Lost in the Land of Oz: Hongze Lake Wetland, Sihong, Jiangsu

Only after arriving did I realize that Jiangsu really has a real-life Land of Oz!
📍Location: Chengtou Township, Sihong County, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province (National 5A-level Scenic Area, adjacent to Hongze Lake National Nature Reserve)
🚗Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. Navigate to "Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland Scenic Area." About 3 hours from Nanjing, about 1.5 hours from Suqian. You can also take the high-speed train to Sihong Station, then transfer to Bus Route 1, which goes directly to the scenic area entrance (about 40 minutes).
🌳Scenic Area Highlights:
✔️ The largest inland freshwater wetland in East China, covering 30,000 mu, with the most complete wetland ecosystem in East China!
✔️ Three Wonders:
Ten-thousand-mu Reed Maze: 60 intersecting river branches, boat rides through them really give you the feeling of the Land of Oz!
Thousand Lotus Garden: In summer, lotus flowers bloom like a pink ocean, with boardwalks for strolling and lotus flowers within reach!
Metasequoia Forest: Tens of thousands of metasequoia trees reflected in the clear water; renting a bamboo raft feels like exploring a secret realm!
✔️ Habitat for 226 bird species, with stunning scenes of egret flocks in winter; also home to a gene bank of 200+ aquatic plants, with excellent ecological environment!
🗺️Travel Tips:
⏰Best Seasons:
Summer: July - August to enjoy lotus flowers and escape the heat; the waterside boardwalk in the Lotus Garden is a must-visit!
Autumn: October - November when the reed flowers turn golden and the migratory birds’ spectacle is breathtaking!
Winter: December - February to watch egrets and enjoy the serene snowy scenes of the metasequoia forest!
🚂Efficient Route (4 - 5 hours):
Lotus Garden → Reed Maze boat ride → Gongwei Island → Deer Park feeding the deer → Metasequoia Forest bamboo raft → Hongze Lake Fish Pavilion;
Energy-saving tools: You can choose the scenic area’s small train or rent an electric vehicle; walking is really tiring!
💡Suggestions:
👶Family fun must-do: Petting zoo feeding alpacas and ostriches, Fisherman’s Wharf net weaving experience;
📸Photo hotspots: Metasequoia Forest morning mist (best light 7:00 - 9:00), Lotus Garden sunset;
⚠️Avoid pitfalls: Avoid the midday heat (few shaded areas in the park), be sure to bring mosquito repellent and a sun hat; the scenic area restaurants are concentrated near Yunshui Pavilion, so bring some snacks for backup.
🏡Accommodation Recommendations:
♨️Luxury experience: Hongze Lake Wetland Hot Spring Resort (forest wooden cabins with private hot springs)
This trip to Hongze Lake Wetland was truly healing, not only did I see stunning natural scenery, but I also experienced a variety of fun activities. If you also long for a nature-close trip, come to Hongze Lake Wetland!