Plan at a glance
Move between dunes, wetlands, and the Yellow River
Huangsha Ancient Ferry (黄沙古渡原生态旅游区) is in Yueya Lake Township, Xingqing District, Yinchuan. This outdoor area brings together desert, the Yellow River, and wetlands. You can see sand and riverbank scenery or try activities such as desert off-road rides (沙海冲浪车), dragon boats or ferry shuttles, speedboats, and camel rides. What is available depends on your ticket, the weather, and which activities are operating that day.
Allow half a day and plan your return
A 2025 visitor guide estimated that the complete route covered by its comprehensive ticket packages was about 10 km and took 3–6 hours. Not every ticket requires you to cover the whole distance. A shorter visit to part of the wetland or dunes for photos and views is also possible. If you want to try several activities and stay for sunset, allow half a day. The grounds are large, and transfers, queues, and walking take time. Choose the activities you most want to do and leave room for delays; do not leave your return until just before closing.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Decide whether you want scenery or rides
For natural scenery, make the Yellow River bank, wetlands, and dunes your main stops, and look for changes in the desert plants and river landscape. If you want more rides, check which ones are included in a package ticket and operating that day. A comprehensive ticket may not mean unlimited rides or all-day access; check each activity’s inclusions and rules.
Choose dune activities to suit your group
Desert off-road rides and sand sledding suit visitors looking for a thrill, while camel rides offer a slower way to explore the dunes. Some activities have age, height, or weight limits. Your group does not need to choose the same activities; check the restrictions in advance and agree on a waiting place for anyone who will sit one out.
Check water conditions before booking river activities
Traditional sheepskin raft rides (羊皮筏子) and speedboat activities depend on river conditions, weather, and safety arrangements. The scenic area has temporarily suspended sheepskin raft services in the past, so check which river activities are operating before buying a ticket. If a service is cancelled, choose another open wetland, dune, or activity area rather than making it the only reason for your visit.
Choose tickets around children and older adults
Tickets combine different transport and rides, and some equipment has age, height, or weight limits. If you are travelling with children or older adults, check the official ticket information to see which activities they can join and choose a suitable package. Anyone with limited stamina can skip high-intensity rides and keep time for transport, rest, and water breaks.
Build your day
Check the map and activity notices at the entrance
At the visitor centre, confirm which areas are open, how to transfer between them, whether any activities are suspended, and how to return. Then use the official map to choose a main route through the areas open that day. If a water activity or elevated ride is closed, change your plan instead of walking back and forth to a closed stop.
Plan transport before choosing rides
First plan how to reach the farthest areas, since the connections depend on park transport or walking. Then choose activities based on queue times. If you want a camel ride or sheepskin raft ride, check its operating window and whether it is included in your ticket. If the wait is too long, visit another open area nearby rather than queuing in direct sun.
Leave the park before sunset plans run late
The Yellow River and dunes can be good places to watch the evening light, but the park currently lists a 6:00 pm closing time. Before planning for sunset, confirm whether the park will stay open later, when the viewpoint closes to entry, and the last park transport. If there is no extended opening, schedule your view so it does not interfere with leaving the park and getting home.
Get there
Take a bus, and check the day’s service
Bus 701 runs from the China Yinchuan International Trade City stop (中国银川国际商贸城) to the scenic area. The scenic area’s current transport guide also lists minibuses departing from near Jimin Hospital (济民医院) in Yinchuan’s South Gate (南门) area and tourist shuttles. Services can change by season and holiday. Before leaving, check the day’s timetable through the scenic area’s transport guide or Yinchuan Bus, especially the last return service. For enquiries, call 0951-6119999.
Drive or arrange a return ride
The scenic area is in Yueya Lake Township, a long way from central Yinchuan. Driving or arranging a round-trip pickup may be practical if you are with older adults or children, or plan to stay until evening. Check parking locations and fees at the entrance. Ride-hailing options nearby are limited, so arrange your return before you are ready to leave.
Confirm tourist shuttles by date
Tourist shuttles and holiday services may operate only in certain seasons, for visitor peaks, or during events. Before travelling, check the scenic area’s notice or the bus operator’s information for the meeting point, return trip, and any reservation requirement.
Know before you go
Check opening and closing times for your date
Reference opening hours are 8:30 am–6:00 pm. Seasonal or event arrangements may change them, so confirm the last entry time, activity stop times, and any weather-related closure notice for your travel date.
Check tickets, activities, and safety limits separately
The scenic area changed its package tickets in July 2026; different packages include different activities. Camel rides, zip lines, and other experiences may have age, height, or weight limits. Check current prices and inclusions before buying, and confirm whether sheepskin raft rides and elevated rides are operating.
Bring outdoor protection
There is little shade on the dunes, and sun, blowing sand, and temperature changes can affect how the day feels. Bring water and sun protection, and wear shoes suitable for walking in sand. Children and visitors with limited mobility need an accompanying adult. Use safety equipment as staff direct on rides and water activities, and follow temporary changes during thunderstorms or strong winds.