Anbang River Nature Reserve

Anbang River Nature Reserve

The Anbang River Wetland Nature Reserve is situated in the northeastern part of Heilongjiang Province, in the lower reaches of the Anbang River. It is adjacent to Huachuan County to the north, borders the 291 Farm to the east, and looks toward Yong’an Township to the south. Its geographical coordinates range from 131°06′12″ to 131°32′24″ east longitude and from 46°53′07″ to 47°03′54″ north latitude. The total area is 10,295 hectares, of which the core zone covers 3,980 hectares (38.7% of the reserve), the buffer zone spans 2,436 hectares (23.7%), and the experimental zone encompasses 3,879 hectares (37.6%).

The Anbang River Wetland Nature Reserve is classified as an inland wetland and aquatic ecosystem reserve and forms an important part of the Sanjiang Plain wetlands. The well-preserved original landscape of the Anbang River Wetland is typical, representative, and natural.

The wetlands in the Anbang River Nature Reserve are well-developed, with a diverse range of ecosystem types. The reserve features vast reed marshes and sedge-carex wetlands. This varied wetland environment provides favorable living conditions for vertebrate species. The Anbang River Wetland is home to many rare species and boasts rich biodiversity, making it an important genetic reservoir of biological resources. The area hosts 403 species of vascular plants and 218 species of vertebrates, including 2 species under national first-class protection, 16 under national second-class protection — totaling 18 protected species — as well as 6 amphibian species, 165 bird species, and 7 mammal species. Birdlife is especially abundant in waterfowl, with notable seasonal variations due to distinct climatic changes. Each spring and autumn, large numbers of water birds inhabit the area. In September 2001, over 40 red-crowned cranes were recorded, with a maximum flock size of 12. On September 28, 2002, the largest migratory flock of Chinese egrets in China was documented here, numbering 94, along with 2 oriental white storks and several thousand geese and ducks.

The Anbang River Wetland Nature Reserve was promoted to a provincial-level nature reserve in January 2001. In March 2002, it was designated by the provincial Forestry Department and the Provincial Development and Reform Commission as a model site for returning farmland to wetlands, and approval was given to develop eco-tourism in the experimental zone. In December 2002, it was awarded the title of “National Advanced Collective of Nature Reserves” by the State Forestry Administration. In May 2003, the State Forestry Administration approved the “Heilongjiang Anbang River Wetland Conservation and Restoration Project Infrastructure Construction,” with a planned investment of 7.78 million yuan, including 3.89 million yuan from central government funding and 3.89 million yuan in local matching funds. The implementation of this project significantly boosted infrastructure development, farmland conversion back to wetlands, and eco-tourism in the Anbang River Wetland. In May 2005, the Anbang River Nature Reserve Administration was named a provincial-level civilized unit. In September 2005, it was elevated to a deputy division-level entity, and in August 2005, the Anbang River Wetland Eco-Tourism Park was rated as a AAA-level scenic area.

The Anbang River Wetland Eco-Tourism Park is a project developed under the guidance and assistance of relevant leaders, experts, and professors. Approved by the provincial Forestry Department and the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the project had a total planned investment of 27 million yuan. The park is located within the experimental zone in the northeastern part of the Anbang River Wetland, covering a total area of 248 hectares. It consists of five zones: the Ecological Garden, the Water Park, the Folk Culture Garden, the Bird-Watching Garden, and the Park Entrance. Construction of the Anbang River Wetland Eco-Tourism Park began in August 2002. Over the years, with the dedicated support and enthusiastic assistance of authorities at the provincial, municipal, and county levels, the eco-tourism park has developed rapidly, transforming the wetland landscape dramatically. Since opening to visitors on June 29, 2003, tourist numbers have increased year by year, operations have been strong, and sound economic returns have been achieved. As subsequent phases of the project are completed, service facilities will be further enhanced, and economic benefits will become even more substantial.

The Anbang River Wetland Eco-Tourism Park is an important component of the Anbang River Wetland and holds a significant position in the tourism industry of the Shuangyashan region. The establishment of the park marks a new chapter in the region’s eco-tourism development, writing a fresh story in wetland eco-tourism. It plays a vital role in promoting county economic development, enriching residents’ cultural lives, and advancing the construction of the Anbang River Wetland.