Nestled at the foot of the Helan Mountains and along the banks of the Yellow River in Ningxia lies a dazzling "pearl of the northern frontier"—the Shahu Ecological Tourism Area. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, one of China's top ten charming wetlands, and one of the 35 top scenic spots nationwide, the Ningxia Shahu Ecological Tourism Area covers a total area of 57,000 mu (approximately 3,800 hectares). With its unique ecological landscape integrating mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and sand, it presents a magnificent picture of "a world-class migratory bird paradise and a Chinese sand and water wonderland." In recent years, Shahu has explored a sustainable development path through the integration of ecological protection and cultural tourism, allowing this "sand and water wonderland" of northern China to radiate new vitality.

A unique ecological phenomenon in the "Jiangnan of the Northwest": the coexistence of sand and water.

In China, there are many places with water, but the beauty of lakes and mountains lacks the ruggedness of sand; there are many places with sand, but the vast desert lacks the spirit of water. These two deficiencies are miraculously remedied at Shahu Lake. The vast desert and boundless waters coexist side by side, blending the elegance of the water towns of southern China with the grandeur of the northern desert, forming a unique spectacle of "sand and water symbiosis."

Located just 42 kilometers from Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia, the Shahu Ecological Tourism Area attracts a large number of tourists every year to enjoy the mountains, waters, birds, fishing, sand play, reeds, and moonlit views, embarking on an ecological rendezvous with nature and poetry. Boating on the reed-covered lake, with gulls and egrets skimming the water; resting on the sand by the water, with footprints and laughter filling the air—this has become an ideal place for people to reconnect with nature.

A paradise for migratory birds, where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

"Shahu Lake generously hosts hundreds of birds, bringing beauty to the world." Shahu Lake is a renowned migratory bird paradise, once named "China's premier birdwatching destination" by CNN. From March to October each year, 216 species of migratory birds from 19 orders and 53 families gather here, sometimes reaching millions. The famous line, "The setting sun and the lone wild goose fly together; the autumn water blends with the vast sky," aptly describes Shahu Lake.

Ningxia is an important node on bird migratory routes, especially a stopover for migratory birds from Australia. Every March, large numbers of birds from all over the world arrive at Shahu Lake—Ningxia's largest lake wetland—for a short stay. From April to June, they return to Shahu Lake with their companions and families, choosing suitable areas to nest and hatch. The following March, they return with their families. After the lake freezes over in November, they migrate south and to other parts of the world again. This cyclical life cycle of birds testifies to the continuous improvement of the ecological environment of Shahu Lake.

Ecological priority, rational utilization while protecting the environment

Shahu Lake deeply understands the importance of ecological protection. He Yanan, Marketing Director of the Shahu Lake Ecotourism Area, explained: “In its reed management, Shahu Lake preserves most of the year-round reeds for birds to nest in. Every March, when birds arrive, the lake area hasn't yet turned green, and the reeds haven't grown tall. Based on the migratory habits of birds, the scenic area preserves sufficient reeds in the nesting areas for them to build their nests. In terms of spatial planning, the scenic area scientifically divides the area into bird protection zones and ecological protection zones, providing ample living space for birds and preventing them from being disturbed by tourists and human activities. The areas are divided into ecological protection zones and tourist planning zones, achieving a balance between protection and utilization through a rational layout.”

The increasing number and variety of birds year by year serves as the best proof of the ecological benefits. Every year, new wild birds are discovered arriving in the scenic area to overwinter or breed. This virtuous cycle stems from the scenic area's continuous efforts to improve its ecological environment and optimize its planning and layout. According to bird monitoring data over the years, both the number and variety of bird populations in the scenic area have shown a steady upward trend.

In terms of ecological governance, the scenic area has done a great deal of effective work in recent years. In 2019, the scenic area launched the "Panoramic View of East Lake" ecological sightseeing project, allowing tourists to gain an in-depth understanding of wetland ecology and wild birds, and experience the mystery of the formation of the "sand-water symbiosis" spectacle. At the same time, the scenic area also offers study tours on wetland protection and bird observation, popularizing ecological protection knowledge among students. By focusing on multiple dimensions such as school science popularization, mobile science popularization, and ecological environment education, the scenic area aims to help more people understand and cherish nature.

Innovation-driven, high-quality development of cultural and tourism integration

Shahu Ecological Tourism Area has always adhered to the principles of ecology as its foundation, culture as its soul, and tourism as its core, continuously enriching its tourism offerings and improving service quality. Leveraging its unique sand and water resources and birdlife, the scenic area continues to develop branded events such as the "International Birdwatching Festival," transforming its ecological advantages into cultural and tourism industry strengths.

Currently, the scenic area is further optimizing its premium routes such as the "East Lake Ecological Sightseeing Tour," improving supporting service facilities, promoting the deep integration of "ecology + tourism + study tour + sports," continuously enhancing the scenic area's core competitiveness and brand influence, and striving to build Shahu into an internationally renowned eco-tourism destination.

From a "sand and water wonderland" to a "paradise for migratory birds," from ecological governance to the integration of culture and tourism, the Shahu Ecological Tourism Area is developing while protecting, and protecting while developing. This "pearl of the border region" at the foot of the Helan Mountains is showcasing China's brilliant achievements in ecological civilization construction to the world with even greater brilliance. (Source: China.com; Author: Chang Xiaojiao; Photo provided by: Ningxia Shahu Ecological Tourism Area)

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