Discover Jinhu Wetland Park in Zhijiang, Hubei: An Ecological Treasure

Overview Location: Located in the northeastern suburbs of Zhijiang City, Yichang City, Hubei Province, Jinhu Wetland Park sits between Majiadian Subdistrict, Xiannv Town, and Wen'an Town, in the transition zone between the western Hubei mountains and the Jianghan Plain. Park Area: The park covers a total area of 733.35 hectares, of which 688.57 hectares are wetlands, accounting for 93.89% of the total area. Composition: The park comprises Liujiahu Lake, Donghu Lake, and Jinshan Forest Farm, and primarily consists of lake wetlands, river wetlands, marsh wetlands, and constructed wetlands. Natural Landscape and Ecological Features Rich Plant Resources: The park boasts 204 species of vascular plants from 173 genera and 74 families. Various aquatic plants thrive here, such as wild rice stem, lotus root, and water celery. Trees like Chinese pistache and Ilex cornuta are also present. Diverse Animal Resources: As a crucial distribution area for waterfowl resources, the park is home to 179 bird species from 113 genera, 54 families, and 17 orders. These include nationally first-class protected birds like the Scaly-sided Merganser, and second-class protected birds like the Eurasian Sparrowhawk and the Black Kite. Other wildlife such as the Siberian Weasel and the Hog Badger also inhabit the park. Beautiful Lake Scenery: Jinhu Lake, the largest natural shallow-water lake in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, resembles a lively goldfish when viewed from above. Connected to the Yangtze River, with the nearest point being 1.70 km away, the lake offers stunning scenery with its picturesque combination of lake and mountain views. Park Construction and Development Protective Measures: Adhering to the principles of "comprehensive protection, scientific restoration, rational utilization, and sustainable development," the park employs a three-dimensional ecological restoration and management model. This model focuses on "land-based pollution interception and control, lakeshore ecological slope protection, returning farmland to lake, underwater vegetation restoration, and park-wide intelligent monitoring." Facilities such as an ecological experience center and bird observation points have also been established. Honors: In 2019, Jinhu Wetland Park was recognized as a "Beautiful Lake in the Yangtze River Economic Belt." On December 25, 2019, it officially became a "National Wetland Park" after passing the pilot national wetland park acceptance inspection by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. In 2023, the Jinhu Wetland Ecological Restoration Project was selected as one of the first outstanding typical cases of national landscape engineering.