Erhaiyue Wetland Park in Dali City
Overview
Erhaiyue Wetland Park (洱海月湿地公园) was constructed by Dali City (大理市) to protect Mother Lake Erhai (洱海) and is known for its beautiful scenery. Construction began in 2011 and is still ongoing, though much of the park is already open to the public. As of August 2012, Dali City has actively returned land to the lake, restored forests, and rehabilitated wetlands, achieving ecological restoration of 58 kilometers along the shores of Erhai Lake. The park spans 10,000 acres and features ecological wetlands such as Luoshijiang (罗时江), Caicun (才村), Xihewan (下河湾), and Erhaiyue. In addition, 2,500 acres of artificial afforestation have been completed, with 55,000 acres of forest under protection.
The region around Erhai Lake is dotted with numerous wetland parks, which not only reduce the encroachment of production activities on the lake and threats to its ecological functions but also provide a pleasant retreat for residents seeking leisure, recreation, and cultural activities.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 洱海月湿地公园
- Affiliation: Dali City (大理市)
- Artificial Afforestation: 2,500 acres
- Forest Protection: 55,000 acres
- Construction Start Year: 2011
- Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 00:00 – 24:00
Development History
Dali City invested in the construction of this wetland ecological park to protect Erhai Lake. The park’s construction began in 2011 and is still in progress. Most parts of the park are open to the citizens of Dali. By August 2012, significant steps were taken to restore the lake, including ecological restoration along 58 kilometers of the lakeshore, the establishment of several ecological wetlands, and extensive afforestation efforts.
Geographic Environment
Erhaiyue Wetland Park extends north from Xiaguan (下关), along the western shore of Erhai Lake. The wetland park is located 50 meters above the Erhai Love Music Fountain at the Dali National Fitness Center.
Significance of the Scenic Area
Within the Erhai watershed, various wetland parks have been established, significantly reducing the impact of industrial activities on the lake’s ecology. This not only contributes to the ecological preservation of Erhai but also enhances the city’s image as a tourist destination, providing a beautiful living environment for the residents of Dali.
The park is a key component of the lakeside ecological corridor project in southern Erhai, implemented by Dali Prefecture’s Shanshui Investment Company. The completion of the restoration work at Erhaiyue Wetland Park marks a significant achievement in the integrated protection and restoration project of the Erhai watershed.
Ecological Importance
Since its inception, the restoration of Erhaiyue Wetland Park has drawn considerable attention. The project aims to restore the natural ecological functions of the wetlands and improve the overall environmental quality of Erhai Lake. Visitors can enjoy enhanced visual aesthetics and a seamless visual connection with the lake, as the park offers breathtaking views of Erhai’s vast waters.
The carefully designed vegetation layout provides visitors with a multi-layered viewing experience, enhancing the connection between people and nature. Moreover, as an integral part of the Erhai ecosystem, the park plays an irreplaceable role in improving water quality by employing natural purification mechanisms, such as vegetation absorption, soil filtration, and microbial degradation, to intercept and purify pollutants from land.
Accessibility
- By Bus: Public buses frequently operate from Dali City to the park area, making it easily accessible.
- By Car: The park is conveniently located for those driving, with clear signage and routes leading to it.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
- Local Attractions: Explore the nearby cultural sites and enjoy local cuisine in Dali City after visiting the park.
- Respect Nature: Follow park rules and guidelines to preserve the natural environment for future visitors.
Erhaiyue Wetland Park serves as a beautiful ecological and recreational space, enhancing the natural beauty of Erhai Lake while providing residents and tourists with a serene escape to enjoy nature.
