Reputed as the pearl on the fields beyond the Great Wall, the Sand Lake is located 56 kilometers north of Yinchuan in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. It is a famous scenic spot combining the lush southern-type fields with desert scenery. The Sand Lake covers an area of 8.2 square kilometers, of which 12.7 square kilometers is desert. The unique scenery of the lake is composed of sand, water, reed, bird, hill and lotus.    

The Sand Lake is divided into two parts, with sand on the south and water on the north. The reed marsh stretching in the lake is a paradise for thousands of various bird species, including white crane, black marabou, and swan. When spring comes, bird eggs of various colors lie here and there among the reed, making a great spectacle.    

Since the Sand Lake is abundant in fish, restaurants here all prepare a special fish feast. Fresh bighead fish of over 10 kilograms is served to tourists. Tourists can also catch fish in the lake if they wish.   

A desert of 2,000 hectares covers the south part of the Sand Lake, and the desert and the lake set each other off and form a pleasant contrast. Tourists can take a yacht or swim in the lake as well as ride a camel or enjoy sand skiing or take a tour in cable car in the desert. They can stay in the Mongolian tent for a night in the desert.