Qilihai National Wetland Park (Permanently Closed)

　　The wetland’s expansive reed fields and water areas exude a wild charm: wild waters, wild grasses, wild birds, wild scenery, wild sentiments, and wild delights. It is a natural, pristine landscape with a uniquely pure, fresh, and graceful beauty that brings a sense of tranquility, loveliness, and subtle allure.

　　Qilihai boasts stunning natural scenery as a vast sea of reeds. The reed sea here possesses an extraordinary grandeur—majestic and breathtakingly expansive. Strolling along the Chaobai River levee and looking westward, you’ll see an endless emerald world: tens of square kilometers of reed sea, all an intoxicating green. The lush green reeds complement the verdant ink-wash painting, unreservedly showcasing their enchanting charm and allure.

　　Qilihai is a paradise for birds and a stopover for migratory species. In the dense reed marshes and vast waters, over 200 bird species inhabit and breed. Among them, more than 10 are resident birds that live here year-round, including over 10 national first-class protected species such as the white stork, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, and Pallas's sea eagle. There are also 20 second-class protected species like swans, little gulls, grey cranes, and pelicans. Qilihai features typical ancient coastal characteristics. Oyster beds, shell ridges, and ancient silt river wetlands form its three unique natural landscapes. The oyster bed natural relic, dating back thousands of years, is unparalleled in scale, density, clarity, and preservation in China and rare even worldwide. The shell ridge is one of the world’s three famous shell ridges and an important part of Tianjin’s shell ridges. Qilihai is rich in natural resources and is a rare "feng shui treasure land." Since ancient times, it has been said that "Qilihai has three treasures: silverfish, purple crabs, and reeds." The silverfish and purple crabs produced here were once tributes to the imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

　　Qilihai National Wetland Park is one of the world’s three ancient coastal wetlands and a newly opened attraction in 2012, gaining popularity in recent years. Though there aren’t many activities, its atmosphere and mood are its highlights. Under the blue sky, boating through the fragrant reed marshes is filled with fresh air, and if you’re lucky, you might spot birds dancing gracefully. You can feed ducks at the wild duck pond, watch carp in the fish pond, and even go crab fishing in October.

　　Additionally, there are hot air balloons, a water-view corridor, a children’s playground, a fairy tale castle, bicycle riding, and other activities suitable for kids. There are also charming sights such as specialty food cabins, a central fountain stage, and romantic flower seas in the rose garden—many couples choose to take photos here. Nearby is the filming location of the TV series adapted from the famous novel *Red Flag Chronicles*.

　　Qilihai Wetland Park is located within the permanently protected ecological red line designated by Tianjin. According to the *Tianjin Permanently Protected Ecological Area Management Regulations*, tourism activities are not allowed within the red line of permanently protected ecological areas. Therefore, Qilihai Wetland Park was closed in September 2015 and will no longer operate as a tourist destination.

　　Suggested Duration

　　Half a day or 1 day

　　Transportation: 1. By bus: Take bus 570 (Tianjin-Lutai Air-Conditioned Line) from the Tianjin Railway Station Bus Hub, or take a bus to Lutai from Da Hu Tong, and get off at the entrance of Qilihai National Wetland Park (do not get off at Qilihai Town, as the main attractions are 20 li away; remember to ask the driver to remind you of the correct stop). 2. By car: From the Jinji Expressway (about 5 km before the toll gate), turn right toward Lutai, then take the Jin Ning Expressway and exit at Qilihai.

　　Ticket

　　[Updated 2016] No ticket required. The Qilihai scenic area is currently under renovation and not open to the public; the reopening date is unknown.

　　[Before October 2015]

　　Single ticket: 50 RMB; combo tickets: two types—Sightseeing Tour 100 RMB, Exploration Tour 140 RMB (both include ticket and 60-minute boat ride); self-fishing for river crabs: 50 RMB per jin.

　　Opening Hours

　　8:00–17:30 (battery cars and boats operate from 8:00–17:00)

　　Location

　　North side of the intersection of Qilihai Street and Haiqing Road, Ninghe County, Tianjin suburbs

　　Address: South side outside Dawangtai Village, Zaojiacheng Town, Ninghe District

　　Phone: 27686888