Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Here are the recommended activities:

Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is located in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The park covers a total area of 1,225.3 hectares, of which 1,146.25 hectares are wetlands, representing a wetland rate of 93.55%. It is a permanent freshwater lake wetland. The lake has a shoreline of 9.5 kilometers, a maximum width of 2.9 kilometers, an average width of 1.17 kilometers, a maximum depth of 5.5 meters, and an average depth of 3.74 meters. It has a water storage capacity of 53 million cubic meters and a runoff area of 261 square kilometers.
Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is a natural wetland lake with a vast expanse of rippling blue water. Lush grasslands grow along its shores, and a variety of water birds flit about. The refreshing and natural scenery makes it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
With the theme of "protecting the kidney of Mengzi city, creating a waterfowl habitat, inheriting and displaying historical culture, promoting wetland ecotourism, and promoting the construction of ecological civilization", Yunnan Mengzi Changqiaohai National Wetland Park has become a national wetland park integrating wetland protection and conservation, restoration and repair, wetland cultural display, ecological education and training, wetland science popularization and education, wetland scientific research and monitoring, and wetland ecotourism.
Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, it is spring-like all year round with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Yunnan Mengzi Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is a wetland park that integrates wetland conservation area, wetland ecological function display area, wetland experience area and service management area.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is significant for its biodiversity and ecological importance. It serves as a habitat for many rare and migratory bird species. The park plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Red River region and in wetland conservation.
Changqiaohai National Wetland Park is located in the Red River region of Yunnan. The easiest way to reach the park is by taxi from nearby cities like Gejiu. Public transport options like buses may be available depending on the time of year.
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and wildlife is abundant. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for birdwatching and photography.
The entrance fee is generally low, and tickets can be purchased at the park entrance. For boat tours or special activities, additional fees may apply. Tickets are available for purchase on-site.
Booking in advance is generally not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons (spring and autumn) or for special tours like birdwatching excursions.
It takes about 2-3 hours to explore the park, including a boat ride and a walk along the trails. If you're a birdwatcher or nature enthusiast, you may want to spend more time.
The must-see highlights include the wetlands themselves, where you can spot various species of birds and wildlife. The boat ride and the observation points along the trails offer stunning views of the natural landscape.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides may be available if requested in advance. Audio guides are not typically offered.
The best viewpoints are along the park's observation platforms and trails. The wetland areas and the boat ride along the water provide exceptional photography opportunities, particularly for birdwatching and landscape shots.
Start your visit by walking along the main trails to get a feel for the park. Then, take a boat ride to explore the wetlands more closely. Make sure to visit the observation points for the best views of wildlife and the wetland landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not typically offered. However, special eco-tours and birdwatching tours are available during the day.
The park can be busy during weekends and holidays, especially in spring and autumn. For a more peaceful experience, visit during weekdays or early in the morning.
The park has basic facilities, including public toilets, rest areas, and water fountains. There are small shops selling snacks and drinks, but no full-service restaurants inside the park.
The park is fairly accessible, with paved trails and some flat areas suitable for elderly visitors or those with disabilities. However, some of the more natural trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is commonly used in the park, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted for tickets and at the small shops.
There are no large restaurants within the park, but there are local eateries nearby offering traditional Yunnan cuisine. The town of Gejiu, around 1-2 hours away, has a wider variety of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants. Vegan and halal options are limited, but it is possible to find vegetarian dishes upon request.
Accommodation options are available in nearby towns such as Gejiu, with a range of hotels and guesthouses. There are also smaller guesthouses closer to the park for those who prefer a more rustic experience.
Nearby attractions include the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and various natural landscapes around the Red River. You can also visit the local town of Gejiu for cultural experiences.
There are small souvenir shops near the park, where you can find locally-made crafts, including textiles, jewelry, and other traditional Yunnan products.
After visiting the park, you can return to Gejiu by taxi or local transport. From there, you can continue your journey to other destinations in Yunnan by train or bus.