That autumn, I visited Yinchuan for the first time. As soon as I got off the bus, I felt the crisp chill in the air and a sense of tranquility and calmness around me. Before I left, a friend had recommended that I visit Shahu Lake, so with curiosity and anticipation, I decided to personally explore this natural treasure of Ningxia.
When I arrived at Shahu Lake, the autumn sunlight glistened on the water's surface, creating shimmering reflections. The surrounding reeds swayed gently in the breeze, presenting a scene of soft beauty and serenity. I boarded a small boat and drifted gently across the lake. The oars sliced through the water, startling a few egrets resting in the lake. They flapped their wings and soared across the surface, flying towards the distant reed beds. Watching this, I felt the pure beauty of nature in Yinchuan, displayed so vividly and gently.
After returning to the shore, I took a leisurely stroll along the lake. Not far away, a few local fishermen were busy sorting their nets. They smiled warmly at me and invited me to try some freshly caught fish. Looking at their darkened faces and weathered hands, I couldn't help but marvel: in this land, people have lived in harmony with nature, and the waters of the Yellow River and this lake have nourished generations of Yinchuan's people.
I then continued my walk towards the Helan Mountains. As I reached the foot of the mountain, the landscape suddenly shifted from the tranquil lake to the majestic peaks. The mountain ridges were dotted with oddly shaped rocks, which appeared tough and ancient under the sunlight. The locals said that the Helan Mountains not only served as a natural ecological barrier but also acted as a guardian, protecting the Yinchuan Plain from the harsh winds and sands for centuries. Standing at the base of the mountains, I felt a deeper sense of reverence for the history and nature of this land.
At the foot of the Helan Mountains, there was a small village. The vines of a vineyard were laden with clusters of crystal-clear grapes. I couldn't resist buying some local wine to take home. Before I left, the owner of the vineyard warmly reminded me to come back and see the changing seasons of the Helan Mountains, saying that each season offered a unique perspective on the landscape.
On my final day in Yinchuan, the setting sun bathed the city in golden hues, and the Yellow River reflected the evening glow. I suddenly understood why this place is called the "Southern Jiangnan of the Frontier." Here, desolation and vitality coexist, and nature and people live in harmony. At that moment, Yinchuan became more than just a city to me; it became a land that evokes both peace and reverence in the heart.