Mao Li Lake National Wetland Park

Mao Li Lake National Wetland Park

Mao Li Lake National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Mao Li Lake is the largest stream-fed lake in Hunan Province and the second-largest natural high-quality freshwater lake in the province after Dongting Lake. It covers an area of 6,250 hectares, including 1,641.7 hectares of woodland and dry land. The lake stretches about 20 kilometers in depth, presenting a vast expanse of misty waters from afar and picturesque mountain-and-water scenery up close—truly breathtaking. Its lake and wetland resources are exceptionally rich, with abundant water, fish, and forest resources, especially known for its fresh fish production, which is sold across the country. Mao Li Lake is one of the rare natural lakes in Hunan that is free from schistosomiasis, making it highly suitable for water-based tourism activities and offering broad development potential.

Mao Li Lake and its surrounding areas have a long history and splendid culture. The Water God Hebo is said to have sailed his boat and remained forever at the bottom of the river, while the corpse of General Turtle turned into Turtle Mountain. There are also ruins of military camps from the uprising led by Zhong Xiang and Yang Yao of the Southern Song Dynasty, as well as training and combat platforms used during the rebellion of Wu Sangui, the King of Yunnan, in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Over 3,000 jin (approximately 1.5 metric tons) of ancient coins unearthed on Stone Turtle Mountain bear witness to the civilization and life of the ancients in this region. Historical figures such as Che Yin and Meng Jiangnu have also left behind historical sites here.