious in taste.
Shahu Special Fish Feast
In addition to the big fish head, the fish in Shahu can also be made into various delicious dishes, such as steamed fish, braised fish, sweet and sour fish, etc. Using fresh live fish from Shahu, they have a delicate taste and rich flavor.
Ningxia Special Snacks
You can also taste the special snacks of Ningxia around the scenic area. For example, the hand-grabbed mutton has tender meat without mutton smell; the sheep offal soup is delicious and rich in nutrition; and there are also Liangpi (cold noodles), Youxiang (fried bread), Sanzi (fried dough twist), etc., each with its own unique flavor.
Ticket Prices
Package Ticket (Entrance Ticket + East Lake Route A): 148 yuan for the elderly, 173 yuan for students, and 198 yuan for adults.
Package Ticket (Entrance Ticket + Yacht Sightseeing Route): 198 yuan for the elderly, 223 yuan for students, and 248 yuan for adults.
Package Ticket (Entrance Ticket + East Lake Route A + 360 Flight Experience Hall): 178 yuan for the elderly, 203 yuan for students, and 228 yuan for adults.
Package Ticket (Entrance Ticket + Speedboat + Bird Watching Secret Realm): 249 yuan for the elderly, 274 yuan for students, and 299 yuan for adults.
In addition, there are some paid amusement projects in the scenic area, such as cruise ships, sand sliding, camel riding, etc. The fees vary according to different projects. You can search for the official WeChat account "宁夏沙湖" to learn about the latest updates.
Opening Hours
Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 08:30 - 16:30
Off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 09:00 - 17:00
The scenic area may adjust the opening hours according to the actual situation. It is recommended that visitors pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or consult by phone before traveling to arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
The following is a classic tour route for reference: New Entrance Area Square - Shahu International Sand Sculpture Garden - Boat Tour (enjoying the reed marshes, Bird Island and other lake views) - East Lake Wetland (Bird Observation Station) - Desert Camel Team Experience - Chairman Mao Badge Museum - Ningxia Wetland Museum - Agricultural Reclamation Museum. Visitors can adjust and choose according to their own interests and time.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Yinchuan, drive north along the Beijing-Tibet Expressway, get off the expressway at the Shahu exit, and follow the road signs to reach the scenic area. The driving time is about 40 minutes.
- Bus: There are special tourist buses departing from Xinyue Square in Yinchuan City directly to the Shahu Scenic Area. The ticket price is about [X] yuan, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
- Chartered Car: You can charter a taxi or a business car in Yinchuan City to go to the Shahu Scenic Area. The cost depends on the vehicle type and the itinerary.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
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Bird Island
It is an excellent bird-watching place in China. Visitors can enjoy a large variety of birds up close. The number of birds is the largest in April and October, and the scenery is spectacular.
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Shahu International Sand Sculpture Garden
There are works of sand sculpture masters from various countries. The artistic atmosphere is strong, and visitors can appreciate exquisite sand sculpture art.
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Desert Camel Team
Ride a camel in the desert, experience the desert customs, and feel the charm of the "ancient camel bells on the road".
Tour Tips
- Pay attention to the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day to visit to better enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains.
- Wear comfortable shoes when visiting, because the scenic area is large and requires a lot of walking.
- If you want to watch birds, it is recommended to bring a telescope and a telephoto camera to observe and photograph birds more clearly.
- Take sun protection measures when visiting in summer, such as bringing a sun hat and sunscreen; keep warm in winter and wear thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves, etc.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area and do not damage the environment and public facilities of the scenic area at will.
- Pay attention to safety when playing by the lake and in the desert. Obey the instructions of the staff and do not enter dangerous areas without permission.
- Take good care of birds and other wild animals. Do not feed or frighten them.
- Keep your personal belongings safe, especially be careful of theft in crowded places.