Half lake water, half sand, a touch of tenderness, a touch of chivalry

After returning from Qingtongxia, the rain in Yinchuan had stopped, but the news was that all scenic spots in Helan Mountain, Shahu, and Qingtongxia were closed. The weather forecast seemed to indicate sunny weather tomorrow (the recent forecasts have been somewhat vague). At 7:30 the next morning, I called Shahu and was told to wait until 8:00 to find out if it would be open. Keep calling! Finally, I learned that it was open. A 50-minute drive later, I arrived at Shahu at 9:00. The tour route is still well-established, no guide needed. Scenic area entrance → Boat dock → Pet park → Walk to Bird Island → Boat to desert area → Water park → Sand sculpture park → Boat return. ✔ Reed Maze The boat goes directly to the pet park. We didn't visit Lover's Island or Moon Island, and the Rainbow Bridge was only seen from a distance on the boat. The wetland is full of reeds, and the yacht weaves through them, creating a maze of reeds. ✔ Pet Park This is probably the best pet park I've seen so far. It's no longer just a few sheep, cows, or ducks to fool people. There are many kinds of small animals, with the gentle ones roaming freely for close contact, and the more unruly ones kept in enclosures for viewing. The bird observation station not only provides knowledge about wetland birds but also has various interactive games to attract children. From a high vantage point, you can see the entire Shahu wetland. ✔ Shahu Bird Kingdom—Bird Island From the pet park, walk along the wetland boardwalk to Bird Island. There are black and white swans, pelicans, wild ducks, and various other birds whose names I don't know (there are introductions to various birds along the boardwalk). Perhaps they are used to interacting with tourists; the swans and pelicans are not shy and come over like pets waiting to be fed. ✔ Desert Entertainment Area Similar to Shapotou, the desert area is developed into an entertainment zone with camel riding, sand sliding, surfing, desert motorcycling, and more. The difference is that the desert is right next to the lake, and the water activities surpass those of any other scenic spot. There are speedboats, water cars, jet skis, bumper boats, parasailing, water planes, and even the cheapest pedal boats. If it can be played on the water, Shahu has it. The desert is full of tourists taking pictures, capturing the beauty of blue skies, sand dunes, and clear water. Among them are men and women dressed in flowing robes and carrying swords, as if they have traveled to a western martial arts world. Whether due to the heavy rain or lack of maintenance, the sand sculpture park is desolate and disappointing, which explains why no one goes there. On the way back to the dock, you can glimpse Egg Island and see the egg-shaped houses.