Mingcui Lake

Introducing Mingcui Lake

Yinchuan Mingcui Lake National Wetland Park is located in Zhangzheng Town, Xingqing District, Yinchuan City. It is 9 kilometers west of downtown Yinchuan, 3 kilometers east of the Yellow River, and 5 kilometers from Yinchuan Hedong International Airport. It is one of the first national wetland parks designated by the State Forestry Administration in my country and the third in the country. It is also the first wetland park in the Yellow River Basin in western China.

It enjoys the reputation of "one of the six most beautiful wetland parks in China" and "the best wetland for ecological protection in China".

Mingcui Lake, formerly known as Daozu Lake, formed the middle section of Changhu Lake during the Ming Dynasty. Its name was changed to Mingcui Lake because of its swaying green reeds and chirping birds. The scenic area features lake lights, playful willows, misty grass and trees, birds flying, and fish leaping. It's not Jiangnan, but it's more like it.

On April 13, 2018, it was shortlisted for the "100 Magical Scenes of Northwest China".

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Top Ten Attractions

Hundreds of birds singing

Speaking of birds, Mingcui Lake is a bird paradise, home to 97 species, all wild, mostly migratory. Every spring and summer, they flock to Mingcui Lake to "set up camp" and raise their young. These include fourteen species, including the great bustard, Scaly merganser, white-tailed sea eagle, and black stork, both under first-class national protection, and the whooper swan, whooper swan, mandarin duck, and heron, the most prominent of which is the heron. Thousands of birds chase and frolic in this bird paradise, their clear chirping echoing with the gurgling water, creating the "Chirping of Hundreds of Birds," one of Mingcui Lake's ten major scenic spots.

Maze Searching for the Heron

The reed maze is Mingcui Lake's most distinctive feature. Designed based on the Taoist art of the Eight Diagrams, the maze's waterways stretch over ten kilometers. The winding, ever-changing maze, composed of reeds and waterways, is a truly remarkable achievement in achieving harmony between nature and humanity. The beautiful natural environment has made this area a hub for birdlife, with herons being the most prominent. Visitors can explore the maze in a small boat, enjoying the thrill of exploration and tracking herons. Furthermore, navigating the maze is a challenging undertaking, with hundreds of seemingly identical intersections making it a daunting prospect. This is the dual meaning behind the phrase "Searching for Herons in the Maze for Thousands of Degrees," one of Mingcui Lake's ten major attractions. The hundreds of birds soaring in unison against the setting sun evoke the famous line, "Autumn waters and the vast sky blend in one hue, while the setting sun and the solitary wild goose soar together."

Cars and water

The two-wheeled waterwheels, like two close brothers, are a landmark attraction of Mingcui Lake. Handcrafted, they resemble two brothers. On scorching summer days, water droplets drift down from just a few meters away, splashing onto the wheels and reflecting off the sun to create a dreamlike rainbow. Visitors descend to the next stop, surrounded by curtains of rain and mist, a truly enchanting experience, a dreamlike, poetic, and picturesque experience that requires personal experience. As a microcosm of bygone agricultural civilization and a witness to the vicissitudes of history, they showcase the ancient, majestic, and profound charm of Yellow River culture, embodying a pastoral landscape of harmony between man and nature, utilizing and coexisting harmoniously with nature. This is reminiscent of the description by the Qing Dynasty Daoguang poet Ye Li: "The waterwheels revolve in a cycle, pouring snow and turning silver into nine bends. Only then do I believe the ingenuity of Qinglian's poem, the Yellow River's waters descend from heaven." The two towering waterwheels complement the lake, creating a new landscape of "Jiangnan on the Great Wall." Today, four stone water wheels and a wooden pedal water wheel have been added to Mingcui Lake, further enhancing the unique charm of the water wheels. Water wheels of all sizes gather together and rotate happily, forming the scene of "water wheels and water puffing out clouds and mist", one of the ten major scenic spots of Mingcui Lake.

Water lily

The lotus, known as the "gentleman among flowers," captivates countless visitors. Mingcui Lake's 300-acre lotus pond boasts the largest collection of lotuses in Yinchuan. The lotuses, ranging from single petals to thousands of petals, white to pink, are just as described in Zhu Ziqing's poem "Moonlight over the Lotus Pond": "Across the winding lotus pond, endless leaves stretch as far as the eye can see, like the skirts of graceful dancers. Some are in full bloom, while others are shyly budding. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blows, revealing a faint fragrance." Whether bashful in bud, tender in first bloom, or unfurling in full bloom, the lotuses compete to display their delicate features, while their untainted presence in the mud reveals their noble and otherworldly qualities. Even dragonflies and fish don't want to miss this beautiful sight. Look at the little lotus just showing its tip, and the amorous dragonfly is already enjoying it there with abandon; the fish are also swimming freely at the bottom of the water, causing the lotus to sway her graceful body on the water, showing her charm even more. I really don't know whether it is the lotus that makes the fish drunk, or the fish that make the lotus dance!

Reed Catkins Chasing the Sun

Mingcui Lake possesses a beauty that belongs to green, to life. Its autumn brings a unique, long-lost feeling. The reeds, blooming with cotton-like white flowers, dance gracefully in the autumn breeze. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, they cling to each other, lingering tenderly, as if reluctant to part with the fleeting time. With their life force, they chase the setting sun, sowing seeds of hope elsewhere. This creates the "Reeds Chasing the Sun, Flying White Flowers" scene, one of Mingcui Lake's ten major scenic spots. Of course, this exquisite beauty can only be appreciated in autumn!

Green gauze leaking moon

Mingcui Lake is a poem, a song. On a moonlit night, as you row a small boat amidst a maze of reeds, listening to the cicadas and frogs croaking, and watching the bright moonlight filtering through the swaying reeds, the stars pouring down onto the rippling water, emitting a glittering light that reflects off the reeds, it's as if someone has scooped up a handful of gold and scattered it over the lake. On such a night, gathering with close friends, reciting poetry and singing, or enjoying a leisurely cup of tea, and feeling the beauty of Mingcui Lake's "green hourglass moonlight dotting the golden fragments"—it's a truly captivating experience.

Same cold and hot

This 8-meter-diameter globe sculpture, inlaid with natural marble, features a pair of nestled birds on top. Named "Sharing the Same Coolness and Heat," it reflects the growing threat to the survival of humans, animals, and plants due to severe ecological damage and increasingly harsh conditions over the years. Mingcui Lake pioneered this creative initiative, calling on everyone to protect the Earth, cherish birds, and cherish the environment, allowing humans and nature to develop in harmony. Just as Mao Zedong wrote in "Nian Nujiao: Kunlun": "The whole world shares the same coolness and heat!"

Observation Deck

The observation deck, like a bamboo shoot just emerging from the ground, stands on the main axis of Mingcui Lake. Standing 53 meters tall, this 11-story building is the highest point in the central area of ​​Mingcui Lake and a major landmark and spiritual symbol of the park. "Fuyun" is a true portrayal of the observation deck. Sloping flower beds, filled with blossoms, resemble a young girl with arms outstretched to welcome visitors. On the first floor of the observation deck, there is a built-in garden-style restaurant. Melodious music, green trees, and flowers accompany guests as they dine, allowing them to enjoy the comfort of being surrounded by nature. The second-floor platform is equipped with rattan tables, chairs, and bright parasols, where visitors can gather with friends, chat, and enjoy a drink. A high-powered telescope is located at the top of the observation deck, allowing visitors to take in the entire park's beauty and experience the sense of relief Confucius expressed when he said, "From Mount Tai, the world seems small."

Listening to the Spring

This stacked stone waterfall, with its breathtaking scenery of "a long river flowing down from afar," offers visitors a refreshing coolness under the scorching sun. Inside and outside the pond, green willows shade the landscape, small bridges flow through the water, schools of fish and shrimp, and the singing of birds and dancing swallows fill the air with a beautiful, harmonious and unique charm. Visitors can hear the sound of the waterfall from miles away, hence the name "Listening to the Spring."

Tickets

Adult ticket 30 yuan

Attraction opening hours

Peak season: 07:00~19:00; Off-season: 09:00~17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Mingcui Lake

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Mingcui Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in Yinchuan, Ningxia. It plays an important role in local ecology, serves as a recreational spot, and is surrounded by parks and cultural landmarks, offering both natural beauty and community significance.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located within Yinchuan city, easily accessible by taxi, local buses, or private car. Walking or cycling around the lake is also popular once you reach the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The lake area is generally open from early morning until evening. Best times to visit are spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance is usually free or low-cost. Tickets, if required for specific park sections, can be purchased onsite; online booking is rarely needed.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking is generally not necessary; advance booking is only advised for special events or seasonal boating activities.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1–3 hours depending on whether you are walking around, birdwatching, or engaging in recreational activities.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Lakeside walking paths
• Scenic viewpoints for photography
• Birdwatching zones
• Recreational and picnic areas

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are occasionally available through local travel agencies, mainly in Mandarin; audio guides are uncommon.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

East and west ends of the lake offer panoramic views. Sunrise and sunset over the water provide ideal lighting for photography. Birdwatching areas also offer great nature shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, walk along the lakeside path clockwise to cover the scenic viewpoints, stop at birdwatching and picnic areas, and finish at cafes or rest areas near the exit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are possible, but the area is primarily daytime-focused. Special tours or events are occasional and organized locally.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded; weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include restrooms, a few lakeside cafes or snack kiosks, water fountains, benches, and picnic areas. Limited souvenir shops may be available.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most paths around the lake are flat and accessible for elderly, children, and visitors with mobility aids, though some natural areas may be uneven.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is generally accepted for small purchases; mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay may also be accepted at some cafés and kiosks.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Several small cafés and restaurants near the lake; main dining options are available in Yinchuan city center.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Limited vegetarian options near the lake; Yinchuan city has more vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels and guesthouses are available within a few kilometers, ranging from budget inns to mid-range hotels in Yinchuan.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Shuidonggou Archaeological Site
• Mingcui Park and surrounding green areas
• Yinchuan city cultural landmarks

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include local handicrafts, postcards, and small nature-themed items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxi or ride-hailing services for nearby city attractions; public buses connect to other areas of Yinchuan. Private cars are convenient for visiting surrounding sites.