Ningxia's wetlands cover an area of 256,000 hectares, and account for five percent of the region's territory. This is over one percentage higher than the national average, according to a seminar on wetland management held in Ningxia.

China's natural wetlands have been in decline due to dry climate, urban construction and the reclamation of land from natural bodies of water. Ningxia has established four wetland nature reserves and eight national wetland parks to protect its wetlands and the region’s natural environment over the past several years. Wetland protection legislation has also been introduced to further protect the region’s scenic beauty.

Ningxia's wetlands are now an important stop for bird migration. More than 180 wild animals and 183 wild plants can be found here.