Tonghu Wetland Nature Reserve

Tonghu Wetland Nature Reserve

Tonghu Wetland is one of the few typical inland freshwater lake wetlands in Guangdong Province. It encompasses four types of wetlands: lake wetlands, river wetlands, pond-based wetlands, and reservoir wetlands — a rare combination in the province. This wetland also serves as a stopover and habitat for migratory birds. Analysis by experts of the wetland’s air temperature and relative humidity shows that the reserve has a long period of comfortable climate, totaling 231 days per year.

Tonghu Wetland is located at the western end of Huizhou City. The core area of the wetland nature reserve covers 670 hectares, with lakes stretching 11 kilometers and a catchment area of 423 hectares. The jurisdiction includes four towns in Huicheng District: Chenjiang, Lilin, Tonghu, and Tongqiao.

Nearly 100 species of birds stop here to rest and inhabit the area each year, along with other wildlife such as fish, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic plants. The Tonghu Wetland is home to 203 species of vascular plants from 155 genera and 64 families, about half of which are wild plants, including some highly adaptable weed-like varieties. There are 51 bird species across 23 families and 7 orders in the wetland. Nationally protected species under Class II include the Greater Coucal and the Tiger Frog. Ten species are key protected terrestrial wildlife in Guangdong Province: the Common Moorhen, White-winged Tern, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, and — Bittern. The wetland also commonly hosts over 30 species of fish.