Lizhong Water Forest Ecological Park

　　Lizhong Water Forest Ecological Park is an artificial ecological forest base, initially established in the early 1980s, covering a total area of 18,894 mu. The currently developed area spans 1,500 mu, including 1,050 mu of forested land planted with 100,000 trees such as metasequoia and bald cypress. These trees have grown into a lush, towering water forest, now with a timber stock of 15,000 cubic meters, increasing at a rate of 12% annually. Unlike conventional tree planting, Lizhong Water Forest adopts a unique three-dimensional model of “forest mounds, ditches, and fish,” creating a distinctive water town landscape where “forests have water, water has fish, and forests have birds.” Bird species such as owls, wild ducks, egrets, black cuckoos, budgerigars, and hill mynas have increased by more than ten types compared to the past, with the peak bird population reaching over 60,000 and typically around 30,000. It is currently the largest artificial wetland forest ecosystem in the Li-Xia River region. In midsummer, the park is filled with towering trees, dappled shade, flocks of birds, refreshing breezes, and the lingering fragrance of plants—truly a place that enchants visitors, making them linger and forget to leave. Experts from six renowned institutions, including the Provincial Tourism Bureau, East China Normal University, and Tongji University in Shanghai, have conducted on-site investigations and concluded that it is one of the most promising tourism development zones in Taizhou City. Every year, over 20,000 visitors from both domestic and international locations come here for inspiration, fishing, lotus viewing, and painting.

　　The park has invested heavily in developing numerous auxiliary facilities for visitor convenience. Wooden walkways meander through serene paths, wooden tables and chairs offer rustic charm, stone bridges span the water, and pavilions rise above the treetops. Various structures are dotted among the green trees and clear waters. To allow visitors to experience the distinctive scenery of the water town, the park also regularly holds performances such as wild duck releases and cormorant fishing, offering guests a genuine taste of the leisurely pleasure described in the verse “wild ducks sleep on the shore with idle ease, old trees bloom without an ugly branch.” It also provides excellent photographic material for photographers from across the country to capture pastoral water town scenes. After sightseeing, visitors can also enjoy authentic local water town cuisine in the small wooden cabins within the park—fresh river delicacies, traditionally prepared poultry and waterfowl, combining nutrition and flavor. The blend of gourmet food and beautiful scenery offers a truly immersive experience, making one forget what time or day it is.

　　Climb onto a wooden raft, sit on a wooden chair, put on a straw hat, and wear a life jacket—it’s time to embark on a drift along the outer perimeter of Lizhong Water Forest. The lake surface ahead is as smooth as a mirror, with blue skies, white clouds, green trees, and flying birds. Reflections dance on the water, and light flickers across the surface. The trees on either side take on various postures and have been given many vivid and fitting names, such as “Heroes’ Forest,” “Boar Forest,” “Confused Forest,” and more. These playful titles add even more charm to the experience, instantly boosting your enthusiasm for exploration. Lizhong Water Forest Ecological Park is opening its arms to welcome visitors from all directions to come together and enjoy this eco-paradise of returning to nature and soaking in vibrant vitality.

　　

　　Address: East Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua City, Taizhou City

　　Type: Forest & River

　　Rating: AAAA

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5 day

　　Tel: 0523-83861777

　　Official Website: http://www.lzsssl.com/

　　Opening Hours:

　　08:30–17:00

　　Ticket Information:

　　Park admission: 50 RMB, raft drifting: 40 RMB, combined ticket: 90 RMB. Student ID qualifies for a half-price discount on park admission only (25 RMB), with no discount on raft drifting. Active-duty military officers, people with disabilities, and seniors aged 70+ from Jiangsu Province (with valid ID) are exempt from park admission fees, but no discount applies to raft drifting. Children under 1.2 meters are exempt from both park admission and raft drifting fees.