Jiahe Zhongshui River National Wetland Park

Jiahe Zhongshui River National Wetland Park

Jiahe Zhongshui River National Wetland Park is a national-level wetland park.

Hunan Jiahe Zhongshui River National Wetland Park (hereinafter referred to as the "Wetland Park") is located in Jiahe County, Chenzhou City, in the southern part of Hunan Province. Its geographical coordinates are: 112°37′38″–112°40′39″ east longitude and 25°53′87″–25°72′88″ north latitude. The planned total area is 452.28 hectares, of which the wetland area is 268.77 hectares, accounting for a wetland ratio of 59.43%. This includes 248.29 hectares of permanent river wetlands and 20.48 hectares of floodplain wetlands.

The Zhongshui River wetland ecosystem is characterized by diversity and complex interlacing. In terms of the wetland ecosystem pattern, surface and groundwater systems intertwine. Geomorphologically, it features "rocks, caves, peaks, and cliffs," with karst cliffs, caves, and clustered rocks all present.

The forest-wetland composite ecosystem of the Wetland Park nurtures relatively rich biodiversity. According to surveys, Jiahe Zhongshui River National Wetland Park is home to 704 species of vascular plants from 460 genera and 142 families. These include 3 species from 3 genera and 3 families of ferns; 9 species from 8 genera and 6 families of gymnosperms; and 692 species from 449 genera and 133 families of angiosperms. Among them, there are 5 species under national second-class key protection, including camphor trees, wild buckwheat, wild soybeans, rosewood, and happy trees. A total of 141 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the Wetland Park, comprising 102 genera, 59 families, and 26 orders. These include 9 species from 8 genera and 7 families of mammals; 78 species from 56 genera and 35 families of birds; 16 species from 12 genera and 5 families of reptiles; 10 species from 4 genera and 4 families of amphibians; and 28 species from 22 genera and 8 families of fish. There are 7 species of nationally second-class protected wildlife, namely the Japanese sparrowhawk, hen harrier, Amur falcon, common kestrel, Oriental scops owl, collared owlet, and tiger frog. The Wetland Park boasts diverse groups of wild flora and fauna with comprehensive representative species. It includes 7 species of nationally second-class protected wildlife and 5 species of nationally second-class protected wild plants, holding significant conservation value.

The Wetland Park is rich in landscape and cultural resources, encompassing several major categories such as wetland landscapes, borrowed scenery, and wetland and regional cultural resources. The wetland landscapes consist of natural biological resources—such as water bodies, vegetation, flora and fauna, and hydraulic facilities—along with artificial structures within the Wetland Park. Cultural resources include major cultural elements such as Yan Emperor culture, Kunqu opera culture, bridal-song culture, and revolutionary culture. The Zhongshui River is the largest waterway in Jiahe County. Meandering through the land, its waters are vast and powerful, nourishing the fertile soil on both banks and benefiting the forests along its course. Where wide, its surface stretches into misty horizons; where narrow, its currents surge in swirling eddies. Stretching nearly 100 li before entering Guiyang County, it brings benefits to all residents along its banks.