Jilin Ji'an Bawangchao National Wetland Park

Jilin Ji'an Bawangchao National Wetland Park

Jilin Ji'an Bawangchao National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Jilin Ji'an Bawangchao National Wetland Park is located at the foot of Mount Bawang in the western part of Ji'an City, Jilin Province, with geographical coordinates between 125° 37′ 25″–125° 41′ 49″ east longitude and 41° 20′ 36″–41° 24′ 40″ north latitude. The park covers a total area of 866 hectares. By implementing measures such as protection and restoration within the planned area, the wetlands can maximize their ecological service functions, including climate regulation, science education, agricultural tourism, and leisure vacationing. Gradually, Ji'an Bawangchao Wetland Park will be developed into a sustainable national wetland park that harmonizes conservation, scientific research, education, and development and utilization, serving as a model for ecological protection and restoration.

In November 2013, Ji'an Bawangchao Wetland Park was approved as a provincial-level wetland park by the Provincial Forestry Department. On December 31 of the same year, it was designated as a national wetland park (pilot) by the State Forestry Administration.

The park mainly consists of various wetlands formed in the drawdown zone of the Huanren Reservoir and its upper reaches, predominantly natural wetlands such as permanent rivers and floodplain wetlands. In addition to riverine wetlands, floodplain wetlands cover a relatively large area (accounting for 34.4% of the total wetland area), primarily due to the influence of alluvial and diluvial processes upstream of the Huanren Reservoir, which have created relatively wide belt-like drawdown zones as part of the diverse structure of river floodplains. The park’s vast water bodies, extensive reed marshes, and lush aquatic plants form a marvelous wetland landscape, constituting a unique wetland ecosystem rich in both wetland types and biodiversity. It is typical and representative of the eastern Changbai Mountain region in China.

From the land to the central water area, the park maintains structural integrity. Dominated by riverine wetlands, a large expanse of floodplain wetlands has formed on the floodplains east of the confluence of the Hun River and the Xin Kai River. Together with herbaceous marshes, shrub swamps, freshwater fish farms, and rice paddies, these elements create a diverse wetland ecosystem. The favorable environment attracts bird species such as the Oriental stork to gather here. Flocks of birds fill the skies above the river, creating a picturesque scene where shimmering water and bird silhouettes complement each other, forming a natural wetland landscape.

The park is home to 604 species of wild plants (belonging to 120 families across 4 phyla), including five nationally protected Class II plant species: Korean pine, Phellodendron amurense, Japanese linden, and Manchurian ash. There are also 206 species of vertebrate wildlife (belonging to 70 families across 32 orders and 6 classes). Among them, there are three nationally protected Class I species: the Oriental stork, the scaly-sided merganser, and the Siberian crane; and 19 nationally protected Class II species, including the Eurasian sparrowhawk, the mandarin duck, and the hazel grouse. There are 129 species classified as "Three Benefits" species (beneficial, with important economic or scientific value), accounting for 72.1% of the terrestrial vertebrate species in the park.

The main rivers in the park are the Hun River and the Xin Kai River. The Hun River, a primary tributary of the Yalu River, receives an average annual rainfall of 862 mm and flows 10.8 km through the park. The Xin Kai River, a primary tributary of the Hun River, receives an average annual rainfall of 883.3 mm and flows 5.02 km through the park. Therefore, the ecological water needs of the park’s wetlands are fully ensured.

Establishing this park plays an extremely important role in researching the migratory patterns of rare and endangered waterbirds such as the Oriental stork, understanding the degradation process and restoration mechanisms and models of floodplain wetlands in the Hun River basin, promoting co-management between the Bawangchao National Wetland Park and local communities, developing sustainable development models for the Bawangchao National Wetland Park, and conducting comprehensive evaluations of the park’s construction benefits.

Ji'an City is the region richest in Goguryeo historical sites and boasts the most abundant Goguryeo cultural relics. In particular, the nearby Bawang Dynasty Mountain Fortress near the park can greatly enhance its historical value and cultural significance. The Hun River and the Xin Kai River converge within the park before flowing into the Huanren Reservoir. As a major water supply source for the central urban agglomeration of Liaoning Province, the Huanren Reservoir performs the service functions of a riverine wetland while also illustrating the interdependent relationship between humans and wetlands, and between humans and nature. The park’s floodplain wetland landscapes coexist with cultural landscapes, providing Ji'an residents with recreational and tourism spaces to connect with and enjoy nature. It plays a prominent role in beautifying the urban environment and fostering urban water culture.

The park is rich in water bodies, marshes, mudflats, and other resources, featuring picturesque scenery and lush forests and grasslands, forming a marvelous wetland landscape. It serves as an ideal habitat and stopover site for bird species such as the Oriental stork, the scaly-sided merganser, the Siberian crane, the otter, the mandarin duck, and the Chinese egret, acting as a sanctuary and paradise for waterfowl.

Establishing this park plays an extremely important role in researching the migratory patterns of rare and endangered waterbirds such as the Oriental stork, understanding the degradation process and restoration mechanisms and models of floodplain wetlands in the Hun River basin, promoting co-management between the Bawangchao National Wetland Park and local communities, developing sustainable development models for the Bawangchao National Wetland Park, and conducting comprehensive evaluations of the park’s construction benefits. Moreover, it contributes to protecting Ji'an’s ecological environment, preserving basin wetlands, safeguarding biodiversity, and leveraging the water conservation function of the wetlands. It also supports the protection of water quality and safety in the downstream Huanren Reservoir. Therefore, it holds significant importance for maintaining regional ecological security and promoting the sustainable development of the local economy.

Source: Jilin Provincial Forestry Department