Xiaoyi Xiaohe National Wetland Park

Xiaoyi Xiaohe National Wetland Park

Xiaoyi Xiaohe National Wetland Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park.

The Xiaohe Wetland is one of the major projects under Shanxi Province’s 2014 Comprehensive Reform and Transformation Initiative, as well as a flagship project of this initiative. It is located in the southwestern part of the urban area, stretching from the Zhangjiazhuang Reservoir Dam in the east to the Baibiguan Bridge in the west, from South Scenic Road and the riverside scenic footpath in the south to Shidai Avenue in the north. The planned total area is 5.47 square kilometers, of which approximately 3.28 square kilometers are water areas. Currently, the western section of the Xiaofen Bridge has been opened, covering an area of about 2.4 square kilometers. The Xiaohe Wetland is a typical secondary wetland on the Loess Plateau and is one of the rare theme wetland parks in China that integrates regional water conservancy, urban wetlands, ecological culture, and folk attractions.

The highlight of the Xiaohe Wetland lies in its water. Water is the soul of the wetland. Vast expanses of water, beautiful scenery, fresh air, and an interconnected network of rivers and lakes crisscross the park. Over 65% of the park's area consists of lakes, ponds, canals, marshes, and other water bodies—truly a scene of “a winding stream, a wisp of mist; lakes everywhere, views everywhere.” The numerous waterways and fish-scale-shaped ponds form the unique wetland landscape.

The essence of the Xiaohe Wetland is its ecology. To enhance ecological protection, the wetland has established a complete system for water purification, aquatic ecosystem management, and environmental treatment. The wetland has set up aquatic ecological restoration zones and wetland ecological viewing areas at Swan Lake, Reed Pond, Sweet Flag Pond, Water Lily Pond, and Fish Leaping Pond. The Xiaohe Wetland is a paradise for birds, with multiple bird-watching platforms offering visitors spectacular views of flocks of birds in flight.

The charm of the Xiaohe Wetland lies in its cultural heritage. Since ancient times, the Xiaohe Wetland has been a secluded retreat in the countryside, regarded by literati and scholars as a pure land and an earthly paradise. Weigong Pool and Zhuangyuan Pool are rich in historical and cultural significance, while sights such as “Six Walls in the Setting Sun” are among the ancient fourteen scenic spots of Xiaoyi. The wetland is home to many old poplar trees that are decades, even centuries, old. Ancient paths, ancient trees, and ancient wells can be found throughout the park, truly embodying the poetic imagery of “withered vines, old trees, dusk crows; ancient roads, west winds, lean horses,” creating a unique cultural landscape for the Xiaohe Wetland. The ancient cave dwellings and traditional villages here have been imbued with rich cultural meaning by literati, artists, and photography enthusiasts. Their vicissitudes reflect the deep cultural heritage of the Xiaohe Wetland.