Plan at a glance
Nalin Taohai Farm, Dengkou County
Nalin Lake is in Nalin Taohai Farm, Dengkou County, on the northeastern edge of the Ulan Buh Desert, about 40 km from Dengkou County town. Set aside about half a day for this destination. The Yellow River Wetland Park in downtown Linhe is a separate trip, with its own cross-county transport and supplies. The scenic area operates seasonally and is currently closed under an official notice; its reopening date has not been announced.
Walk the shore or take a boat to the island
The main ways to visit are walking along the lake shore and taking a boat to the island in the lake. The shore path ends at the water; reaching the island requires a boat from the pier. Allow separate time for the crossing and activities on the island.
Budget and pace
A shore walk is shorter, while a boat trip adds the return crossing and time on the island, so a half-day plan is more suitable. Ask separately about scenic-area admission, boat tickets, and island activities. Waiting for a boat or joining an island activity will extend your visit.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Shore scenery where water meets sand
From the shore, you can see open water, reeds, and surrounding sand. The Nalin Lake lettering and large sculpture near the entrance or pier can serve as photo foregrounds. Shore photography does not require a boat, and you can keep the visit within the seasonal opening hours.
Boat through the reed channels
The main way to reach the island is by boat through the reed channels, with views of the reed beds and island from the water. The route and daily service depend on season, weather, and operating arrangements. Before buying a ticket, ask whether it includes the return trip and confirm the return sailing.
Sandy activities on the island
The island offers a different sandy landscape from the shore. If activities are open, you may be able to choose a camel ride or sandboarding. Confirm prices and age requirements separately. If an activity is closed, return by boat from the pier instead of waiting for it to open.
Build your day
A one-hour shore walk
Walk from the main entrance to the shore path and pier, take in the reeds, lake, and any signs or sculpture, then return the same way. This route does not include a boat ride or island visit. If the path is seasonally closed, stay within the area open that day and end the visit there.
A two- to three-hour boat-and-island visit
When the area is open, go from the entrance confirmed for that day to the pier, take the seasonal boat route through the reed channels, and explore the island within the open area. Return by boat to the landing point designated by the operator. Camel rides and sandboarding are optional and may cost extra. Confirm the return arrangements and leave enough time before deciding to join an activity.
Plan sunset around the last boat
Sunset time changes with the season. If you want to photograph the evening sky, first confirm the day’s closing time and the last boat. If you cannot confirm them, visit during daylight and leave ample time for the return crossing.
Get there
Navigate to Nalin Lake Scenic Area
For easier navigation in Chinese map apps, search for “纳林湖风景区” (Nalin Lake Scenic Area) and check that the map location is in Nalin Taohai Farm, Dengkou County. Confirm the entrance open that day in the latest notice; the Jinchuan Avenue map point for the downtown Linhe Yellow River Wetland Park is a different place. Follow seasonal notices and on-site directions for the entrance and roads within the scenic area.
Travel from Linhe or Dengkou County town
Nalin Lake is in Dengkou County, outside downtown Linhe’s walkable area, so arrange separate cross-county transport from Linhe. No reliable direct bus route or timetable has been confirmed. From Dengkou County town, also arrange a return vehicle and plan to return to town for supplies after the visit.
Parking and the return trip
Before leaving, confirm where to park, whether fees apply, and whether spaces are available; follow on-site arrangements in peak season. Arrange your outbound and return ride and pickup point in advance to avoid being stranded after closing.
Know before you go
Seasonal closure and reopening date in autumn and winter 2026
A scenic-area notice dated October 12, 2026, says Nalin Lake would close from October 15, with no visitors or vehicles allowed inside during the closure, and that it would reopen in 2027. As of October 22, 2026, no reopening notice had been found. Before travelling, check the latest notices from “Dengkou Culture, Sports and Tourism” or “Nalin Lake Scenic Area.”
Hours and prices during the operating season
Ctrip's attraction listing shows regular operating hours of 08:00–18:00, but the area operates seasonally, and the last boat may depart before closing time. The scenic area has been closed since October 15, 2026. When it reopens, confirm operating hours, the ticket cutoff, and the last boat in that season’s notice. Check prices separately for admission, the return boat ticket, and island activities, and ask whether insurance costs extra.
Weather, boats, and photography safety
The shore and island can be sunny and dusty; bring sun protection and drinking water. In strong winds, thunderstorms, or poor visibility, first check whether boat service has been suspended. Stay seated and follow the crew’s instructions; do not stand on the edge of the boat or lean past railings to take photos, and do not enter the lake from the shore.
Supplies in Dengkou County town
No restaurant within walking distance of the scenic area has been confirmed. You can return to Dengkou County town for a meal and supplies. Before heading back, use a map to check businesses’ locations and opening hours, then plan whether to return to the scenic area or continue to your next stop.