Sand Lake

Shahu is an unusual pairing of habitats: a shallow lake of some eighty square kilometres with dense reed beds on one side and sand dunes of the Ulan Buh desert on the other, so waterbirds and desert sit in the same view. It is a significant stop on the East Asian flyway, with cranes, swans, herons, egrets and large numbers of ducks passing through in spring and autumn, and breeding colonies in the reeds through the summer. Boats run channels cut through the reeds to observation points, and on the sand side there are camel rides, sledging and the usual desert activities.

The landscape

• The reed marsh - dense beds cut by boat channels and hides.
• The migrating birds - cranes, swans and waterfowl in spring and autumn.
• The dunes - desert sand meeting the lake on the western side.
• The boat trips - passages through the reeds to observation points.

When to go

April to June and September to October for migration and breeding; summer is hot and busy with families, winter freezes the lake. Early morning is best for birds and light.

Good to know

The site combines a nature reserve with a busy activity park, and the desert side is loud with motorised rides. Entry plus boat is charged. Birds are seen at distance and binoculars matter.

Nearby

Yinchuan lies southeast; the Helan Mountains are south.