Hengdong Mishi National Wetland Park

Hengdong Mishi National Wetland Park

Hengdong Mishi National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Hengdong Mishi National Wetland Park in Hunan Province is located within Hengdong County. Its geographical coordinates are roughly between 112°52′06″E to 113°15′22″E and 26°58′04″N to 27°09′47″N. It mainly includes the entire section of the Mishi River that flows through Hengdong County and the section of the Yongle River, a first-level tributary of the Mishi River, that flows through Caoshi Town in Hengdong County. The river passes through eight towns — Caoshi, Gaohu, Yanglin, Ganci, Mishi, Wji, Xintang, and Xialiu — covering a total length of 72.5 kilometers within the county. There are three dams built along the river: the Ronghuan Dam, the Ganci Dam, and the Yangtang Dam. The planned total area of the park is 2,983.6 hectares.

The park boasts abundant wildlife resources. According to surveys, the wetland park and its surrounding areas are home to 801 species of vascular plants from 404 genera and 150 families, including 29 species of ferns (from 21 genera and 16 families), 9 species of gymnosperms (from 7 genera and 4 families), and 763 species of angiosperms (from 376 genera and 130 families). There are seven types of plant communities and 13 plant groups in the area, including three formations of evergreen coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, two formations of evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forests, one formation of deciduous broad-leaved forests, one formation of coniferous forests, one formation of bamboo forests, three formations of shrub, grass, and fruit areas, as well as ancient and large trees and precious timber species. The wetland park and its surroundings also host 185 species of wild vertebrates, belonging to 70 families, 27 orders, and 5 classes. These include 42 species of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles, 91 species of birds, and 18 species of mammals.

The banks of the Mishi River have a long and rich cultural heritage. In addition to Neolithic Longshan culture sites dating back 5,500–6,000 years, the area also features historical and cultural attractions such as the former residence of Marshal Luo, century-old towns, ancient pagodas, and temples. It is also renowned as the “Land of Fish and Rice,” the “Hometown of Shadow Puppetry,” the “Hometown of Flower Drum Opera,” the “Hometown of Paper-cutting,” the “Hometown of Seals,” and “China’s Famous County for Local Cuisine.” The wetland park blends natural landscapes with cultural heritage. The three river dams and the three ancient towns along the riverbanks give the park profound historical and cultural significance, enriching its ecological tourism with deep cultural meaning.

Hengdong Mishi National Wetland Park in Hunan Province is divided into five functional zones: the conservation zone, the restoration and rehabilitation zone, the education and outreach zone, the rational use zone, and the management service zone.