Gouxi River Wetland

Gouxi River Wetland

The Gouxi River Wetland is a national wetland park.

The Gouxi River within Langzhong City is one of the six wetland nature reserves in Sichuan Province. The Gouxi River originates from Qiaopan Mountain, located between Liangxi Township and Longshan Town in Cangxi County, and flows through Longquan, Qianfo, Shitan, Miaogao, and Funong in Langzhong before joining the Jialing River at Hexi Town. Within Langzhong, the river runs 79 kilometers, covering a drainage area of 65,839 hectares, including 23,356.1 hectares of forest land, with a forest coverage rate of 40.1%. The river's current is fast in the upper reaches and slower downstream, particularly in the areas of Miaogao, Funong, and Hexi, where the riverbed forms a "U" shape. The water is clear, and at river bends, broad natural lakes are formed. Within the wetland reserve, there are a total of 129 species of wild animals, including multiple species under national second-class protection and key provincial protection. There are 95 bird species, mainly including owls, cormorants, chestnut-breasted partridges, pheasants, watercocks, mandarin ducks, and egrets. Seven amphibian species can be found, such as turtles, soft-shelled turtles, Chinese giant salamanders, and otters. There are eight reptile species, including the Qipan snake, gecko, Chinese pit viper, and rat snakes. Nineteen mammal species include the red fox, wild boar, palm civet, and masked palm civet. Particularly around several reservoirs and weirs, there is a greater abundance of egrets, cranes, and wild ducks, often seen swimming in groups of tens or even hundreds on the water’s surface or flying among woods and mountains on the banks. The surrounding hills and mountainous areas along the river also boast rich forest vegetation. There are 461 tree species across 126 genera and 64 families, making it the most concentrated and best-preserved wild vegetation area in northern Sichuan. The Gouxi River Wetland Reserve sections in Hexi and Miaogao feature emerald-green waters and gentle currents, perfect for leisurely paddling in a small wooden boat while admiring the green trees, verdant peaks, rural farmlands, and idyllic scenery—creating a true "Shangri-La" experience. In April 2009, it was named one of China’s 100 Best Eco-Water Scenic Spots by the International Cultural Geography Research Institute (ICGA) and the Asia-Pacific Environmental Protection Association (APEPA).