Hengshui Lake in Hebei

Hengshui Lake in Hebei

Hengshui Lake is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a science education base.

The Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve is located in the central-southern part of the North China Plain in Hengshui City, between 115°27′45″–115°42′6″ east longitude and 37°31′39″–37°42′18″ north latitude, covering a total area of 268 square kilometers. It features extremely rich biodiversity, with its main conservation targets being inland freshwater wetland ecosystems and Class I and II nationally protected bird species. Majestic cranes, graceful swans, agile gulls, and delicate egrets dance and play freely here—Hengshui Lake is truly a paradise on earth and a haven for birds.

The nature reserve has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, an average annual temperature of 13.0°C, and annual precipitation of 518.9 mm. The favorable natural environment is highly suitable for the survival and reproduction of wildlife. The area hosts 370 plant species, 194 insect species, 26 fish species, 17 amphibian and reptile species, 296 bird species, 17 mammal species, 201 phytoplankton species, 174 zooplankton species, and 23 benthic animal species. Among the numerous flora and fauna, the bird resources are particularly outstanding. Seven species are under Class I national key protection: red-crowned crane, Siberian crane, black stork, oriental white stork, great bustard, golden eagle, and white-shouldered eagle. Forty-four bird species are under Class II national key protection, including whooper swan, tundra swan, and common crane. Hundreds of thousands of summer migratory birds nest and breed here every year, mainly including whiskered terns and black-winged stilts. Over 3,000 wintering common cranes, tens of thousands of geese, and flocks of Eurasian tree sparrows that darken the sky create a spectacular sight.

The Hengshui Lake Nature Reserve not only boasts rich biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery but also has a profound and enduring cultural heritage. The ancient city of Jizhou, located on the southern shore of Hengshui Lake, was built in the sixth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (201 BC) and is historically known as “of the nine provinces of the world, Jizhou is the foremost.” Han dynasty city walls, Ming dynasty city walls, numerous ancient Han tombs, stone tablets, the Stone Mill of Li Sanniang, and the many legends of Bamboo Forest Temple’s ascension to the heavens all showcase the natural, historical, and cultural landscapes of Hengshui Lake, leaving visitors in awe of its magic and beauty.

Hengshui City, Hebei