Swan Lake Travel Guide

Here is a travel guide for Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park:

Basic Information

- Opening Hours: Open year-round, with the best time to observe swans from December to March.

- Ticket Information: Free admission, but additional fees apply for sightseeing buses or boats in certain areas.

- Transportation Guide: Drive by navigating to Sanmenxia Swan Lake Scenic Area; take the Yingbin No. 1 bus from Sanmenxia South High-Speed Rail Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle. A special swan-viewing line is available in winter.

Attractions

- Qinglong Lake (Swan Lake): The core scenic area where large numbers of swans reside from October to March, creating a stunning scene with the lake and blue sky.

- Canglong Lake: Rich in aquatic plants, with blooming lotuses in summer, perfect for leisurely walks.

- Zhougong Island and Zhaogong Island: Shaded by lush trees, featuring peony gardens and rare ginkgo trees, ideal for relaxation.

- Yingxiang Pavilion: Offers panoramic views of the Yellow River, especially breathtaking at sunset.

Recommended Routes

- Family Route: Bird-Watching Platform → Science Museum (VR Migration Experience) → Swan Feeding Area, allowing children to connect with nature and learn about birds.

- Photography Route: Qinglong Lake Viewing Platform → Reed Maze → Yellow River Viewing Corridor, capturing stunning shots of swans against the Loess Plateau backdrop.

Dining & Accommodation

- Local Cuisine: Try Shanzhou Ten-Bowl Banquet, Lingbao apples, Sanmenxia lamb soup, and Tongguan pork burgers.

- Accommodation: Swan Lake International Hotel offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for bird-watching. Alternatively, experience cave dwellings in Wangguan Village, 3 km from the park.

Notes

- Drones are prohibited in the park.

- Use special corn for swan feeding, available at the ticket office.

- Winter temperatures are low; dress warmly with windproof masks, heated insoles, and touchscreen gloves.