In Beijing, countless fascinating and hidden gems await your exploration. The city is home not only to national cultural relics, but also to more than 170 unique museums. Additionally, the number of beautiful, large parks is steadily increasing. Yet, even for locals, there are still some hidden corners that remain undiscovered.
There is the Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park, known as Beijing's Jiangnan water town. It is located in a pristine area of the city and is the only approved national wetland park in Beijing. The park is only open for six months a year, three days a week, and can accommodate a maximum of 300 visitors per day! It is situated on the northern side of the Shangzhuang Reservoir in Haidian. It features large bodies of water such as Tiane Hu, Yanya Hu, and Hehua Tang, covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, truly embodying the essence of a Jiangnan water town in Beijing.
It is Beijing's backyard, featuring vast natural wetland landscapes, with lush greenery and fragrant grasses swaying in the breeze. Visitors can watch birds from the railing, admire the fish from the shore, and enjoy the sight of butterflies dancing along the fragrant paths by the water, accompanied by the croaking of frogs. The sound of cicadas enhances the tranquility of the forest, while the scent of rice blossoms paints a picture of abundance.
The park is seamlessly integrated with the picturesque Daoxiang Hu and the gently rippling Shangzhuang Reservoir, offering refreshing rural scenery and beautiful waterfront views.
The main entrance of the park is located on Cuihu Beilu (N, Rd), welcoming visitors with a tiered plaza. A giant dragonfly model is situated on the south side of the plaza. This dragonfly, a typical wetland insect, embodies the unique characteristics of wetland biodiversity.
Butterfly Valley is an open area designed for butterfly watching, attracting these beautiful creatures by planting nectar-rich flowers and host plants for their larvae. The variety and arrangement of flowers cater to the needs of butterflies while also satisfying the aesthetic desires of visitors. The park's plant experience area is divided into three major display zones, featuring floating plants, submerged plants, and emergent plants, creating a natural wetland vegetation landscape.
A floating bridge runs through the experience area, allowing visitors to learn about the definition, classification, characteristics, and value of aquatic plants while they explore. The park's waterside platform showcases a diverse range of typical wetland plants, providing detailed explanations of their definitions, classifications, and ecological functions. The 300-meter-long waterside path is lined with wetland plants such as reeds, bulrushes, and water grasses, whose fresh fragrance invigorates the senses and uplifts the spirit.
The park boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal resources, with an ecological structure that closely resembles a naturally harmonious ecosystem, making it a diverse and tranquil habitat for wildlife.The wetlands are home to a wide variety of bird species, including first-class protected birds such as the black stork, golden eagle, and relic gull, as well as second-class protected species like the white spoonbill, swans, and red-footed falcons. Standing tall within the park is a 9-meter wooden two-story bird-watching tower, equipped with telescopes and bird-watching guides for visitors.
One of the most spectacular sights is the lythrum salicaria (commonly known as purple loosestrife), which blooms in vibrant shades of purplish-red, spreading along the water's edge and pathways like clouds.
Translator: NIU Lihua
Reviewer: BAI Jing
