Hutuo River Wetland Park of Dai County

Hutuo River Wetland Park in Dai County is a livelihood project approved and launched by the county Party Committee and county government in April 2010, integrating river regulation, ecological restoration and public leisure services.

Stretching 2,300 meters from east to west and 700 meters from north to south, the park covers a total regulated area of 2,400 mu. After more than two years of development and construction, Phase I Project was successfully completed in September 2012. The project renovated 560 mu of Hutuo River floodplains and restored 450 mu of riparian ecological wetlands. A 2.3-kilometer landscape avenue with a width of 20 meters and a 1,100-meter-long Hutuo River embankment were newly built, with a 9-meter-wide scenic footpath paved along the top of the embankment.

An artificial lake covering 92 mu was constructed at the center of the park, with complete water intake and drainage facilities and two arched stone bridges spanning the lake. The Guangu River, which runs through the park from north to south, underwent thorough renovation. A 1,800-meter dyke was built along both river banks, and a steel sluice dam was erected at the southern end. The sluice gates remain closed on ordinary days to retain clear water, forming a major scenic spot within the park.

Greening and landscaping works covering 360 mu were finished across the park. A total of 26 varieties of ornamental trees and 600,000 shrubs were planted, including landscape species such as white-bark pine, perpetual rose, purple-leaf plum and sorbaria kirilowii. Three covered corridors were built, namely an antique-style corridor, a white marble corridor and a flower trellis corridor. Six plazas were completed: Central Plaza, Cultural Plaza, Tensile Membrane Plaza, Chinese Chessboard Plaza, Flower Trellis Plaza and Amusement & Fitness Plaza, equipped with supporting cultural, fitness and recreational facilities.

The total investment of the project reached 220 million yuan. Today, the once dilapidated river channel has been transformed into a vast garden carpeted with green grass, shaded by luxuriant trees, adorned with lakes and mountain views and blooming flowers. It serves as an open comprehensive park combining culture, leisure, entertainment and fitness activities.