Changqiaohai Lake Scenic Area in Mengzi City, Honghe
Overview
Changqiaohai Lake (长桥海) is located in Mengzi City (蒙自市), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. In the Yi language, it is known as “Yipohei,” meaning “a sea with springs at the bottom of the lake.” Adjacent to Datunhai Lake (大屯海), it lies exactly on the Tropic of Cancer. Changqiaohai is formed by the surface water of the Mengzi Fault Basin gathering in a low area, making it a remnant of ancient lakes, similar to Datunhai. The lake is fed by the Shala River (沙拉河) and Lijiang River (黎江河) from the south, with its outflow at the northwest end via the Jiaming River (嘉明河, also known as Yongfeng Canal).
With an elevation of 1,284 meters, the lake covers an area of 10 square kilometers, is 6.8 kilometers long, has a maximum width of 3.7 kilometers, an average width of 0.8 kilometers, a maximum depth of 7 meters, and an average depth of 4 meters. The shoreline measures 9.5 kilometers, with a normal water storage capacity of 45 million cubic meters. The lake mainly receives water from Dahuangou (大洪沟), Shala River, and Lijiang River, covering a drainage area of 167 square kilometers. Excess water is discharged into Datunhai.
Changqiaohai Wetland Park
Changqiaohai Wetland Park is located about 5 kilometers north of Mengzi City and only 4 kilometers from the filming location of director Feng Xiaogang’s movie “Youth” (芳华) and the famous Bisezhai Railway Station (碧色寨车站) on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. The wetland area remains relatively undeveloped and retains a primitive charm, often bringing to mind the poetic lines “A flock of egrets soaring in the blue sky” and “An unattended boat on a wild crossing.” During sunset, small boats on the water create a harmonious scene against the colorful sky.
Key Facts
- Chinese Name: 长桥海
- Shoreline Length: 19.5 kilometers
- Drainage Area: 167 square kilometers
- Water Depth: 7 meters
- Train Station: Changqiaohai Station (长桥海站)
During the rainy season, water from the lake flows east through Caoba (草坝) before turning towards the Shadian River (沙甸河) and merging into the Lancang River (南盘江). The lake is long and covers an area of 10.6 square kilometers, with a catchment area of 167 square kilometers. It is surrounded by levees on the east, west, and south sides and channels water from the Nanxi River (南溪河) to increase lake capacity and enhance water retention. This has transformed it into a vital water source for local industries and agriculture, irrigating over 50,000 acres of farmland annually. The lake is home to original species such as carp (鲤鱼), crucian carp (鲫鱼), white strip fish (白条鱼), and freshwater shrimp (淡水虾), with current aquaculture including grass carp (草鱼), bighead carp (花鲢), silver carp (白鲢), and tilapia (罗非鱼).
Changqiaohai Leisure Resort
The Changqiaohai Leisure Resort (长桥海休闲度假区) is located between the central areas of Yuguopu Town (雨过铺镇) and Wenlan Town (文澜镇) in Mengzi City, about 10 kilometers from the center of Wenlan and 3 kilometers from the Honghe Industrial Park (红河工业园区).
Environment and Accessibility
This area is located west of Datunhai, with distant mountains to the north. The Tropic of Cancer runs centrally through the planning area. The region is well-connected with the Kunhe Expressway (昆河高速公路), Pan-Asia Railway (泛亚铁路), Yuguopu Transfer Station (雨过铺换装站), and the planned Honghe Airport (红河机场), providing excellent locational advantages and convenient transportation.
The planning area comprises Changqiaohai Reservoir (长桥海水库), surrounding dry land, rice fields, and six scattered natural villages. It has been designated as the “green heart” of Mengzi’s urban planning, highlighting its potential for tourism resource development.
Features and Attractions
Changqiaohai Scenic Area centers around the theme of the Tropic of Cancer, featuring bridge culture epitomized by “Changqiao Wo Hong” (长桥卧虹), and French railway culture represented by the Railway Museum at Bisezhai Station. Water serves as a significant scenic element, and pastoral landscapes underpin its eco-agricultural tourism.
The scenic area showcases the theme of “Tropic of Cancer, Bridge Culture, Railway Culture, Sino-Western Culture, and Wetland Park,” with karst fault basin landscapes and Changqiaohai Wetland forming natural attractions. This area is a valuable leisure and vacation tourism site, noted for its high sightseeing and scientific value, and has been listed in Yunnan Province’s wetland protection directory.
Changqiaohai Lake is part of the Mengzi Fault Basin, featuring a long lake body with a surface area of 10 square kilometers and a drainage area of 167 square kilometers. It is 6.8 kilometers long, has a maximum width of 3.7 kilometers, an average width of 1.5 kilometers, a water storage capacity of 0.13 billion cubic meters, and water quality classified as Class III. The region is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the Miao (苗族), Zhuang (壮族), and Yi (彝族), characterized by the karst plateau topography of the Mengzi Fault Basin, with a unique ecosystem of wetlands, aquatic plants, wetland birds, pastoral scenery, and ethnic cultures.
How to Get There
To reach Changqiaohai Lake, travel to Mengzi City by train or bus from major cities in Yunnan Province. From Mengzi, local buses or taxis can take you directly to the scenic area, which is conveniently located just outside the city.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best times to explore the lake are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for optimal weather and scenery.
- Photography: Don’t forget your camera! The picturesque landscapes provide excellent opportunities for stunning photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the area is home to various bird species, especially in the wetland park.
- Local Cuisine: Try local Yi and Hani dishes in nearby towns to experience the regional flavors.
Honghe Changqiaohai Scenic Area in Mengzi City, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, the best time to visit, how to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Changqiaohai Scenic Area in Honghe (蒙自市长桥海旅游景区).
