Star Lake Wetland Park

　　Zhaoqing is situated in the central-western part of Guangdong Province in the southern subtropical zone, with the Tropic of Cancer crossing the entire region. The area is abundant in lakes, has a pleasant climate, and receives ample rainfall. With over 60% forest vegetation coverage, vast stretches of dense primeval forests, cascading waterfalls, flowing springs, birdsong, floral fragrances, and fresh air, it serves as an important stopover, breeding ground, and wintering site for migratory birds on an international scale.

　　Zhaoqing’s Star Lake Scenic Area is China’s first national nature reserve and among the first group of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the country. The terrain and landforms here are diverse, featuring over 10,000 acres of lakes, expansive primeval forests, broad tidal wetlands, and subtropical jungles, forming an ecosystem rich in biodiversity of flora and fauna.

　　Leveraging its favorable natural ecological environment and abundant wetland resources, after more than two years of planning, development, construction, and integration starting in 2003, China’s first Star Lake Wetland Park was officially established in Zhaoqing on December 12, 2004.

　　The core visiting area of Zhaoqing’s Star Lake Wetland Park is located at Fairy Lake. As you take a boat ride into Fairy Lake, you’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery before you. Over 20 small islands are scattered like emeralds across the emerald-green waters, while 18 major wetland landscapes are scattered like pearls throughout the clear lake. Here, the scenery is serene, refined, and untouched, with shrubs covering the islands, reeds in the tidal flats, wetland waterfowl, egrets soaring, golden sands against azure waters, and the chirping of birds — a truly extraordinary sight. This natural, rustic, wild, and pristine wetland park is like a paradise on Earth. The scenic area also features crane viewing boardwalks, bird-watching pavilions, painted pleasure boats, lakeside docks, and more.

　　Zhaoqing’s Star Lake Wetland Park boasts vast waters, crisscrossing waterways, dense reed beds, and abundant aquatic plants and fish resources, making it a paradise for wildlife. Species such as red-crowned cranes, flamingos, oriental white storks, white-naped cranes, demoiselle cranes, and crowned cranes abound in both variety and number. Currently, there are 188 bird species, including 40 red-crowned cranes — known as the “Gods of the Wetlands” and famous cultural birds in China. There are also 150 graceful flamingos, likened to elegant court ladies. Countless other species such as oriental white storks, white-naped cranes, demoiselle cranes, and crowned cranes can also be found.

　　Sitting at the bow of the boat and gazing into the misty expanse where water meets sky, the green hues of the grassy marshes are a feast for the eyes and soothe the soul. Soon, these white sprites appear: in the vast reed marshes, red-crowned cranes, about one meter tall, are scattered here and there, appearing and disappearing intermittently. Some are foraging with heads down, others are gracefully taking flight, yet none shy away from visitors. They stroll leisurely with noble bearing.

　　Upon closer inspection, the red-crowned crane reveals a dark brown throat and neck, a red crown, and white feathers. Standing elegantly and craning its neck, it exudes a self-assured air. Observing it, one can’t help but think of the phrase “standing out from the crowd.” But when it spreads its wings and takes flight, its graceful form accompanied by loud, resonant crane calls evokes a deep sense of returning to nature, stirring the heart.

　　Here, you can watch flocks of egrets take flight from the bird islands, or witness the rare “world-class spectacle” — red-crowned cranes flying in formation. Strolling leisurely through this picturesque landscape and observing the harmonious coexistence between humans, nature, and animals offers a natural wonder that will leave an unforgettable impression.

　　Star Lake Wetland Park is a typical karst lake-type wetland, with a current lake area of over 650 hectares. Its natural lake morphology, beautiful shoreline, and unique karst landform features make it a stunning sight where seven karst peaks are scattered across the lake, blending seamlessly with the water. It is the most typical and representative karst lake wetland in China’s subtropical zone. Among them, Fairy Lake is a vital component of Star Lake Wetland Park, known for its vast waters, crystal-clear lake surface, numerous small islands, and a reputation for being ethereal, mystical, rustic, and natural.

　　Within the Star Lake Wetland ecosystem, humans and nature coexist harmoniously, fostering wetland management and farming cultures adapted to the environment. In particular, the park’s more than 630 cliff inscriptions reflect its profound historical and cultural value. The successful introduction and breeding of nationally protected bird species such as red-crowned cranes and flamingos have made it a birdwatching paradise in southern China.

　　Star Lake Wetland Park is filled with natural, rustic, wild, and pristine beauty — with shrubs covering the islands, aquatic metasequoias, reeds in the tidal flats, wetland waterfowl, egrets soaring, golden sands against blue waters, and the sounds of birds chirping. It is like a paradise on Earth. The scenic area is home to approximately 100 families and genera of common plant species, with cliff-adapted vegetation forming unique cliff forests. Ancient banyans cling to rocks, exuding a moist, lush vitality. Earthen mounds and hills are mainly covered with planted scenic forests, along with some fruit orchards. Major plants include royal poinciana, casuarina, Taiwan acacia, eucalyptus, masson pine, frangipani, michelia, narrow-leaved banyan, large-leaved banyan, ormosia, leucaena, bald cypress, mango, longan, lychee, and night-blooming cereus. The land greening coverage in the scenic area is about 85%. The wetland park currently has 57 ancient and notable trees, mainly comprising ormosia, banyans, and frangipani. Among them, there are 7 trees over 300 years old, 46 trees aged between 100–300 years, and many over 100 years old growing on rocks and cliffs, standing robust and evergreen all year round — a rare sight. With interconnected lakes, lush vegetation, and fresh air, the wetland park is an important stopover, breeding ground, and wintering site for migratory birds internationally.

　　The rocky hills and earthen mounds of Seven Star Crags are suitable habitats for birds, hosting around 180 species such as pheasants, doves, spotted doves, quails, magpies, turtledoves, and sparrows. The lake hosts various migratory bird species, mainly including white cranes and water chickens. Among them, the “Gods of the Wetlands” — the renowned Chinese cultural bird, the red-crowned crane — number 45, the highest in southern China. There are also 150 graceful flamingos, likened to elegant court ladies. Countless other species such as oriental white storks, white-naped cranes, demoiselle cranes, gray-crowned cranes, egrets, and night herons can also be found. Star Lake supports the growth of various freshwater fish species, mainly including grass carp, silver carp, common carp, and mud carp. The rich wetland scenery and the natural harmony between humans, nature, and animals form picturesque landscapes.

　　To protect the wetland landscape, Star Lake Wetland Park has designated areas such as the Fairy Lake Bird Absolute Protection Zone, Natural Landscape Protection Zone, and Historical Site Protection Zone, and has formulated corresponding protective measures:

　　The Fairy Lake Bird Absolute Protection Zone focuses on protecting birds and their habitats, including Hidden Pearl Island, Jade Island, Cloud Rise Island, Little Yingzhou, and Bird Attracting Island, as well as the water ecological environments within a 150-meter radius around these small islands. Protective measures include: (1) Strictly prohibiting any boats or visitors from entering this protection zone. Those who must enter require approval and valid documentation from the relevant department of the Scenic Area Management Bureau. (2) Equipping the zone with necessary research and safety protection facilities. (3) Enhancing bird monitoring and management by setting up monitoring plots and developing corresponding protection strategies through database analysis. (4) Establishing an ecological environment monitoring network to regularly monitor the atmosphere, noise, and water environment at designated points, analyzing data dynamically, and implementing appropriate prevention and control measures. (5) Promoting the cultivation of various berry and aquatic plants.

　　The Natural Landscape Protection Zone aims to protect special natural scenic resources and landscapes. The natural landscape protection zones within the Star Lake Scenic Area can be divided into two types: natural water body landscapes and natural rocky mountain landscapes. Protective measures include:

　　(1) Within the natural landscape protection zone, apart from providing essential walking and safety facilities, no other facilities unrelated to sightseeing shall be constructed. Except for existing walking paths, no new roads shall be added, and motorized traffic is strictly prohibited.

　　(2) Within the designated natural landscape protection zone, existing shopping, dining, accommodation, entertainment, and other sightseeing facilities that detract from the landscape shall be gradually removed. Existing and necessary sightseeing and safety protection facilities shall be harmonized with the surrounding natural landscape.

　　(3) The natural rocky mountain landscapes in this zone shall be strictly protected in terms of their shapes, caves, ancient and notable trees, and forest vegetation.

　　(4) For natural water body landscapes, it is essential to ensure that the water remains unpolluted. The use of water bodies for recreational water projects is strictly prohibited, motorized boats are to be controlled, and swimming is not allowed. The areas around the water bodies shall be purified, greened, and beautified.

　　Visitors can take antique-style boats to closely observe the natural migratory birds and wetland scenery within the protection zone, or they can climb onto Crane Island and walk through wooden boardwalks to witness the rare “world-class spectacle” of red-crowned cranes flying in formation. Telescopes set up on Crane Island also allow for distant viewing of migratory birds.

　　Additionally, Star Lake Wetland Park serves as an important science education base. Plans are underway to transform existing buildings at Dalangan to establish a Wetland Education Center. The center will feature a multimedia exhibition hall, educational image exhibition rooms, specimen rooms, and an aquarium, equipped with display cabinets, office supplies, computers, projectors, televisions, video recorders, and other equipment. Through image exhibitions, physical displays, and screenings of videos, films, and TV programs showcasing the beautiful wetland environment and conservation knowledge, the center will provide centralized public education. The planned construction area is over 600 square meters.

　　Star Lake Wetland Park is an important part of Zhaoqing City’s ecosystem in Guangdong Province, serving as the city’s natural “urban kidney.” It is a key platform reflecting Zhaoqing’s identity as a renowned mountain-water city, a National Historical and Cultural City, and an Outstanding Tourism City. It is also a jewel on Zhaoqing’s “Thousand-Mile Tourism Corridor,” a national base for the artificial breeding of rare wetland waterfowl in southern China, and a Guangdong Provincial wetland ecology science education base. Therefore, Star Lake Wetland Park is an ideal destination for leisure, vacation, sightseeing, and expanding one’s knowledge, as well as an important platform for promoting wetland conservation.

　　Best travel season for Star Lake Wetland Park: Spring is the best time, with lush grass and warm waters, full of spring vitality and excellent scenery. Winter is also great for watching migratory birds.