Shizuishan

Shizuishan is the most important industry city of Ningxia. The city is near Helan Mountain. In the mountain several big coal mines are found. After that many coal and power factories were built in the previous 40 years.

• 🌍 Shahu Lake (沙湖, Shāhú). Consists of desert (an island of sand) and surrounding lake, islands, and marshlands. The reed marshes around the lake are habitats for more than 1 million birds in 190 or so kinds, including swans and red-crested cranes. On the island there are many attractions like camel riding, sand skiing, a chairlift up a sand dune, hot air balloon rides, jet skis, a salamander petting zoo, museums, a room that simulates rain, etc, some of which are free and some of which cost from ¥30 up to ¥150 or more. The overbuilt parts are readily escaped. ¥120 for entry plus the large, slow boat to access the main sand island, but there are a bewildering array of other ticket options available. (updated Oct 2018)