Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park in Luxi County, Honghe
Overview
Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park (Huangcaozhou Guojia Shidi Gongyuan, 云南泸西黄草洲国家湿地公园) is located in Luxi County (Luxi Xian, 泸西县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Honghe Hani Zu Yi Zizhi Zhou, 红河哈尼族彝族自治州), covering a total area of 309.16 hectares.
Location and Geography
Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park is situated in the southern part of Zhongshu Town (Zhongshu Zhen, 中枢镇) in Luxi County, bordered by Buyi Mountain (Bùyī Shān, 补衣山) to the east, Wenbi Mountain (Wénbǐ Shān, 文笔山) to the west, the southern urban planning road south of Huangcaozhou Village (Huángcǎozhōu Cūn, 黄草洲村) to the south, and Baxin Longtan (Bàxīn Lóngtán, 坝心龙潭) to the north. The geographical coordinates are approximately 103°45′06″ to 103°47′33″ East and 24°32′55″ to 24°29′38″ North.
Park Features
Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park is a stunning blend of nature and human civilization, showcasing the brilliant karst wetlands of the high plateau, serving as a paradise for numerous living creatures. The park features lush ecological wetlands, towering trees reaching towards the sky, and peaceful circular paths leading to shimmering lakes. Sunlight, trees, flowers, bridges, flowing water, beaches, and pavilions create a breathtaking environment where people and nature harmoniously coexist.
The park attracts a diverse crowd, with families and friends enjoying leisurely walks, playing on the beach, posing for photos, or resting in the shade, while couples whisper sweet nothings in secluded spots.
Historical Background
Historically, Huangcaozhou was known as Yibangchi (矣邦池, Yǐbāngchí) or Longdianhai (龙甸海, Lóngdiànhǎi) during the Ming (明朝, Míng Chāo) and Qing (清朝, Qīng Chāo) Dynasties, renowned for its unique natural beauty and ecosystem, drawing poets and scholars. The lake once covered a larger area of about 15 square kilometers. However, due to environmental degradation, the wetland has faced severe challenges, resulting in a significant reduction in size.
In 2016, Huangcaozhou was approved as a national wetland park pilot project by the State Forestry Administration (Guojia Linye Ju, 国家林业局), initiating its restoration journey.
Ecological System
The park has a diverse topography and geomorphology characterized by karst features, forming a composite wetland ecosystem comprised of karst marshes, lakes, rivers, and forests on karst hills. The clear water and excellent water quality provide an ideal habitat for various aquatic organisms, with open water areas and secluded wetland islands creating rich ecological niches.
The park is home to 128 species of wild vertebrates, including 20 species of fish, 49 species of birds (two of which are nationally protected), and numerous other mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Plant diversity is also high, with 188 species recorded, including nationally protected plants like golden buckwheat (金荞麦, Jīnqiáomài).
Conservation Efforts
To protect these valuable biological resources, the Luxi County Wetland Park Management Bureau (Luxi Xian Shidi Gongyuan Guanliju, 泸西县湿地公园管理局) has implemented various measures, such as installing protective signage for flora and fauna, forming patrol teams, and conducting public education activities to raise awareness about ecological conservation.
Visitor Experience
Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park embodies the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Its charming bridges, sandy beaches, and quiet paths reflect a respect and love for the environment. Visitors can closely experience the beauty of nature and learn about the secrets of wetland ecosystems, while also participating in wetland protection initiatives.
How to Get There
By Car: Huangcaozhou National Wetland Park is easily accessible by car from Luxi County Town, approximately a 15-minute drive.
Public Transport: Local buses run to Luxi County, and visitors can take a taxi to the park from there.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
- Respect Nature: Maintain a respectful demeanor, avoid littering, and follow park regulations to help preserve the environment.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Yunnan dishes at nearby eateries, such as “crossing the bridge rice noodles” (过桥米线, Guòqiáo Mǐxiàn).
- Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife, but be mindful of designated areas where photography might be restricted.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the park’s ecology and history.
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