Weining Caohai Nature Reserve

　　　　Weining Caohai Nature Reserve is situated in Weining Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province, and spans 12,000 hectares. It was approved for establishment by the People’s Government of Guizhou Province in 1985 and upgraded to a national-level reserve in 1992. The reserve primarily protects the black-necked crane and the plateau wetland ecosystem.

　　　　Caohai is the largest freshwater lake on the Guizhou Plateau, with a water surface area of 3,000 hectares. The region has a subtropical monsoon climate. The lake boasts good water quality, dense aquatic vegetation, and abundant fish and shrimp, making it rich in biological resources. The area hosts 37 species of higher aquatic plants, including the nationally protected flower Ottelia acuminata, over 10 species of fish, and 178 species or subspecies of birds—27 of which are under national protection, 48 are covered by the China–Japan Migratory Bird Agreement, and it serves as one of the primary wintering grounds for the critically endangered black-necked crane. In addition, a large number of ancient fossils and cultural relics have been discovered in the area. The establishment of this reserve holds significant value for the protection and research of the black-necked crane and plateau wetland ecosystems.