Society
By Jin Yingying
The Hangzhou Qiantang Bay Wetland Park, located at the estuary of the Qiantang River in Hangzhou Bay, is ready to open its newly completed initial phase, providing an expansive natural refuge for both wildlife and visitors.
Covering a total planned area of 4,407 hectares, with 4,387 hectares designated for wetlands, this park promises to be a beacon of ecological harmony.
The park’s initial development area, in Linjiang subdistrict, spans approximately 60,000 square meters. It is divided into two main zones: a service and support area and an ecological leisure area, featuring attractions that blend nature with leisure.
The park is set to be a premier destination for nature lovers, providing a lush green space that combines ecological conservation with recreational enjoyment. Its core area is divided by Yanyu Causeway into North Lake and South Lake. North Lake, with its vast tidal flats, serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds such as the black-faced spoonbill and the red-footed falcon. Each autumn, the lake transforms into a vibrant haven for these species. South Lake, the primary recreational area, features walking paths where visitors can enjoy the company of flowers and birds while strolling along the water’s edge.
As a part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, the Jianghai Wetlands within the park are a vital node for over 140 bird species, including more than 20 nationally protected species such as the Oriental stork and the white-naped crane. This makes the Feiniao Platform and the Birdwatching Tower essential spots for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts.