Shadao Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Shadao Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Shadao Lake Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Known as “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,” Shadao Lake is situated in Bayanmangha of Horqin Right Middle Banner, approximately 75 kilometers from Bayanhot Town. The area features a charming interplay of lake and island scenery, particularly its wetlands where vibrant grasses and birds abound, crafting a spectacular view. Expansive tender meadows, undulating hilly terrain, sparkling lakes and rivers, spirited wildlife, and soaring rare birds form a magical, naturally formed frontier landscape. This is the “Shadao Lake Wetland,” nestled deep within the Horqin Grassland, in Bayanmangha Sumu of Horqin Right Middle Banner.

The Bayanmangha Shadao Lake Wetland spans approximately 33.33 million square meters. Its main landforms consist of undulating hills and sand dunes, interspersed with widely distributed valleys, terraces, low-lying basins, and alluvial plains. The annual average temperature exceeds 5°C, and the mean annual precipitation is around 380 mm, with most rainfall concentrated in summer. The wetland enjoys moderate heat, abundant light and wind energy, as well as plentiful surface and groundwater resources. The air is fresh, the climate pleasant, and the vegetation lush, with dense forests. There are dozens of lakes of varying sizes within the Bayanmangha Shadao Lake Wetland. The lakeshores are richly covered with thriving reeds, water plants, willows, and cattails, offering shaded greenery. The most widespread type of wetland here is the reed marsh, which provides an ideal natural habitat and breeding ground for rare birds such as herons and cranes, as well as waterfowl like ducks, geese, and coots. It is reported that over 200 species of rare birds inhabit and breed in this wetland, including more than 10 nationally protected species such as the red-crowned crane, Siberian crane, and white-naped crane, along with significant populations of ducks, geese, and pheasants.

The most distinctive landscape features of the Shadao Lake Wetland are the vegetation on sandy mounds and in low, wet marsh areas, which are also typical representations of the Horqin Grassland. The sandy mounds are dotted with elm trees and shrubs, while the wet marshes host reed beds covering up to 150,000 mu. In spring and summer, the area is blanketed in lush green grass, fragrant flowers, and the songs of birds, with colorful blooms scattered throughout the verdant landscape, creating a naturally exquisite scene. The Bayanmangha Shadao Lake is home to over 450 species of seed plants, including more than 100 types of wild medicinal herbs, mainly consisting of elm trees, feather grass, needlegrass, ephedra, reeds, willows, and linearleaf wormwood.

The Bayanmangha Shadao Lake Wetland is graced by the clear, rippling waters of the Wulagimuren River, which meanders through the area and forms islands where the river encounters higher terrain, hills, and sand dunes. These islands are like scattered pearls nestled among the shimmering lakes—some lush with greenery, some adorned with flowers and trees, others flat as a mirror. The interplay of lake and island scenery offers a uniquely enchanting experience.

“Emerald lakes and verdant islands, with fish leaping and birds flying”—Bayanmangha

The scenery of the Shadao Lake Wetland is breathtakingly beautiful, leaving visitors feeling refreshed and reluctant to leave.

A serene and tranquil morning spent boating and fishing on Shadao Lake offers a truly unique experience. The lake is dotted with islands, and the islands with oases of greenery—especially at dawn when the first rays of sunlight emerge, transforming the wetland into a mesmerizing sight. Around 8 a.m., the wetland becomes a paradise for birds. Following the gentle spring breeze, flocks of birds that have traveled thousands of miles across deserts and plains arrive here to begin their leisurely life for the year. They play, forage, and rest on the wetland while soaring through the blue sky, over the clear waters, and across the green grass, occasionally bursting into melodious songs. At noon, sunlight casts a golden glow, turning the vast blue waters into shimmering silver, dazzlingly bright and crystal clear enough to see the fish swimming beneath. In the shallows, the lush green underwater grasses and algae are a delight to the eyes. As dusk falls, with the setting sun and fiery sunset clouds, the birds return to their nests, and the scene before your eyes is nothing short of magical—a water-sky blend bathed in the hues of evening, evoking boundless tenderness and deep attachment.

The beauty of the Bayanmangha Shadao Lake Wetland lies in its natural authenticity and its enchantingly mystical charm. Being here allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of returning to nature and rediscovering a sense of primal simplicity.