Haizhu National Wetland Park is located in the‑southeastern part of Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, in the core ecological zone of Haizhu Island. It is a national 4A‑level tourist attraction and also the largest urban‑centre wetland park in Guangzhou. The total planned area of the park is 1,100 hectares, of which the wetland area reaches 1066.6 hectares. As a composite wetland ecosystem interwoven with river‑estuary wetlands, urban inland‑lake wetlands and semi‑natural fruit forests in the Pearl River Delta, Haizhu Wetland is known as the "Lung of South Guangzhou". Retaining the farming landscape of dyke‑pond in the Lingnan water town, the park boasts abundant ecological resources, hosts a large variety of wild animals including birds, amphibians and fish, and serves as a vital stopover site for migratory birds in the Pearl River Delta. As a rare large‑scale wetland park in the heart of a megacity in China, it performs multiple functions such as water conservation, urban climate regulation, biodiversity protection, popular‑science education and eco‑friendly leisure tourism.
History and Culture
The area where Haizhu Wetland lies enjoys a long‑standing farming history. As early as the Tang and Song dynasties, this stretch of tidal flat along the Pearl River was gradually reclaimed and utilised. Criss‑crossed by river networks in ancient times, local ancestors took advantage of the well‑developed water system and created the unique Lingnan dyke‑pond farming modes of mulberry‑dyke fish‑ponds and fruit‑dyke fish‑ponds. They have cultivated fine Lingnan fruits such as longan, lychee, wampee and carambola for generations, giving birth to a millennium‑old water‑town culture of Lingnan fruit forests.
In modern times, with the continuous outward expansion of Guangzhou and accelerated urbanisation around Haizhu Island, growing attention has been paid to the ecological conservation of this wetland. Phase‑one of Haizhu Wetland officially opened to visitors in 2012, followed by multi‑phase construction projects. In 2015, upon the approval of the State Forestry Administration, Guangzhou Haizhu National Wetland Park was officially inaugurated as a national‑level wetland park. During its construction, ecological restoration was carried out on the premise of preserving original fruit forests, water‑systems and historical‑heritage sites of villages. The project not only inherits the millennium‑old farming culture of dyke‑ponds, but also builds an ecological model for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in urban areas.
Major Scenic Spots
Haizhu Lake
Haizhu Lake is the core lake area of Phase‑one Haizhu Wetland, featuring open water and a long winding shoreline with slow‑paced greenways built around the lake. Its water body connects with the Pearl River water system, dotted with small islets and luxuriant aquatic plants. Flocks of water birds inhabit and forage here all year round. The lakeside trail offers wide‑open views, making it a popular destination for wetland scenery appreciation, migratory‑bird watching and leisurely walks.
Shiliugang River
Running through the Haizhu Wetland area, Shiliugang River is a tributary of the Pearl River and a vital corridor of the wetland’s water‑system. Large‑scale native fruit forests are preserved on both river banks. Visitors may stroll along the waterside boardwalk to admire the riverside scenery of Lingnan water towns and view traditional dyke‑pond landscapes. This river also serves as an important channel for wetland water circulation and the migration of aquatic flora and fauna.
Fushou Fruit Corridor
Situated in Phase‑two of the wetland, Fushou Fruit Corridor is a long walkway winding through century‑old fruit forests. It is surrounded by ancient trees including lychee and longan. Walking beneath the corridor, tourists can get a close‑up view of Lingnan fruit trees and learn about the farming culture of fruit‑dyke fish‑ponds. It is a featured site for wetland agricultural‑science popularisation.
Green‑Heart Lake
Located in the core zone of Phase‑one wetland, Green‑Heart Lake features crystal‑clear water reflecting the silhouette of Canton Tower. Cascading waters and viewing platforms are arranged around the lake. Aquatic plants such as canna, typha and water‑lily grow on the shore. A 650‑metre‑long Flower‑stream Walkway lies beside the lake, allowing visitors to observe wetland waterscapes and flowers up‑close from the boardwalk.
Flower Stream
Adjacent to Green‑Heart Lake, Flower Stream is covered in blooming flowers all year long. The walkway is shaded by various arbor trees such as maple, metasequoia and banyan. Wooden pavilions and stone boardwalks wind through this area, ideal for flower‑viewing strolls and enjoying rustic waterside charm.
Fulu‑jing Bird‑Watching House
Perched on the southern bank of Tuhua Creek in Phase‑two wetland, Fulu‑jing Bird‑Watching House is a three‑storey viewing building connected by a wooden‑lattice corridor. It is one of the main bird‑watching spots in the park. From here, visitors can overlook fruit‑forest wetlands along both banks of Tuhua Creek and observe activities of water birds such as herons and swan geese.
Heliu‑jin Bird‑Watching House
Heliu‑jin Bird‑Watching House sits at the confluence of Tuhua Creek, Nayawei Creek and Mangjiaowei Creek. The broad‑open water surface and superior aquatic environment attract frequent foraging activities of water birds, making it one of the top‑notch bird‑watching locations across the whole park.
Tour Route
North Gate → Green‑Heart Lake → Flower Stream → Fushou Fruit Corridor → Fulu‑jing Bird‑Watching House → Heliu‑jin Bird‑Watching House → Fruit‑Forest Wetland → Shiliugang River → Haizhu Lake Circular Greenway
Tour Suggestions
- Spring and autumn are the preferred travel seasons; the period from October to March of the following year offers the best bird‑watching experience for migratory birds.
- A 3‑4‑hour visit is recommended. Slow‑paced hikes along the boardwalk allow in‑depth appreciation of wetland ecosystems.
- The park covers a large area. You may bring drinking water and light snacks, and plenty of rest areas are available on‑site.
- Bird‑lovers are advised to carry binoculars. Birds are more likely to be spotted in early morning or late‑afternoon hours.
- Book wetland nature‑education courses in advance to deepen your knowledge of wetland ecology and farming‑culture heritage.
Precautions
- Real‑name reservation through official channels is required for park admission. Visitors without valid reservations will not be admitted.
- As an ecological reserve, the wetland park prohibits feeding or disturbing birds and other wild animals.
- Picking fruits from trees and trampling on dyke‑ponds or aquatic vegetation are forbidden inside the park.
- Mosquitoes are prevalent in outdoor zones. Bring insect repellent for your tour.
- Some waterside boardwalks can be slippery. Watch your footing while walking.
- Flying drones is prohibited. Commercial photo‑shooting activities are not permitted without prior approval.
- Guard against water‑logging on rainy days and take adequate sun‑protection and heat‑stroke prevention measures during hot weather.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Guangzhou Metro Line 3 and alight at Exit B of Datang Station, then walk to the North Gate of Haizhu Wetland.
- Bus: Get off at Haizhu Wetland North‑Gate Stop or Xinjiao Middle Road (Longtan) Stop, then walk into the park.
- Self‑driving: Navigate to "Haizhu National Wetland Park‑North Gate". On‑site parking spaces are limited, and public transport is recommended during peak visiting hours.
Opening Hours
Haizhu National Wetland Park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 17:00, with last admission at 16:30. The park is closed every Monday. If Monday falls on a statutory public holiday, closure will be deferred to the first working‑day after the holiday. Please check the latest official announcements before your trip for real‑time opening‑status updates.
Ticket Information
Admission ticket costs 20 CNY per person. You may search for the official WeChat service account "海珠湿地" to get up‑to‑date information.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.