The city of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province has been promoting its unique wetlands in recent years and, during its “Summer Fun in Harbin” program, a tourism and culture activity that runs for four months, it is also holding the 5th China Harbin Songhua River Wetland Festival to give its wetland tourism brand a boost, through October. In May, it organized a wetland forum and tourism promotion fair and invited travel agencies to get a look at some of its wetlands.

So, what are the most popular wetland destinations? Try these:

1. Sun Island

This is the biggest river floodplain, with marshes in the urban area, covering 10.6-square-kilometers, mainly in the north-western part of Sun Island. It has more than 600 types of wild vegetation, and 300 of regular vegetation. There are also more than 20 types of northern trees and shrubs, such as the ginkgo, ash, magnolia, and spiraea, and 16 types of perennial flowers. There are hundreds of birds species, such as wild ducks and cranes that take the place as their home.

Address: 3 Jingbei Road, Sun Island Scenic Park, Songbei district, Harbin

2. Volga Manor

This is a place with beautiful scenery, a big garden, and wetland beach with the Ashi River twisting its way through it. it has copies of classical Russian buildings and a unique landscape.

Address: Hacheng Road, 16 km from the Xiangfang district, Harbin


Gulls hovering over a wetland, in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. [Photo/my399.com]

3. Jinhewan Wetland Park

Gold River Bay is an aquatic eco-system and a restoration demonstration area running 3,800 meters from east to west, with the widest part being 1,500 meters. The 1.8-sq-km wetland garden faces water in three directions, while rivers and lakes connect with each other, and are home to various biological species.

Address: Dam-top Rd, between 3rd Ring Bridge and 4th Ring Rd, Songbei district, Harbin

4. Minzhu Juyuan Wetland Park

The park covers more than 100 sq km of protected ecological wetland, with hundreds of fish and birds, such as the crane and white stork calling it home. There are swamps, tidal flats, a water pool, and ponds sparkling all over it, creating a magnificent landscape.

Address: go through Minzhu to the town of Juyuan, Daowai district, Harbin

5. Baiyupao Wetland Park

This park covers a 3.28-sq-km area and preserves the original environment and has a large swamp. About 90 percent of the area is covered with reeds.

Address: Juyuan, Daowai district, Harbin