Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park

Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park

Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park is located on the north side of Shangzhuang Reservoir in Shangzhuang Town, Haidian District, covering an area of approximately 157 hectares, stretching 1.9 kilometers from east to west and 1.2 kilometers from north to south, with a water area of 90 hectares. It is divided into a closed conservation zone, a transitional buffer zone, and an open experience zone. The park boasts rich flora and fauna resources, including 371 species of native and planted higher wetland plants belonging to 90 families and 264 genera; 178 species of wild birds from 38 families across 16 orders; 20 species of fish from 9 families in 4 orders; 7 species of amphibians from 5 families in 1 order; and 8 species of reptiles from 5 families in 3 orders. The open experience zone spans 36.2 hectares and features thoughtfully designed attractions such as the Wetland Culture Corridor, Butterfly Valley, Bird Watching Pavilion, Frog Chorus by the Guest, Lakeside Viewpoint, Fish Viewing Area, and Wetland Plant Experience Zone.

The park adheres to the principles of ecological priority and public welfare, with a management philosophy focused on conservation and minimal intervention. Through years of artificial restoration and enclosed conservation efforts, it has gradually formed the natural wetland landscape depicted in the poem by the famous Qing Dynasty poet Nalan Xingde: “Wild hues and lake light merge without divide, / Vast azure skies turn to golden clouds far and wide. / Clearly a riverside village scene is here, / With sunset glow hung in a quiet courtyard near.” In the future, it aims to become a national-level urban wetland park integrating ecology, science education, culture, and leisure.

How many plant species are there in Cuihu Wetland? What animals can be seen?

There are 348 species of higher wetland plants from 77 families and 229 genera; 162 species of wild birds from 38 families across 16 orders; 20 species of fish from 9 families in 4 orders; 3 species of amphibians from 2 families in 1 order; and 4 species of reptiles from 2 families in 1 order. Examples include plants such as cattail, sweet flag, thalia, water lily, and lotus; birds such as swan goose, bar-headed goose, mallard, spot-billed duck, little grebe, kingfisher, grey-headed green woodpecker, starling, and greater spotted woodpecker; amphibians such as narrow-mouthed toad and black-striped frog.

What are the precautions for visiting Cuihu Wetland?

The park’s walking trails are mostly paved with gravel, so it is recommended to wear flat shoes or sports shoes.

The wetland has a large water area with many deep sections; splashing or playing near the water is prohibited.

Unauthorized release of animals is not allowed within the park.

Open flames and smoking are strictly prohibited throughout the park.

Attraction Location

North side of Shangzhuang Reservoir, Shangzhuang Town, Haidian District, Beijing

Information Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Shangzhuang Area: A township under the jurisdiction of Haidian District, Beijing. Established as Shangzhuang Commune in 1961 and restructured as a township in 1984. Located in the northernmost part of the district, it covers an area of 39.8 square kilometers with a population of 13,000. It administers four village committees—Dongmachang, Shangzhuang, Baishuiwa, and Qianzhangshu—and one residential committee, Xijiao Farm. Local enterprises include machinery plants, wool scouring and sorting plants, and packaging factories. The area supports a combination of farming, breeding, and forestry-fruit industries. Historical sites within its boundaries include the tomb of Nalan Xingde and Mingzhu, the Grand Secretary of the Qing Dynasty, the ruins of the ancient Shuangta City, and a cast-iron ox from the Liao and Jin dynasties. … Shangzhuang Area Detailed Information++