Discover Haibao Park Yinchuan: Ancient Tower and Lakeside Serenity

Introduction

When the 53.9-meter Xixia Haibao Tower reflects on the rippling lake and egrets call from the reedbeds, Haibao Park reveals a unique version of “Jiangnan beyond the Passes.” This urban oasis blends a millennium of history with ecological beauty: a favorite morning spot for locals and a living cultural primer for travelers. Wander here and you’ll encounter echoes of the past, gifts of nature, and modern leisure.

1. Core features: The tower at the heart, the lake at its feet

“A single tower awakens Xixia memory; thousands of acres of blue feed the city’s breath.” The park’s soul is the millennia-old Haibao Tower. This 11-story brick pagoda—an heirloom of the Xixia kingdom—anchors both the historic-cultural precinct and the wetland ecology. The park weaves roughly 30% water, 70% green space, and reconstructed historic buildings so visitors can discover cultural clues while strolling through natural scenery.

2. Immersive experiences: A time corridor across a thousand years

• Living history
Around the tower, the cultural plaza features Xixia-style bracket eaves and carved seal motifs. In misty mornings, staff in period costume demonstrate traditional rubbing techniques; after dusk, the tower’s light show uses modern technology to retell the “Xixia Epic.”
• Eco theater
More than 30 migratory bird species are the wetland’s true residents. Watch herons nest in April, or cormorants fish in September. Wooden birdwatching platforms include bilingual interpretive panels. The 200-mu (about 33-acre) reedbed is especially magical—when the autumn wind rises, the silver waves of reeds perfectly evoke classical poetry.

3. Must-try highlights

• Cultural pilgrimage route
Start at the Xixia inscription grove at the tower’s base, stroll the reconstructed commercial street with parchment workshops, and finish in the cultural center’s holographic exhibition. In about 45 minutes you’ll get a compact, immersive introduction to Xixia culture.
• Eco surprise trail
A 5-km lakeside loop places an ecological observation point every 500 meters: you may meet a family of wild ducks or scan a QR-tagged rare sandthorn tree. Locals love coming at dusk to “collect” the sunset and the birdsong.
• Hidden gems
After the Saturday morning fountain show, the east plaza hosts a handicraft market with intangible cultural heritage demonstrations. Rock painting rubbings from the Helan Mountains cost only 20 CNY—about half the price of typical scenic-area workshops.

4. Practical guide: Play like a local

⏰ Best times
7:00–9:00 (ideal for exercise and birdwatching) or after 16:00 (avoid midday heat and catch the sunset). Allocate 3–4 hours for a relaxed visit.
🎫 Smart spending
Park entry is free. Tower admission is 30 CNY (includes guided explanation). The park electric shuttle is 15 CNY per person (hop-on, hop-off).
🍜 Food tips
Outside the north gate, “Lao Mao Hand-Pulled Lamb” serves authentic mutton. The teahouse inside the park pairs eight-treasure tea with crispy sanzi—highly recommended. Insider tip: the cultural center serves complimentary goji tea on Wednesday afternoons.
🚌 Getting there
Take Metro Line 1 to Haibao Park Station and exit B, then walk about 8 minutes. By car, navigate to Haibao Park East Parking Lot (5 CNY/hour). Taxi drivers are familiar with the drop-off point at the west-side Haibao Tower sculpture area.

5. Local secrets

• Photographers’ hideout: the third birdwatching platform on the wetland’s south shore captures both the tower’s reflection and flying birds in one frame.
• Avoid crowds: tour groups usually cluster in the cultural zone from 10:00–15:00—this is a good time to explore the wetlands instead.
• Note: the park is large but has limited shade—sunscreen matters more than a selfie stick.

Conclusion

Where modern Yinchuan energy meets the Xixia dynasty’s mystery and where skyline and ecology reach a gentle balance, Haibao Park becomes more than a leisure spot—it is Yinchuan’s postcard to the world. Walk it slowly, let the tower’s call toll the stories of time, and you’ll discover the most poetic way to open the lakeside city.