Chengbu Baiyun Lake National Wetland Park

Chengbu Baiyun Lake National Wetland Park

Chengbu Baiyun Lake National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Willows dancing in the breeze, emerald mountains veiled in mist, shimmering waters, hazy peaks — as if deep in the heart of the white clouds.

Chengbu Baiyun Lake National Wetland Park in Hunan Province is situated within Chengbu Miao Autonomous County. It primarily encompasses the surface of Baiyun Lake at normal water levels and adjacent woodland areas, along with the Wushui River stretch from the Baiyun Lake Dam through to the county urban area and the "Shiwanggutian" area. The park's main body extends in a tree-like structure from north to south. Its geographical coordinates are: 110°17′40" to 110°23′15" east longitude, and 26°14′43" to 26°21′30" north latitude, with a planned total area of 1,198.6 hectares. The wetlands within the park mainly consist of permanent rivers, floodplain wetlands, reservoirs and ponds, as well as the "Shiwanggutian Marsh," which features a complete succession series of mosses, herbaceous plants, and woody plants. The wetland area covers 856.6 hectares, accounting for 71.47% of the park’s total area. Together, they form a well-structured and functionally synergistic composite wetland ecosystem, which is typical and representative of mid-subtropical hilly regions in central China. Baiyun Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, dotted islands, and beautiful shoreline, earning it the nickname "Thousand-Islet Lake of the Miao Mountains."

The diverse types of wetlands and favorable habitat conditions provide excellent foraging sites and living environments for migratory birds traveling between northern and southern China, fostering rich biodiversity in Baiyun Lake. A total of 102 animal species are listed in the National Catalogue of Terrestrial Wildlife Under State Protection (Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Research Value); 102 species are classified as key protected animals in Hunan Province; 17 species are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); 21 species are covered under the China-Japan Migratory Bird Protection Agreement; and 6 species are listed under the China-Australia Migratory Bird Protection Agreement. Recognized as a natural gene bank for flora and fauna, the biodiversity within the wetland park holds significant conservation value in the region, and the park plays an important role in protecting biodiversity.

Millennia of historical and cultural heritage have endowed Baiyun Lake with profound cultural depth, carrying forward the millennia-old history and civilization of the enchanting Miao region. Within and around the park lie the "Shiwanggutian" site — Ming Dynasty terraced farming and settlement ruins of the Yao people; as well as intangible cultural heritage such as the Miao oil-squeezing ritual, Chengbu Nuo opera, lusheng dance, diaolong (hanging dragon) dance, and tanhua (charcoal flower) dance. The beautiful wetland ecological landscape, unique ethnic culture, and traditional customs combine to create the most stunning scenery of the Miao frontier at Baiyun Lake.

The development of the wetland park adheres to the guiding principles of "protection first, scientific restoration, rational utilization, and sustainable development." The park is divided into five functional zones: conservation zone, restoration and reconstruction zone, science education and exhibition zone, rational use zone, and comprehensive management and service zone.