Datuo Village Ecological Restoration Experimental Park

Datuo Village Ecological Restoration Experimental Park

(1) Basic Information

Datuo Village is located within the Qilihai area. The village has a population of 6,800, with 1,700 households, 10,000 mu of arable land, and 6,000 mu of reed marshes and water surfaces. In 2007, community fundraising initiated the construction of the Ecological Restoration Experimental Park tourist site on the south side of the core area of Qilihai’s East Sea. The site covers an area of 175 mu, with a total investment of 6 million yuan. Its overall positioning is to become an experimental park for restoring biodiversity, with main business services focusing on eco-tourism and crab fishing. It also aims to be an integrated ecological amusement park that combines ecology, water activities, tourism, leisure, and fishing.

(2) Completed Projects

As of now, the following projects have been completed at the tourist site:

1. A 1,500-meter steel fence has been erected around the perimeter. Climbing plants and morning glories have been planted inside the fence. By May or June, their vines will twine around the fence, forming a green floral wall that also serves as a plant barrier.

2. Three small islands have been created within the park, covering a total area of 45 mu. The islands vary in size and shape. They are connected by uniquely designed wooden boardwalks, allowing visitors to walk to the islands for sightseeing. Each island is planted with dozens of wild plant species, but highlights one or two dominant varieties to showcase the unique characteristics and style of each island. The islands form different patterns, such as umbrella-petal, wave, dot-matrix cross, mixed, and calligraphic designs when viewed from above. Around the islands, emergent aquatic wild plants such as red smartweed, water onion, cattail, bolboschoenus, water chestnut, and barnyard grass have been planted.

3. A 2-meter-wide, 2,000-meter-long cement path has been constructed.

4. Over 3,000 ornamental trees have been planted.

5. A 1,000-meter-long scenic waterway has been dug, with a depth of 2 meters, allowing visitors to navigate around the islands.

6. A 40-mu floating plant area has been excavated, with a water depth of about 0.5 meters. Along both sides of the waterway, various floating aquatic plants such as duckweed, wild water lily, water caltrop, pondweed, black algae, and potamogeton have been planted.

7. A 20-mu emergent plant area has been dug on the eastern side of the park, with a central water depth of 1.5 meters, forming a stretch of clear blue water. The surrounding area is a lotus pond, planted with various types of lotus flowers. The pond is home to domesticated wild birds such as wild ducks, wild geese, and blue-necked ducks.

8. A 20-mu fishing and stocking zone has been created, where river crabs and various fish species have been released for visitors to fish.

This way, by taking a waterway tour around the park, visitors can admire the various floating aquatic plants along the waterways, the diverse wild plants on the islands, the emergent aquatic plants surrounding the islands, and also view the lotus ponds from a distance. They can also get up close to the fun of fishing, connect with nature, experience the ecosystem, and immerse themselves in the wild scenery, atmosphere, and charm. With both near and far views, the park offers a mysterious and serene feeling, ensuring that its compact size still retains an element of discovery and hidden beauty.

(3) Ongoing Projects

The following projects are currently under construction and will be completed by the end of July this year:

1. An ironwork gate will be built at the entrance of the tourist site.

2. Tourist guide signs and an introduction to Qilihai wildlife species will be installed at the entrance, with several guideposts placed throughout the scenic area.

3. A parking plaza and centralized garbage collection points will be set up.

4. Movable sunshades and several portable chairs will be provided by the fishing pools in the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the leisurely experience of fishing with ease.

5. Office buildings and service facilities are under construction within the park, with a total floor area of 400 square meters. A pump room and a well are also being built. The office buildings will include a medical aid station and flush toilets. Domestic sewage will be treated in septic tanks before being discharged directly into the drainage channel to the south of the park. The service facilities will serve as an exhibition hall for Qilihai’s unique wild plants and a sales point for tourism products. The pump room and well will ensure the supply of water for daily use and planting within the park.

All the aforementioned ongoing projects are expected to be completed by the end of July this year, with the official opening to visitors in August.

The construction of the Datuo Village Ecological Restoration Experimental Park tourist site will not only create a strong foundation for the protection and management of the surrounding ecological environment and promote the development of tourist attractions within the Qilihai area, but will also play a significant exemplary role in the ecological restoration efforts of the entire Qilihai Reserve. It is bound to become a major highlight driving the ecological and economic development of Qilihai and its surrounding regions.