QuShui National Wetland Park in Huitong, Hunan

QuShui National Wetland Park of Huitong is located in western Huitong County. It mainly covers the Qushui River stretching upstream from the Langjiang Hydropower Station Dam to the border with Jingzhou County, as well as part of the woodlands on both river banks. The park spans Langjiang Town, Qinglang Dong and Miao Autonomous Township, Lincheng Town, Guangping Town, Yantou Township and Lianshan Township.

The park stretches approximately 19.2 kilometres from north to south and 15.2 kilometres from east to west. Its geographic coordinates are 26°46′52″–26°57′27″ North Latitude and 109°36′40″–109°45′29″ East Longitude. It covers a total area of 1,319.0 hectares, among which wetland area reaches 1,014.4 hectares, accounting for 76.9 percent of the total land.

The wetland park forms a complex wetland system consisting of river water bodies, floodplain wetlands, reservoirs and ponds. Its natural aquatic ecological features, hydrological processes and sound water environment are typical and representative of the hilly regions in southern China. Boasting abundant biodiversity, distinctive local customs and cultural heritage, the park enjoys high scientific research and conservation value.

Within the park and its surrounding areas, there are 704 species of wild vascular plants belonging to 324 genera and 148 families. More than ten plant species deserve key protection, including rare varieties such as zelkova, pistacia chinensis, wild water caltrop, nuphar pumila and gesneriaceae. There are 202 species of wild vertebrates under five classes and 27 orders across 75 families, including 42 fish species, 19 amphibians, 23 reptiles, 102 birds and 16 mammals.

Adhering to the basic principles of "putting conservation first, carrying out scientific restoration, promoting rational utilization and pursuing sustainable development", the park is divided into five functional zones: core conservation zone, ecological restoration zone, popular science exhibition zone, rational utilization zone and management service zone.

As an ancient poem goes: How can the brook remain so pure? Because fresh water keeps flowing from its source. To safeguard the water quality of Dongting Lake, we must protect its four major tributaries. To preserve the water quality of the Yuan River, we need to conserve countless branch water systems including the Qushui River.

With systematic planning and construction, Qushui Wetland will be built into a national-level wetland park themed on protecting high-quality water sources, building healthy river corridors, showcasing diverse wetland culture and advancing ecological civilization. It will integrate wetland conservation and restoration, ecological function display, cultural exhibition, eco-tourism, scientific monitoring as well as environmental education and popular science.