Changtu Liaohe National Wetland Park

Changtu Liaohe National Wetland Park

Changtu Liaohe National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

The source of the main stream of the Liaohe River, as well as the confluence of the East Liaohe and West Liaohe Rivers, is located at Fu De Dian in Chang Fa Township, Changtu County. From Fu De Dian to the Liaohe River estuary in Panjin, the management road stretches 538 kilometers in length and 1,050 meters in width. Within our county, the Liaohe River spans 187.3 kilometers, with embankments and management roads totaling 146 kilometers. The main stream of the Liaohe River flows from Fu De Dian in Chang Fa Township of our county, moving southward through five towns and farms, and enters Kaiyuan City at Bian Jia Village in Tongjiangkou Township. The river section here is 82.3 kilometers long, with a management road stretching 72 kilometers. The East Liaohe River section within our county is 105 kilometers long, with embankments spanning 74 kilometers, starting from Er Mo Tun in Da Li Village, San Jiangkou Town in the north, flowing southward through three towns, and converging with the West Liaohe River to form the main stream of the Liaohe River.

According to statistics, over 70 types of wild plants have recovered in the Liaohe River protection area, among which Gramineae, Cyperaceae, and Asteraceae plants account for 50%. There are also more than 80 types of wild animals, including 58 bird species, such as the white stork, egrets, and greylag geese—protected Class I wild bird species in China. In spring, when snow and ice melt, gulls and storks soar above the Liaohe River source wetlands, exuding a vibrant atmosphere. In summer, under the blazing sun, the Liaohe River shimmers with blue waves, teeming with fish and shrimp, while aromatic mugwort fills the air. In autumn, with refreshing golden winds, the wetland vegetation flourishes, and the fluttering reed catkins carry the promise of harvest. In winter, with the north wind blowing and snow falling, the frozen Liaohe River presents a silver-white world—a unique sight in the north.

Through geothermal exploration by geological departments, abundant geothermal water sources were discovered at the Liaohe River source. The exploration well reached a depth of 2,207 meters, with a water temperature of 67 degrees Celsius and abundant water flow, making it suitable for developing a hot spring project.

In December 2015, the Liaohe River Source Wetland Protection Area was approved by the State Forestry Administration as the Liaoning Changtu Liaohe National Wetland Park (Pilot).

The Liaohe River Source Scenic Area is planned with a structural layout of “one ribbon, four zones, and twelve sceneries.” The one ribbon refers to the Liaohe Ribbon that runs from north to south, highlighting the wetland ecological theme. The four zones represent four tourism cluster areas that express regional characteristics and ecological themes, namely the Fu De Hot Spring Town Zone, Fu De Wetland Landscape Zone, Liaohe Ancient Ferry Natural Zone, and Pailou Rural Charm Zone. The twelve sceneries refer to twelve tourist landscape gems scattered across the Liaohe ecological wetlands. In short: one belt, four zones, twelve sceneries.

1. Fu De Hot Spring Town. This area is positioned with an elegant and refined style in terms of tourism facility development and project planning, making it a tranquil zone. On the basis of enhancing the existing ecological environment, it integrates the essence of both Chinese and Western cultures, combined with modern high-end tourism offerings, striving to create a dream destination where modern people can return to their roots, cleanse their souls, and enjoy poetic wellness. Major projects include a wedding photography base, music square, children’s world, hot spring center, resort villas, and a golf course.

2. Fu De Wetland Landscape Zone. This area spans both inside and outside the enclosed conservation zone, bordering the Fu De Dian ruins to the west and Wang Zi Village to the east. It is positioned within a conceptual framework of ecological sightseeing, historical exploration, and interactive experiences, making it a dynamic yet tranquil zone. Tourism facilities are developed without disrupting the existing ecology, actively incorporating adaptive content that aligns with the area’s thematic features, aiming to create a tourism destination that showcases the Liaohe ecological culture, fosters closeness to nature, and encourages ecological interaction. It is divided into two parts: the enclosed inner zone as a quiet area, featuring projects such as Fu De Post Station, Qian Li Xing Dock, Liaohe Viewpoint, Liaohe Museum, Lotus Lake Scenery, Lakeside Pavilions, and Ecological Square; the outer zone as an active area, featuring projects such as go-kart tracks, Happy Farm, eco-cuisine, and a water park.

3. Liaohe Ancient Ferry Natural Landscape Zone. This area is located within the enclosed conservation zone, near the dike area from Wei Zi Fang to Tai Ping Shan to the east. It is positioned within a conceptual framework of natural ecological sightseeing and cultural heritage exploration, making it a tranquil zone. This area focuses on preserving the original ecology and enhancing ecological restoration, with tourism development limited to visitor access infrastructure, aiming to allow tourists to experience the core essence of the wetland ecology at the Liaohe River source. Major projects include the Ancient Ferry Dock, Ancient Ferry Museum, outdoor camping, and wetland scenery.

4. Pailou Rural Charm Zone. This area is located outside the enclosed conservation zone, near Pailou Village to the east. Based on platforms of ethnic sports, rural leisure, and educated youth culture, it is a dynamic yet tranquil zone. Tourism facilities are developed without disrupting the existing ecology, actively incorporating adaptive content that aligns with the area’s thematic focus, aiming to create an ideal destination for wetland sightseeing, ethnic sports, rural leisure, and modern competitive events. Major projects include an Educated Youth Culture Experience Zone, specialty fruit-picking area, outdoor adventure experience zone, and Ruyi Lake Natural Scenic Area.