Who gets it?! Changzhi hides a "city's green lung," where every casual shot looks like a forest-themed blockbuster🌿
Been in the concrete jungle for too long and craving a spontaneous "oxygen-boosting trip"? Today, I've found a treasure for you all! Changzhi city has a divine spot that's a "natural oxygen bar + photography paradise" with double buffs – Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park. No need for long journeys; you can immerse yourself in the healing time of beautiful lakes, mountains, and abundant birds and flowers. Quickly save this nanny-level guide!
🌟 Scenic Spot Features: Your "Healing Happiness" Provider
Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park is one of the few large urban wetland parks in Shanxi, spanning thousands of acres. It's like a "green emerald" embedded on the edge of the city, and you can explore it all day without seeing the same thing twice!
- Wetland Wonderland: Large swathes of reeds sway in the wind, the lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, and occasionally egrets and wild ducks skim the water. Every shot looks like a "scene from a Miyazaki animation," full of healing vibes✨
- Beautiful in All Seasons: In spring, cherry blossoms and crabapples bloom, walking on the flower path feels like stepping into a pink wonderland; in summer, lotus leaves cover the lake, and lotus flowers scent the air, with stunning sunsets in the evening; in autumn, ginkgo and metasequoia trees turn golden, creating an incredible atmosphere; in winter, it's covered in silver, with thin ice on the lake, giving it a natural "cool and serene" filter.
- Family-Friendly: There are dedicated wooden boardwalks, observation decks, and a "cute pet interaction area" suitable for children (where you can see pigeons, cygnets, etc.). You can easily stroll around with a stroller, making it perfect for family outings~
📸 Photo Spots + Photography Tips to Make Your Moments Go Viral!
1. Reed Boardwalk
- Location: "Luting Lianzhu" area in the central part of the scenic spot
- Tips: Wear a light-colored long dress (white or beige is best), stand in the middle of the boardwalk, have your companion shoot from the side, and press the shutter when the wind blows your hair and skirt. Blur the reeds and lake in the background to instantly become a "forest-themed heroine"; shoot against the light in the evening for a stunning "glowing hair" effect.
2. Lake Center Observation Deck
- Location: The circular observation deck in the center of the lake
- Tips: Stand on the edge of the observation deck, with the lake and distant trees as the background. Shoot horizontally to capture "person + panorama," adding actions like raising your hand or gazing into the distance to emphasize the sense of space; use your phone's wide-angle mode to capture the breathtaking feeling of "being in a painting."
3. Cherry Blossom/Crabapple Path (Spring Exclusive)
- Location: 500 meters south of the scenic spot entrance
- Tips: Crouch under the flower trees, letting the flowers naturally hang over your head and shoulders. Shoot slightly upwards to avoid crowds; wear light pink or light blue clothes to create a gentle contrast with the sea of flowers, giving off a natural "first love" vibe.
4. Lotus Rhyme Boardwalk (Summer Exclusive)
- Location: Around "Hefeng Xie" on the east side of the lake
- Tips: Choose a full-blooming lotus flower as the foreground, have the person stand on the boardwalk facing the camera sideways, gently resting a hand on the railing. Use "large aperture" mode to blur the background, highlighting the artistic conception of "walking among lotuses, as if in a painting."
5. Ginkgo Forest (Autumn Exclusive)
- Location: "Qiujingyuan" on the northwest side of the scenic spot
- Tips: Pick a ginkgo leaf and hold it in front of the lens for "foreground blur." Have the person stand in the golden forest, wearing dark clothes (black, caramel color) to create a strong contrast. Every shot will be an "autumn atmosphere blockbuster."
🚗 Itinerary + Transportation/Dining/Accommodation Guide
[One-Day Itinerary Reference]
- 09:00-09:30: Arrive at the scenic spot, enter from the main entrance (North Gate), and briefly learn about the park at the "Wetland Science Museum" (a must-visit with kids to learn about various aquatic plants and animals).
- 09:30-12:00: Stroll along the wooden boardwalks to "Luting Lianzhu" and "Bird Island Observation Deck," checking in at the reed beds and lake center observation deck, taking beautiful photos along the way.
- 12:00-13:30: Head to the "Lakeside Restaurant" within the scenic spot for lunch and a short break.
- 13:30-16:30: In the afternoon, explore the "Flower Field Area" and "Children's Play Area." Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and catch a stunning sunset at the "West Embankment Sunset Viewpoint" in the evening.
- 16:30-17:00: Exit the scenic spot from the South Gate, ending the trip.
[Transportation Guide]
- Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park North Gate Parking Lot." Parking is free and ample.
- Public transport: Take bus route 25 or 313 from the city to "Zhangze Lake Wetland Park Station," then walk 5 minutes to the main entrance. Excellent value for money~
[Dining Recommendations]
- Inside the scenic spot: Lakeside Restaurant, specializing in local home-style dishes (Changzhi donkey meat, Xiangyuan sausage, Huguan lamb soup, etc.). Prices are affordable, around 50 RMB per person, and window seats offer lake views.
- Outside the scenic spot: There are many farmhouses near the North Gate. Recommended dishes include "iron pot stewed goose" and "wetland mixed fish pot," which are fresh and flavorful, around 60-80 RMB per person.
[Accommodation Recommendations]
- Changzhi Zhangze Lake Hotel: Only 1 km from the North Gate of the scenic spot, a 10-minute walk. The hotel has its own small garden, and rooms are spacious and clean, offering great value, suitable for family travel.
- Changzhi Bin Hu International Hotel: 3 km from the scenic spot, a high-end hotel with lake view rooms. You can enjoy the night view of Zhangze Lake in the evening. It has complete facilities (gym, buffet breakfast), suitable for those seeking a comfortable experience.
- Home Inn Plus Changzhi City Center: 5 km from the scenic spot, convenient transportation, close to commercial areas, making it easy to find late-night snacks and night markets. A value-for-money choice.
Recommended Nearby Scenic Spots (If you can't get enough, plan a multi-day trip!)
1. Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge Scenic Area: About 1.5 hours drive from Zhangze Lake. Known as the "Northern Mini Three Gorges," you can take boat rides and cable cars to experience the grandeur of the canyon scenery.
2. Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall: About 40 minutes drive from Zhangze Lake, a classic red tourism scenic spot to learn about the revolutionary history of Taihang, suitable for patriotic education with children.
3. Tongtianxia Scenic Area: About 2 hours drive from Zhangze Lake. The canyon is filled with waterfalls, caves, and sheer cliffs. It's super cool in summer, an excellent place to escape the heat.
4. Xiantang Mountain: About 1 hour drive from Zhangze Lake. The mountain has ancient temples and unique peaks and rocks. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the mountains, suitable for those who enjoy hiking.
5. Zhenxing Town: About 1 hour drive from Zhangze Lake, a pastoral town with picking gardens and folk experience areas. There are also light shows in the evening, suitable for family trips and couples.
Conclusion
Who can resist such a "doorstep" healing wetland park! Whether it's a weekend outing with kids, a date with your partner, or just a solo stroll, Zhangze Lake can bring you immense joy~ Follow me for more hidden gems and nanny-level travel guides in Changzhi, helping you experience the best trips for the least money! ❤️