Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland

Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland is located in the Hongze Lake Eco-Tourism Resort at Linhuai Town, Sihong County, in the southern part of Suqian, Jiangsu, China. It protects part of the shoreline and shallow waters of Hongze Lake, one of China's large freshwater lakes, and is valued for reeds, marsh channels and birdlife. Visitors explore by boardwalk, footpath and boat, passing reed beds, open water and observation points. In winter, from about November to February, the wetland hosts large numbers of wintering waterbirds, with reported counts of up to about 100,000 birds, and bird-watchers and photographers visit for this spectacle. From May to October the wetland turns green, and boat rides and lakeside walks become the main draw. The experience is calm and scenic, suited to nature lovers and families rather than those looking for built attractions. A visit takes three to five hours, depending on the boat trip and walking. Early morning offers the best light and bird activity, and long lenses or binoculars improve the experience in winter. Crowds peak on holiday weekends in summer. The wetland opens 08:30-17:00 with last ticket and entry at 16:30, and tickets start at about CNY 60; boat rides may cost extra. Trip.com lists a rating of 4.6 out of 5. Sihong is about 67 km from Suqian Station, so the site is best treated as a separate day trip by coach to Sihong followed by a taxi. Visitors should bring layers in winter, because lake winds are cold, and sun protection and insect repellent in summer. Sihong can also be combined with Shuanggou and Liushan Lake on a longer excursion, with local transport arranged in advance.