Nanhai Wetland Scenic Area

Lying on the north bank of the Yellow River, Nanhai Wetland marks the second bend of the winding Yellow River within Baotou. After the Yellow River shifted its course southward, lakes and river floodplain wetlands took shape here.

The scenic spot sits in the southern part of Donghe District, Baotou City. It is adjacent to the airport, railway station and long-distance bus terminal, boasting extremely convenient transportation. Located at the heart of the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos tourist circle, it integrates urban landscapes, the Yellow River and wetland ecosystems as one whole, playing a vital role in the interconnected tourism chain featuring grasslands, temples, water scenery, sand dunes and mountain vistas.

This land was once an ancient waterway of the meandering Yellow River. When the river rerouted south, water surfaces and riverside grass shoals were formed. The entire development zone covers 2,000 hectares, including 480 hectares of water area, divided into an aquatic activity zone and a lakeside sightseeing zone. Misty green mountains frame the wetland to the north, while the silvery ribbon of the Yellow River encircles it to the south. Rippling blue waves fill the lake, lush aquatic plants flourish along the shore, and gulls soar freely across the sky, creating a uniquely picturesque landscape.

It was designated a tourism development zone in 1985. Thanks to elaborate planning, development and construction in recent years, the zone has taken clear shape. It seamlessly blends natural charm with man-made landscaping, combining the bold, rugged grandeur of northern frontier lands and the gentle, delicate grace of water towns south of the Yangtze River. Hailed as the "West Lake Beyond the Great Wall", it stands out as one of the most distinctive scenic spots in the Grassland Steel City.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences here: boating on the lake, angling by the water, wandering through reed marshes to seek secluded views, or resting in gardens while feasting their eyes on the soothing scenery. Three major landscapes stretch from north to south in sequence: Nanhai Lake, Erhaizi Lake and sparse woodland grasslands.

In 2001, it was approved as a provincial-level wetland nature reserve by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In 2008, it was upgraded to a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. It also serves as a popular science education base for teenagers in Baotou and bears the well-known title "West Lake Beyond the Great Wall".

The ecological and tourism environment of Nanhai has undergone tremendous transformation. It now meets all-year travel demands: birdwatching in spring, summer escape from heat, autumn foliage appreciation and skiing in winter. It has developed into a comprehensive scenic area integrating ecological leisure, sightseeing and popular science education.

Park

4 hours

20 RMB

08:00 – 21:00

Southern part of Donghe District, Baotou City