Plan at a glance
Lake location and visit area
Xinghai Lake is east of downtown Dawukou, and Shanshui Avenue runs through the lake area. Wetland covers about 48 square kilometres, including about 23 square kilometres of water. Its six geographic zones are Beilongzhou (北龙洲), Huizehai (惠泽海), Nanshahai (南沙海), Dongpinghai (东平海), Xuehai (学海) and Peninsula Bay (半岛湾). The shore and viewpoints are spread out, so choose one or two zones for a half-day visit; travel between them depends on the services running that day.
Tickets and operations
Entry is free. Sightseeing carts, boats and speedboats cost extra; confirm fares, stops and operating areas on arrival. Check the day’s opening notice before setting out. For water activities, confirm operating hours, the last departure and where to return.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Lakeshore, reeds and mountain views
Xinghai Lake brings together open water, reeds, islands, birdlife and the Helan Mountains in the distance. Because the lake area is large, choose one stretch of shoreline for a slow walk. On a clear day, you can frame the lake and the mountains together.
Wetland birdlife and views from the water
The waterside boardwalk around Bailuzhou (白鹭洲; Egret Islet) is a good place to see reeds and waterbirds up close. Hexianggu (鹤翔谷; Crane Valley) is known for its islands and waterways; when water activities are operating, a boat offers views across the reed beds. The lake is in an area used by migratory and stopover birds, so sightings change with the seasons. Stay on open paths and do not feed or chase the birds.
Zones and named sights
Beilongzhou, Huizehai, Nanshahai, Dongpinghai, Xuehai and Peninsula Bay are geographic zones. Bailuzhou (白鹭洲), Hexianggu (鹤翔谷), Bainiaoming (百鸟鸣) and Jin Xiyu (金西域) are individual visitor sites; the two sets of names refer to different things. Follow the park map for entrances, shuttle connections and areas open that day. For a short walk or birdwatching, choose an open lakeside path; to see sand beside the water, check whether the Nanshahai area is open.
For indoor exhibits on local wetlands, industry and everyday life, see Shizuishan Museum.
Build your day
1–2-hour lakeside walk
Navigate to an entrance near Longteng Square (龙腾广场) or Xinghai Square (星海广场). First confirm which lakeside paths are open, then walk along the water and return the same way at your planned turn-around time. Allow about 1–2 hours. This short route suits visitors who want lake, reed and mountain views; staying in one zone keeps the walk manageable.
3–4-hour wetland visit
For a 3–4-hour visit, start at Bailuzhou or another wetland viewpoint open that day, and follow the marked path to watch the reeds and waterbirds. Add a second zone only if a sightseeing cart or boat is running and its stops, route and return time work for your plan. The zones are far apart and walking links vary. If there is no suitable connection, focus on one lakeside area and return the way you came.
Get there
Navigation and parking
If driving, navigate to “Xinghai Lake” (星海湖) or the entrance near the square you plan to visit. The lake is in eastern Dawukou along Shanshui Avenue (山水大道). It is about 85 km from central Yinchuan by car; distance and travel time depend on your starting point and the day’s route. There are several parking areas by the lake. Use a car park marked for the scenic area and check current parking information and charges before setting out.
From Dawukou and other cities
In Dawukou, check current information for bus Routes 1 and 101 (1路、101路); stops and timetables may change. From Yinchuan, you can take an intercity coach to Dawukou. If arriving by high-speed train at Shizuishan Station (石嘴山站), continue by live bus service or taxi. Confirm your return service after arrival, especially the last bus in the evening.
Know before you go
Sun, wind and insects
There is little shade by the lake. Bring sun protection for bright weather and a light jacket when it is windy. Mosquitoes are common in the wetlands, especially in spring and summer, so carry repellent. Wear shoes suitable for paths and boardwalks, and do not chase birds or enter closed wetland areas.
Water and pacing
There are few shops in the park, so bring drinking water and a small snack. The lake area is large, and the stops and last departure for carts or boats affect which zones you can visit in one day. Choose one or two zones based on the services running that day.
Meals after your visit
Return to central Dawukou for a meal after your visit. Look for shouzhua yangrou (手抓羊肉; hand-eaten lamb) and lamb saozi noodles (羊肉臊子面); plan a full meal after leaving the lake area.