Tianhu Lake Scenic Area in Funing County, Wenshan

Location:

• Chinese Name: 富宁县天湖壮景生态旅游区
• English Name: Tianhu Lake Scenic Area in Funing County, Wenshan
• Location Details: Situated at the boundary of Guichao Town and Banlun Township, 35 kilometers from Funing County. The area is 5 kilometers from the Gaobang-Napo provincial highway and about an hour’s drive from major roads.

Overview:
The Tianhu Lake Scenic Area features the Jia Street Reservoir, a small (Type II) reservoir originally built in 1958 and later upgraded by the county government in 2012. The reservoir, now with a total capacity of 449,000 cubic meters, is located at an altitude of 1200 meters and covers 500 acres. Surrounded by forests with over 80% canopy coverage, the area has developed several hundred acres of scenic forest wetlands.

Key Features:

• Water Forest:
  The wetlands upstream of the reservoir are home to water willows, resembling forests found in the Amazon River. In spring, the wetlands are adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers, creating a colorful and picturesque scene.
• Refreshing Climate:
  Positioned in a low-heat river valley, Funing generally experiences hot weather. However, the Tianhu Lake area, at a highland altitude, enjoys a mild climate with minimal seasonal temperature changes, ample rainfall, and distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is around 17°C with 80% humidity, providing a comfortable climate ideal for summer retreats.
• Autumn Foliage:
  In autumn, the maple trees around the lake turn vibrant red and yellow, reflecting beautifully on the lake's surface. This creates a stunning visual effect, reminiscent of the imagery in Tang Dynasty poet Du Mu’s verse.
• Recreational Appeal:
  The area’s pleasant climate, scenic wetlands, and convenient transportation make it a popular destination for relaxation and vacation.

Development Plans:

• Partnership:
  In 2012, Funing County Government partnered with Yunnan Jiayun Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd. to develop the Tianhu Lake Scenic Area.
• Master Plan:
  By 2013, the "Tianhu Lake Scenic Area Master Plan" was completed and approved. The plan encompasses 43 square kilometers across two administrative villages and 15 village groups, with a total investment of approximately 309 million yuan. This includes near-term investment of about 156 million yuan and mid-term investment of approximately 153 million yuan.
• Tourism Zones:
  The area is organized into a central loop connecting five scenic spots:
  • Tianhu Water Forest Scenic Area
  • Nali Grand Canyon
  • Tianhu Rural Scenic Area
  • Pomo Shuanglong Creek
  • Baibao Mountain Grassland
• Focus:
  Development will prioritize eco-tourism, outdoor leisure, and cultural experiences, with additional attractions for summer vacations, mountain ecology studies, agricultural tourism, and conference tourism. The goal is to create a destination with stunning forest and water landscapes, prominent eco-tourism themes, and comprehensive vacation facilities.