Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area is located in the northern part of urban Da'an City, Baicheng, Jilin Province, adjacent to the Nenjiang River. It is a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction and National Wetland Park, known as "The First Bay of the Thousand-Li Nenjiang River". Covering a total area of 3.5 square kilometers with a wetland coverage rate of 64.4%, it features a typical river bay wetland landform, commonly called Laokanzi. Built relying on the natural wetland resources of Nenjiang River Bay, the scenic area integrates the history of Spring Nabao of the Liao and Jin dynasties, fishing and hunting folk customs along the Nenjiang River and wetland ecological scenery. The region is dotted with lakes and overgrown with reeds, serving as an important stopover for migratory birds. The park is equipped with supporting facilities including archaized cultural buildings, waterfront walkways, cruise terminals, exhibition halls, leisure beaches and bird watching zones. It integrates ecological sightseeing, historical research, water tours, parent-child leisure and birdwatching photography, making it a landmark wetland tourist destination in western Jilin Province.
History and Culture
Nenjiang Bay was a core venue for Spring Nabao activities in the Liao Dynasty. Four emperors of the Liao Dynasty – Emperor Shengzong, Emperor Xingzong, Emperor Daozong and Emperor Tianzuo – visited here many times to carry out Spring Nabao rituals. Every spring, the Liao Emperor led civil and military officials to cut ice for fishing and hunt waterfowl, host the First Fish Banquet and receive envoys from various regions. Boasting superior water conditions and natural cliff terrain, Nenjiang Bay became an ideal place for imperial inspection and temporary residence, leaving plenty of historical records related to Nabao.
This place has been known as Laokanzi since ancient times. Forming a natural harbor with riverside cliffs, it has long served as a vital water transport terminal on the Nenjiang River waterway. During the prosperous modern shipping era, merchant ships gathered here with numerous merchants, boosting commerce in Da'an and carrying forward a thousand years of shipping culture.
Residents living along the Nenjiang River have thrived on the river since ancient times, developing complete fishing and hunting folk customs unique to the Nenjiang River. Folk culture featuring famous river fish including "Three Varieties, Five Species and Eighteen Kinds" has been passed down. Traditional fishing gear, winter fishing customs and river living traditions endure from generation to generation. The scenic area further explores Nabao culture and fishing-hunting folk customs, presenting and promoting them through exhibition halls, archaized building complexes and landscape sculptures.
Major Attractions
Liao Emperor Fish-Watching Platform
Situated in the southeast of the scenic area, the Liao Emperor Fish-Watching Platform is the highest point within the park. The building consists of a city wall and a bell tower, with a stone plaque inscribed "Fish-Watching Platform" embedded above the gate. Reconstructed based on historical records of Spring Nabao in the Liao Dynasty, this scenic spot marks the place where Liao emperors once climbed up to overlook the river, watch ice fishing and hold the First Fish Banquet. Standing on the platform, visitors can take in a panoramic view of Yulong Lake, vast wetlands and the Nenjiang River channel. With broad vision, it is a prime spot to admire the full wetland scenery and capture sunrise and sunset photos.
Huayi Tongfeng Courtyard
The name Huayi Tongfeng Courtyard derives from a poem by Emperor Daozong of Liao: "Rulers and ministers share one aspiration; Han and ethnic groups live in harmony". It is a rare Liao imperial-style Jiangnan garden in northern frontier lands. Centered on the integration of Liao and Han cultures, the courtyard features pavilions, winding corridors, lotus ponds and stone bridges. It houses exhibition halls including Xiaoyue Tower, which adopts multimedia displays to present imperial history of the Liao Dynasty and historical materials about Xiao Guanyin. Lush willows mirror lotus flowers and clear waters create an ancient aesthetic atmosphere, ideal for sightseeing, photography and cultural research. The Liao-Jin Culture Experience Hall is also located inside this courtyard.
Laokanzi Wharf
Named after the ancient title of Nenjiang Bay, Laokanzi Wharf is a thousand-year-old natural ancient ferry terminal and the core dock for water tours in the scenic area. It is equipped with a landmark stone archway, landscape stele and berthing facilities for large cruise ships. Visitors can board sightseeing cruises here to sail into reed wetlands and wander through the river bay, enjoying close-up views of riverside tidal flats, reed marshes and wild waterbirds. Cruising at dusk to appreciate the river sunset is a highly popular experience.
Fishing and Hunting Museum
The Fishing and Hunting Museum contains multiple exhibition halls systematically showcasing fishing and hunting civilizations along the Nenjiang River. Exhibits include various freshwater fish specimens, wild bird specimens and traditional fishing tools. Detailed introductions are provided for well-known local river fish "Three Varieties, Five Species and Eighteen Kinds". Graphic displays also present fishing-hunting customs and winter fishing traditions of the Liao and Jin dynasties. The museum is normally closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays), suitable for parent-child popular science and folk culture research.
Yulong Lake
Formerly known as Gushe Pao, Yulong Lake covers a water area of 300 hectares with an average depth of 5 meters. As the core inland lake of the scenic area, its water system connects with the Nenjiang River. Abundant wild fish live in the lake, which served as a major venue for Spring Nabao activities in the Liao Dynasty. The open lake is surrounded by pedestrian paths, spanned by Tongxin Bridge. Lush vegetation lines the lakeshore where waterbirds often perch. Visitors can stroll around the lake and admire views combining lake scenery and wetlands.
Tongxin Bridge
Spanning Yulong Lake, Tongxin Bridge is a landmark landscape bridge over the lake, connecting pedestrian walkways on both lakeshores and Tongxin Bridge Cruise Terminal. Featuring elegant design, the bridge deck offers broad views. Walking across the bridge, visitors can enjoy all-round scenery of Yulong Lake. It also serves as an important boarding point for cruises heading to Nabao Island, attracting many tourists to stop and take photos.
Romantic Beach
Romantic Beach is a parent-child leisure zone in the scenic area, featuring an artificial waterfront beach adjacent to wetland bays. With ample open space and supporting leisure facilities, it allows tourists to enjoy waterfront relaxation and outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for family trips and children’s recreation, surrounded by green plants that balance leisure experience and wetland landscape appreciation.
Crane Garden
Crane Garden is a viewing zone for rare birds. With suitable ecological conditions, the garden breeds protected avian species including red-crowned cranes, black swans and white swans. Nenjiang Bay Wetland forms a vital migration channel for white cranes. Built based on local avian culture, Crane Garden enables visitors to watch crane flocks at close range and learn knowledge about rare wetland birds, functioning as an important site for birdwatching and popular science education.
Tour Route
Main Entrance of Scenic Area → Liao Emperor Fish-Watching Platform → Huayi Tongfeng Courtyard → Yulong Lake → Tongxin Bridge → Crane Garden → Romantic Beach → Laokanzi Wharf → Fishing and Hunting Museum → Scenic Area Exit
Travel Tips
- Visit Crane Garden and wetland trails for birdwatching during spring and autumn migration seasons. Binoculars are recommended; telephoto lenses are preferred for bird photography.
- Mosquitoes are prevalent in wetlands in summer. Prepare mosquito repellent and take sun protection measures.
- Water tours are available at Laokanzi Wharf or Tongxin Bridge Cruise Terminal. Cruise operations are subject to water levels and weather. Check real-time service updates before departure.
- The Fishing and Hunting Museum closes every Monday on regular days. Plan your itinerary to avoid the closing day.
- The Liao Emperor Fish-Watching Platform is recommended for morning and evening visits, when lighting conditions are ideal for panoramic wetland shots, sunrise and sunset photography.
- Huayi Tongfeng Courtyard boasts exquisite garden scenery. Set aside sufficient time if you love ancient-style photography.
- The park features long walking routes. Wear comfortable non-slip flat shoes. Sightseeing carts are available for the elderly and children.
Notes
- Do not step onto undeveloped reed tidal flats to avoid sinking into silt. Keep away from unattended waterside areas without permission.
- Wild birds and captive birds inside the park are under protection. Chasing, feeding improper food or capturing birds is prohibited.
- Follow staff instructions when taking cruises. Do not lean against railings and refrain from littering into the water.
- Open fires, picnics and barbecues are forbidden throughout the scenic area to prevent wetland fire hazards.
- Waterfront walkways and beach surfaces become slippery on rainy days. Walk slowly for safety.
- Do not pick wild aquatic plants randomly; consciously protect the original wetland ecological environment.
- Do not touch exhibits inside exhibition halls and abide by venue visiting regulations.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Navigate to Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area. Drive north from downtown Da'an. Dedicated parking lots are available in the scenic area.
- Local Public Transport: Take local bus routes to stops near the scenic area in downtown Da'an, then walk into the park.
- Out-of-town Visitors: Upon arriving at Da'an Railway Station or Da'an Long-distance Bus Station, take taxis or transfer to local buses heading to the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Da'an Nenjiang Bay Tourist Area opens all year round. Regular opening hours are 8:00 – 17:00. Operating hours for commercial facilities such as cruises, the Fishing and Hunting Museum and exhibition halls adjust with seasons. In cold winter, some water activities and outdoor walkways may have restricted access subject to weather conditions. Cruise services will be temporarily suspended during heavy rain, snow or strong winds. Please follow real-time announcements released by the scenic area before your trip.
Ticket Information
Admission to the scenic area is free. Tickets are required for sightseeing carts.
Search the official WeChat official account "大安嫩江湾旅游区" to get the latest updates or make online reservations and ticket purchases.
Online Booking
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