Huahu welcomes birdwatchers with breathtaking scenery

On Aug. 21, a refreshing breeze swept through the wetland of Huahu Lake in the Ruoergai Re’er Dam Grassland.

Lin Guanghua, a devoted bird-watching enthusiast at the age of 73, stood serenely amidst this natural bird paradise. 

Lin patiently positioned himself by the edge of the water where black-necked cranes often appeared,  eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to capture their beauty. 

The Huahu Lake, situated within the Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, has been bestowed with the title of China’s most beautiful wetland by National Geographic magazine. 

 Photo provided by Zhang Zhichao

Serving as an innate reservoir for the Yellow River, it accounts for 7.58 percent of this mighty river’s annual average natural runoff and replenishes a staggering 4.4 billion cubic meters of water annually.

In July 2024, a bird survey conducted in the Huahu area recorded a total of 2,376 birds across 30 species. The Huahu Wetland serves as China’s largest protected area for the black-necked crane, which is classified as a Class I protected animal. 

It is also considered a breeding haven for whooper swans, bar-headed geese, and other species of migratory birds. Consequently, it has gained significant popularity among bird enthusiasts nationwide. 

“For three consecutive days, I visited Huahu Wetland from afternoon until evening, capturing the enchanting moments when wild ducks gracefully take flight over the lake during sunset,” Lin said.

Lin embarked on the journey specifically from his hometown, Mianyang in Sichuan Province, to indulge in the mesmerizing spectacle of avian life. 

 Photo provided by Zhang Zhichao

“Our purpose in coming to the Huahu Lake is not to disrupt the birds’ lives but rather to document their figures and postures, preserving these precious moments,” he explained.

Zebacuo, a docent from Ruoergai County Tourism Co. Ltd., highlighted that the Huahu Wetland experiences an annual surge in bird watching between March and November. 

“Regular tourists can visit this location to capture stunning images of various wetland creatures such as graceful black-necked cranes and charming kingfishers,” said Zebacuo, adding that avid bird watchers can closely observe their every movement here, resulting in a truly rewarding experience. 

The Huahu Wetland is an epitome of Ruoergai’s successful ecological restoration and management. 

Since 2010, the lake area has expanded from its initial size of 650 hectares and witnessed an impressive rise in water levels by 52 centimeters. Furthermore, the number of black-necked cranes around the lake has surged to approximately 1,000.  

 Photo provided by Zhang Zhichao

The Huahu Lake has now been transformed into a tourist resort that attracts both domestic and foreign visitors. 

In 2020, Ruoergai County welcomed a total of 2.758 million tourists, generating a tourism revenue of 1.96 billion yuan (about 275 million U.S. dollars). 

“In 2023, the Huahu Wetland scenic spot is projected to attract over 600,000 tourists, playing an important role in driving the county's tourism industry,” Zebacuo said proudly. 

For birding enthusiasts in the Huahu Wetland, birdwatching not only entails close interaction with nature, but also provides a means of relaxation and mental rejuvenation.

 Photo provided by interviewee Gongqu Dangzhou

Gongqu dangzhou, a sophomore from the School of Business Administration at Southwest University for Nationalities, visited the wetland accompanied by two classmates.

Equipped with professional cameras and telephoto lenses, they patiently awaited the arrival of various avian species. 

“The bird-watching experience in the Huahu Wetland has instilled within me a profound appreciation for the marvels of nature, while also highlighting the remarkable success achieved in ecological management here,” he said.

“I often find myself completely engrossed in this serene and picturesque environment, reluctant to depart for an extended period.”

Gongqu Dangzhou said his regular visits to the Huahu Wetland for bird watching during holidays serve as an escape from academic pressure and the fast-paced lifestyle, providing him with unparalleled pleasure and relaxation.

 Photo provided by interviewee Gongqu Dangzhou 

“This particular specimen is a red-billed gull, known only by its Tibetan name," he said while examining his photographs.  

Since becoming a dedicated bird watcher, he has acquired extensive knowledge about its distinctive characteristics, habits and interests, bringing him immense joy. 

As the ecological environment steadily improves, the bird-watching fever in the Huahu Wetland continues to intensify. 

 “Many avid birdwatchers diligently document the growth process of various avian species, thus bearing witness to the blossoming beauty of the Huahu Lake amidst ongoing ecological restoration efforts,” Zebacuo said.

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