Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve

Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve

The Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve is a national-level nature reserve.

The Henan Xinxiang Yellow River Wetland Birds National Nature Reserve is situated within the territories of Fengqiu County and Changyuan County in the eastern part of Xinxiang City, Henan Province. It spans a total area of 22,780 hectares. Approved by the Henan Provincial People's Government in 1988 as a provincial-level nature reserve, it was promoted to national status in 1996. The reserve primarily protects rare bird species such as swans and cranes, as well as inland wetland ecosystems.

To date, over 130 bird species have been identified here, including 39 nationally protected rare bird species such as the white stork, white-naped crane, Siberian crane, great bustard, swan, and common crane. More than 80 species are migratory birds listed under the China-Japan and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements. Tens of thousands of migratory birds pass through, stay, inhabit, overwinter, or breed here annually — a phenomenon that is highly uncommon in densely populated inland plain regions of China. This further underscores the necessity and urgency of conservation efforts.

The wetlands in Fengqiu County are mainly riverine wetlands, distributed on both sides of the embankment. The Yellow River has long been described as having a “copper head, iron tail, and tofu waist.” The river channel is wide, water often overflows, and the floodplain is extensive. In addition, historical breaches of the Yellow River have created large wetland areas on the backside of the floodplain. These wetlands feature dense reeds, lush weeds, and numerous rice paddies, providing suitable habitats for wildlife — primarily waterfowl — including dozens of species such as red-crowned cranes, whooper swans, black storks, bean geese, and ducks.

Scenic Spot Location

Border area between Weihui and Yanjin counties (cities) in Henan Province

Website

http://www.hnhhsd.com/index.php