Raohe Source National Wetland Park

Raohe Source National Wetland Park

Raohe Source National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Jiangxi Raohe Source National Wetland Park is located in Wuyuan County in the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province, at the junction of Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces.

Wuyuan County lies within the Yangtze Platform, with its northern part controlled by the east-west structural zone of Zhanggong Mountain and its central-southern part belonging to the northeastern uplift end of the Ping-Le depression zone, extending in a northeast direction. The area features geological strata ranging from the Sinian System of the Proterozoic Era to the Cenozoic Quaternary System, among which the Pre-Sinian strata are the most widely distributed, along with Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Late Jurassic strata. Igneous rocks in the county are more active during the Paleozoic (i.e., Caledonian period) and Mesozoic (i.e., Yanshanian period) eras. These are distributed in the Jiangwan–Jiekou compressional fault zone in the east and the Zhanggong Mountain east-west structural zone in the north, covering an area of 180 square kilometers, approximately 6% of the county’s total area. Wuyuan County is surrounded by the extensions of the Huangshan Mountain Range and features mid-to-low mountains and hills. Its terrain is characterized by “eight parts mountain, one part field, and half part waterways and estates,” with mountains accounting for 83.09% of the total area. The land slopes from the northeast to the southwest. The northeast is filled with rolling mountains and overlapping peaks, where Mount Leigujian, the main peak of Zhanggong Mountain, reaches the highest elevation of 1,629.8 meters. The southwest consists of continuous hills, with the lowest point being the riverbed in front of Xiaogang Village, Fengzhou Township, at an elevation of 33 meters. The average elevation ranges between 100 and 150 meters.

Types, Area, and Distribution of Wetlands

All wetland resources within Jiangxi Raohe Source Wetland Park are natural wetlands. Based on the wetland classification system in the Ramsar Convention and field surveys, the wetlands in the park are divided into 2 categories (riverine wetlands and marsh wetlands) and 4 types (permanent rivers, floodplain wetlands, forested swamps, and herbaceous swamps).

(1) Permanent Rivers

Includes rivers and their tributaries, streams, etc. The permanent river wetlands in the wetland park mainly refer to the main course of the Xing River.

(2) Floodplain Wetlands

Also known as seasonal or intermittent floodplains (wet meadows and pools smaller than 8 hectares). Floodplain wetlands are mainly distributed in areas between the highest and lowest water levels on both sides of the Xing River.

(3) Herbaceous Swamps

Includes permanent freshwater herbaceous swamps and pools larger than 8 hectares, with no peat accumulation. Most are accompanied by floating plants during the growing season. Herbaceous swamp wetlands are mainly distributed along both sides of the Xing River and include sedge swamps, bulrush swamps, spike rush swamps, reed swamps, wild rice swamps, reedmace swamps, calamus swamps, rush swamps, mugwort swamps, smartweed swamps, and dock swamps.

(4) Forested Swamps

Includes freshwater forested swamps, seasonally flooded forested swamps, and forested swamps without peat accumulation. This type of wetland is mainly distributed in certain areas along the Moon Bay.

The total area of Jiangxi Raohe Source National Wetland Park is 346.6 hectares, of which wetland area covers 320.6 hectares, accounting for 92.50% of the total land area.

Wetland Resources

(1) Plant Resources

Jiangxi Raohe Source National Wetland Park is located in a subtropical region with high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and plentiful freshwater resources. Its long and winding shoreline and extensive tidal flats have formed numerous wetlands of varying sizes. The park boasts rich wetland plant resources. Among the wetland plants, the Polygonum genus has the highest number of species, followed by the Cyperus genus. According to records and surveys of the park’s plant resources, there are a preliminary total of 218 species of wetland vascular plants from 169 genera and 58 families, including 6 species from 6 genera and 6 families of ferns; 1 species from 1 genus and 1 family of gymnosperms; and 211 species from 162 genera and 51 families of angiosperms (149 species from 111 genera and 38 families of dicotyledons, and 62 species from 51 genera and 13 families of monocotyledons). For details, see Attachment 2.

(2) Vertebrate Animal Resources

Through field surveys and the organization of original data, a total of 404 species of wild vertebrates have been discovered in Wuyuan Wetland Park and the surrounding forests, belonging to 100 families across 34 orders. This accounts for 47.8% of the total known vertebrate species in Jiangxi. Among them, there are 75 fish species from 14 families under 5 orders, representing 37.0% of Jiangxi’s known fish species; 21 amphibian species from 6 families under 2 orders, accounting for 52.5% of Jiangxi’s known amphibian species; 42 reptile species from 11 families under 3 orders, making up 54.5% of Jiangxi’s known reptile species; 214 bird species from 50 families under 17 orders, comprising 51.0% of Jiangxi’s known bird species; and 52 mammal species from 19 families under 7 orders, representing 49.5% of Jiangxi’s known mammal species.

A wild population of the critically endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush has been found in the Moon Bay area near the wetland park. It is only distributed in Wuyuan, Jiangxi, and Simao, Yunnan, and is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009 (ver. 3.1).

The wetland park is home to 2 species of national first-class protected wildlife (the Reeve’s Pheasant and the Scaly-sided Merganser) and 37 species of national second-class protected wildlife (such as the Tiger Frog and Mandarin Duck).

Wetland Landscape Resources

1.

Aquatic Landscapes

Water is a vital ecotourism resource in Raohe Source Wetland Park. The park is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, creating picturesque scenery. Its hydrological landscapes embody the dynamic charm and serene beauty unique to the Jiangnan region, often referred to as the "Land of Fish and Rice." In early spring, thin ice melts, reeds sprout, willow catkins emerge, and the blue waves contrast with the blue sky, presenting a vibrant scene. In midsummer, after rain, the water rises, ducks play, birds sing, reeds glisten green, lotus leaves stretch to the sky, and lotus flowers bloom under the sun. Misty rain adds a mysterious allure, while riverside willows sway and reeds bend, creating a uniquely enchanting atmosphere. In autumn, it is the harvest season along the banks, with reed flowers clouding the sky and the fragrance of rice flowers in the air.

2.

Plant Landscapes

Wetland plants are mainly sedges and reeds, often forming single-dominant populations that create expansive grass and reed marsh landscapes, with distinct seasonal changes. Along riverbanks and water channels, many weeping willows, poplars, and light bamboo have been planted, forming scenic views of shimmering lakes, graceful willows, and lush bamboo groves that enhance the natural beauty of the wetlands. In early spring, peach blossoms and green willows, along with the spring breeze, bring vitality and vigor to the wetlands. In summer, blooming lotuses shine like flames, and the dappled shade of willows makes the wetland scenery even more beautiful.

3.

Bird Landscapes

The unique ecological environment of Raohe Source Wetland Park provides habitat for numerous rare birds and animals, especially avian landscape resources, forming a stunning scenic attraction. Vast reed marshes and clusters of lotus flowers serve as breeding grounds, wintering sites, or stopovers for various waterfowl during migration. Thousands of waterbirds inhabit, feed, and breed here all year round, making Raohe Source Wetland Park a world of birds. During migration seasons, flocks of migratory and resident birds gather, soaring in the blue sky or gliding over the water surface, delighting in play across this expansive wetland.

4.

Celestial Scenery

Celestial scenery is best appreciated by visitors at appropriate times and locations, with no fixed viewing spots. The celestial views vary dramatically with the season, time of day, and observation point.

Science Exhibition Hall and Blue-crowned Laughingthrush Pavilion

The Wetland Science Exhibition Hall showcases the distinctive features of Wuyuan’s wetlands, providing detailed information on the functions and species of the Raohe Source Wetland in Wuyuan, as well as the area’s contributions to ecological conservation.

The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush Pavilion vividly presents the appearance of this globally endangered species through its unique design style and multimedia features such as touchscreens and audiovisual displays, bringing the bird to life before visitors’ eyes.