West Lake Wetland Scenic Area in Tongling City

West Lake Wetland Scenic Area in Tongling City

The West Lake Wetland Scenic Area in Tongling City is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The West Lake Wetland is situated in the West Lake New District of Tongling City and primarily comprises four scenic zones: Wetland Experience, Ecological Conservation, Healthy Peninsula, and Lake & Spring Scenery. Covering an area of 4.75 square kilometers — with the Healthy Peninsula zone spanning 58 hectares, the Wetland Experience zone covering 101 hectares, the Ecological Conservation zone taking up 110 hectares, and the Lake & Spring Scenery zone… — as well as a 49-hectare Lake & Spring area, a 157-hectare central lake area, this is now a national urban wetland and also the city’s first ecological wetland. The West Lake Wetland preserves the original ecological wetland landscape to the greatest extent possible. Here, vast lakes stretch out as far as the eye can see. Lush aquatic plants abound and floral fragrances fill the air. Birds fly together in flocks, their chirping harmonizing with the surroundings. Every corner presents breathtaking scenery, composing a grand ecological painting.

Healthy Peninsula Zone

The Healthy Peninsula Zone spans 58 hectares and features visitor-participatory experiences. A cycling and fitness trail runs through the entire area, echoing the theme. Additionally, leveraging the existing camphor tree forest, a sunlit lawn has been created to enhance natural open space. The Sunflower Field is planted with a wide variety of flowers, forming a spectacular land art effect, while natural stone stepping stones allow visitors to walk among the blossoms for close-up views and photos. The park paths are made of permeable concrete, reflecting the modern touch of the scenic area. This zone also offers the most comprehensive visitor facilities in the West Lake Wetland, including the largest boat dock in the scenic area. The wooden, antique-style boats match the natural timber architectural style of the dock. Within the dock area, a reading nook and tea bar have been set up to provide necessary amenities for residents and meet visitors’ needs.

Ecological Conservation Zone

The Ecological Conservation Zone covers 110 hectares and fully preserves a bird ecosystem centered around water-isolated islands, peninsula marshes, and lotus-pond water bodies. The ecosystem here focuses on restoration, with additional planting of fruit trees for birds and nesting trees, aiming to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment. This zone maintains the original vegetation and water bodies to the maximum extent possible, and even where artificial modifications are needed, the natural structure is preserved without leaving traces of human intervention. The area hosts the city’s most intact wading bird ecosystem, with surveys indicating over 170 bird species residing here year-round, including species of significant conservation value such as the globally endangered Baer’s pochard and the regionally rare black drongo. Even new bird species recorded for the first time in Anhui Province have been discovered here, showcasing notable biodiversity conservation value. The 888-meter-long natural stone stepping path is flanked by abundant blooms of coneflowers, cosmos, coreopsis, and gaillardia, which blend naturally with surrounding vegetation for an organic aesthetic. A wooden observation tower not only serves as a key facility for birdwatching activities but also enhances the layered landscape of the lake. From the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire West Lake Wetland, a truly magnificent sight.

Wetland Experience Zone

The Wetland Experience Zone spans 101 hectares and retains the appearance of the original ecological wetland to the greatest extent. A variety of plants suited to wetland environments have been planted in accordance with local conditions. Through rational protection and utilization, the area serves as a multifunctional experience zone integrating conservation, science education, and leisure. The zone features widespread patches of aquatic plants, the city’s only水上森林 (aquatic forest), and shoreline plants like Thalia dealbata that help purify water quality, coexisting with original reeds, cattails, wild rice stems, and lotuses to create a healthier natural ecological environment. The landscape structure has been thoughtfully planned, using the water’s edge as a green focus, preserving all original aquatic plants to form simple yet ecological resting spaces that together shape the scenic essence.

Lake & Spring Scenery Zone

The Lake & Spring Scenery Zone is located along the Xincheng Avenue corridor, adjacent to Cuihu Park, and is densely populated with residential areas, covering 49 hectares. Dominated by various cherry blossoms, crabapple trees, and crape myrtles, it forms the largest flower-viewing area in the scenic zone. The area has planted 1,000 original cherry blossom trees from Alishan. These 1,000 donated cherry trees carry the heartfelt blessings of our Taiwanese compatriots toward the people of Tongling and serve as a green bond connecting the hearts of people on both sides of the strait. Truly, “In spring there are flowers, in autumn the moon; these are the finest seasons of life.” The lake’s central island, separated by water, minimizes human disturbance to bird habitats to the greatest extent. The island is planted with bird-favored fruit trees such as loquats, pomegranate, paper mulberry, and crabapple, playing an important role in protecting wetland bird resources and enriching the diversity of the wetland landscape.