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Shahu (Sand Lake) Ecotourism Area
5A Tourism Area
Designated 2007

Shahu (Sand Lake) Ecotourism Area

石嘴山市沙湖旅游景区

Ningxia, Shizuishan5.0Designated 2007·38.5686°N, 106.4281°E
Ticket Price
Peak CNY 60+ CNY 70 boat ticket /Off-peak CNY 40+ CNY 60 boat ticket
Duration
4 hours to 1 day
Rating
5.0 / 5.0
Designated
2007

About Shahu (Sand Lake) Ecotourism Area

At Shahu in Ningxia, rolling desert dunes meet the blue waters of a large lake, creating a landscape where camels can be ridden across the sand one moment and reed-fringed lagoons explored by boat the next. It is a major stop for migratory birds.

Highlights

Rare desert-meets-water ecosystem: a lake with reed beds and migratory birds ringed by sand dunes; boat tours, birdwatching and sand sliding.

Suggested Route

Take a boat through the reed maze to bird island, then the desert area for sand sliding; allow half a day.

Food & Lodging

Try Ningxia river fish and lamb; stay in Shizuishan or Pingluo.

Facilities

Boats
Travel Tips

Check official website for current information. Respect local customs and regulations. Best visited during mild weather seasons.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.

Location

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Book Tickets & Tours

Buying tickets as a foreign visitor

Most 5A/4A sites require real-name registration — bring your passport.

Tickets often must be booked in advance online — peak season & holidays sell out quickly.

Some remote or border-area sites have entry restrictions for foreign visitors — check before you travel.

External booking links. Prices may vary.

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to platforms travelers actually use.

Opening Hours

Peak season (April-October): 7:00-18:00; Off-season: 8:00-17:00. Hours may vary by weather conditions.

Getting There

In Pingluo County, Shizuishan; ~56 km north of Yinchuan; drive/tourist bus from Yinchuan; nearest airport Yinchuan Hedong (~70 km).

Reservation

Advance online reservation recommended via official platform; real-name entry.

Ticket Price

Peak CNY 60 (≈ $8.3)+ CNY 70 (≈ $9.7) boat ticket /Off-peak CNY 40 (≈ $5.6)+ CNY 60 (≈ $8.3) boat ticket

Address

Ningxiashizuishan City Pingluo County Yaofu Town

📍 中文地址 / Chinese Address
石嘴山市沙湖旅游景区

宁夏石嘴山市平罗县姚伏镇

Ningxiashizuishan City Pingluo County Yaofu Town

38.5686, 106.4281

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