Qinhu National Wetland Park

​​Overview​​

​​Qinhu National Wetland Park​​ is a ​​5A-rated​​ national tourist attraction and ​​China’s second​​ nationally designated wetland park (2005). Situated in the ​​Lixiahe Depression​​, it preserves a unique freshwater ecosystem where the Yangtze and Huai Rivers historically converged. The park’s ​​37% water coverage​​ and pristine wetlands earned it titles like "Pearl of Water Towns" and "Natural Oxygen Bar" (6,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³).

​​Key Attractions​​

1. ​​Ecological Zones​​

   • ​​Milu Deer Sanctuary​​: Home to ​​Père David’s deer​​, reintroduced from the UK after near extinction in China.
   • ​​Water Curtain Reed Marshes​​: Expansive wetlands with low-water ponds and self-forming paddy fields, vital for water purification.

2. ​​Cultural Highlights​​

   • ​​Qintong Boat Festival​​: A 1,000-year-old tradition with ​​10,000+ participants​​ racing wooden boats, listed among China’s ​​Top 10 Folk Festivals​​.
   • ​​Ancient Temples​​: Includes ​​Shou Sheng Temple​​ (Song Dynasty) and its lakeside ​​Bhaisajyaguru Pagoda​​.

3. ​​Biodiversity​​

   • ​​153 plant species​​ (e.g., medicinal Ginkgo biloba) and ​​97 animal species​​, including red-crowned cranes and Chinese alligators.
   • ​​Migratory Bird Hub​​: Hosts ​​100+ species​​ (e.g., egrets, bar-headed geese) from October–March.

​​Conservation & Research​​

• ​​Restoration​​: Since 2003, ​​670 hectares​​ of wetlands rejuvenated with 4.6 million trees planted.
• ​​Gene Bank​​: Safeguards milu deer DNA to prevent inbreeding.

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Activities​​:
  • ​​Boat Tours​​: Navigate lotus-filled waterways (¥50–100).
  • ​​Birdwatching​​: Prime spots like ​​Egret Island​​.
• ​​Seasonal Events​​:
  • ​​Spring​​: Blossom trails and the Boat Festival (April).
  • ​​Winter​​: Hot springs and ice fishing.

​​Practical Tips​​

• ​​Hours​​: 08:30–17:00 (year-round).
• ​​Tickets​​: ¥100 (adults); discounts for students/seniors.
• ​​Transport​​:
  • From ​​Shanghai​​: 2.5-hour drive or high-speed rail to Taizhou + bus (30 mins).

Qinhu exemplifies ​​"ecological harmony"​​, offering a rare mix of ​​wildlife, geothermal springs, and millennia-old traditions​​—a must-visit for nature and culture enthusiasts.