Qinghuahai Lake National Wetland Park in Baoshan

Qinghuahai Lake National Wetland Park (保山青华海国家湿地公园), located in Longyang District, Baoshan City (保山市隆阳区), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a significant ecological site covering an area of 1359.19 hectares, with 661.02 hectares of wetland. The park's establishment was approved in December 2016. Qinghuahai Lake is located in the Hengduan Mountains (横断山区), within the Baoshan Basin, situated between the Nujiang River (怒江) and the Lancang River (澜沧江). The park features a range of wetland types, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and has been designated as a crucial habitat for migratory birds.

Geographic Location

The Qinghuahai Lake National Wetland Park is located in Longyang District, Baoshan, Yunnan Province, within the Baoshan Basin between the Nujiang River and the Lancang River. The coordinates of the park are East Longitude 99°11′46″ to 99°14′04″ and North Latitude 25°06′25″ to 25°17′57″.

The park stretches from the Beimiao Lake (北庙湖) protected area in the north, to Baoxi Road (保岫路) in the south, Qingyang Road (青阳路) in the east, and Qinghua Road (青华路) in the west.

Climate Characteristics

The climate in the wetland park belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate of the Southwest Monsoon Zone, characterized by complex terrain with large differences in altitude. The Longyang District experiences a unique "one mountain divides the four seasons, ten miles have ten different weather" phenomenon. It has three distinct climate types: hot, temperate, and cold. Most of the area has mild winters and cool summers, with year-round greenery.

Average temperature in January: 8.5°C

Average temperature in July: 20.7°C

Annual average temperature: 15.5°C

Extreme highest temperature: 32.4°C

Extreme lowest temperature: -3.8°C

Frost-free period: Over 290 days per year

Annual rainfall: 966.5 mm, with more rainfall during the summer and autumn months.

Flora and Fauna

The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species:

Plants: The park contains 761 plant species across 148 families and 492 genera, including rare plants such as Taxodium (秃杉), Happiness Tree (喜树), and Wild Water Chestnut (金荞麦), all of which are nationally protected.

Vertebrates: There are 230 species of vertebrates, including:

• Mammals: 24 species

• Birds: 208 species (including Black Storks (黑鹳), Yellow-throated Martens (黄喉貂), and White-headed Ibis (白头白鹮), all of which are nationally protected)

• Reptiles: 14 species

• Amphibians: 12 species

• Fish: 18 species

Main Attractions

West Lake (西湖)

The West Lake is known for its rich aquatic plants, with extensive areas of water plants that attract various species of birds, including the water cock (水雉). In March 2017, a pair of water cock birds nested on the water plants, with four eggs laid in April and successfully hatched in May, marking the successful reproduction of these birds at the lake.

East Lake (东湖)

The East Lake includes attractions such as the lakeside boardwalk, waterfall, and rainbow bridge. In 2018, the lake became a popular wintering ground for various migratory birds. A survey by the National Plateau Wetland Research Center in January 2019 found 31 bird species, with a total of 16,577 birds. The East Lake has become a significant stopover for migratory birds during the winter season.

Park Zones and Functions

The park is divided into five functional zones to balance conservation, education, and tourism:

Ecological Conservation Zone: Located around Beimiao Lake, East River, and the western section of Qinghua Lake, this area covers 690.17 hectares (50.78% of the park's total area). It aims to maintain the area's natural ecology, supporting conservation and monitoring efforts.

Restoration and Reconstruction Zone: Situated around East Qinghua Lake and East River, this zone spans 413.97 hectares (30.46% of the total park area) and focuses on restoring and reconstructing wetland ecosystems through human intervention to support sustainable ecological development.

Public Education and Science Zone: Located in the northeastern part of East Qinghua Lake, this zone covers 74.37 hectares (5.47% of the park's area). It aims to increase public awareness of wetland ecosystems, bird species, and cultural heritage through educational programs, exhibits, and activities.

Sustainable Use Zone: This zone covers 170.70 hectares (12.56% of the park's area) and is the main area for ecological tourism and wetland landscape viewing. It integrates natural and cultural landscapes to promote eco-friendly recreation.

Management and Service Zone: Covering 9.98 hectares (0.73% of the park's area), this zone includes facilities such as parking lots, visitor centers, and other management infrastructure.

Qinghuahai National Wetland Park in Baoshan City

Visitor Facilities

Qinghuahai National Wetland Park has two main entrances and parking areas:

Qinghuahai Road Entrance (near Yongchang Pavilion)

Haitang Road Extension Entrance (near Guantian Bridge)

The park provides essential amenities such as toilets, trash bins, and designated visitor areas. The Visitor Center is in development and will soon offer services such as postal, medical, shopping, nature education, and rest areas.

Awards and Recognition

In December 2021, the park passed the evaluation and was officially recognized as a National Wetland Park by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

In 2023, it was named an Ecological Civilization Education Base by the Yunnan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, and the Yunnan Provincial Communist Youth League.

In November 2023, the Baoshan Longyang Qinghuahai Wetland was listed as an important habitat for migratory birds by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Visitor Information

Location: Qinghuahai National Wetland Park, Longyang District, Baoshan, Yunnan Province

Opening Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, 00:00 - 24:00

Admission: Free