The Green Jade Belt on the Plateau: Qionghai National Wetland Park and the Mother Lake of Xichang

The "Mother Lake" of Xichang

1.Located in the southeast of Xichang: City, the capital of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Qionghai National Wetland Park is a shining ecological jewel on the plateau. It sits tightly against the shores of Qionghai Lake, the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Sichuan, often hailed as the "Mother Lake" of Xichang. With a water surface altitude of about 1,510 meters and a water area of approximately 31-34 square kilometers, the lake is like a giant piece of jade embedded among the mountains. The wetland park, which wraps around the lake like a "Green Jade Belt," covers a total area of about 20,000 mu (approximately 1,333 hectares). It is the largest urban wetland park in China, uniquely characterized by its integration of mountains, water, and the city. As a National 4A Tourist Attraction and a National Wetland Park, it is celebrated for its stunning plateau lake scenery, rich biodiversity, and successful ecological restoration, earning the reputation of being the "Green Kidney" of the region,,.

A Model of Ecological Restoration

2.The history of Qionghai: Lake is a testament to the resilience of nature and human wisdom. Formed about 1.8 million years ago, the lake was historically known as "Qiongchi" and was a vital node on the Southern Silk Road. However, in the late 20th century, activities such as reclaiming land from the lake for farming and fishing caused the wetland area to shrink drastically and water quality to deteriorate. In a bold move to reverse this damage, Xichang launched a massive ecological protection project in the early 2000s known as the "Four Returns and Three Restores" (retreating people, houses, fields, and ponds to restore the lake, water, and wetland). This initiative successfully restored 20,000 mu of wetlands and over 30 kilometers of natural shoreline. Today, the water quality has stabilized at Class II, and the park has become a sanctuary for wildlife, hosting nearly 500 species of vascular plants and over 210 species of birds. This transformation from environmental degradation to a thriving ecosystem serves as a national model for lake protection,,.

Six Phases of Dreamy Landscapes

The wetland park is divided into six distinct phases, each offering a unique thematic landscape that blends natural beauty with cultural elements.

• 3.Phase 1: Bird Watching Island (Guanyniao Dao): Located on the northwest bank, this area features subtropical scenery and fishing bays. It is the core area for bird watching, where egrets and grey cranes dance among the reeds.
• 4.Phase 2: Dreamy Water Village (Mengli Shuixiang): This section highlights a pastoral atmosphere with large areas of natural wetlands, lotus ponds, and water chestnuts, creating a serene "water village" vibe.
• 5.Phase 3: Misty Egret Islet (Yanyu Luzhou): Known for its "One Belt, Nine Gardens, and Eighteen Scenery," this area provides diverse habitats for deep and shallow water birds. After rain, the mist rising from the islets creates a poetic scene.
• 6.Phase 4: West Wave Crane Shadow (Xibo Heying): A dynamic leisure belt featuring waterfront corridors and cycling paths, offering a place for vitality and interaction with the water.
• 7.Phase 5: Dream Seeking Flower Sea (Mengxun Huahai): Located on the east bank, this massive area focuses on seasonal flowers and shallow wetlands, creating a spectacular "sea of flowers" that changes colors with the seasons.
• 8.Phase 6: Dream Back to Pastoral (Menghui Tianyuan): On the south bank, this phase emphasizes a "de-parked" natural approach, blending pastoral villages with the wetland to evoke a sense of returning to rustic roots,,.

A Hub of Culture and Life

9.Qionghai is deeply intertwined with the local: Yi culture. During the annual Torch Festival (Lunar June 24th), the lakeshore becomes a scene of celebration, with torches lighting up the night, traditional wrestling, and beauty contests. The wetland also preserves the memories of the Southern Silk Road and the ancient fishing culture of the region. Visitors can explore sites like the Moon Breeze Town (Yuese Fengqing Xiaozhen), enjoy romantic night views, or take a boat from the ancient wharf to taste fresh lake seafood in nearby fishing villages. The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a 40-kilometer bicycle path that encircles the lake, making cycling and walking popular ways to experience the "Great Earth Landscape." Whether feeding the flocks of red-billed gulls that migrate here in winter or admiring the lotus blooms in summer, Qionghai offers a profound connection between humanity and nature,,.