The Xixi Wetland Park -- touted as China's first such wetlands site for the public to enjoy -- has opened in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. The park welcomed visitors during the May Day holiday of 2005 for the first time.

The project was launched in September 2003 and is expected to reclaim an area of 10.08 square kilometers of wetlands by 2007. A system of drains has been built in the wetlands. Moreover, more than 270 biological species have been introduced to heal damaged natural systems.

The Xixi Wetland, dubbed as 'Hangzhou's kidney,' is located on the western outskirts of the city. It boasts great biodiversity, providing habitats to many unique plant and animal species, including 89 birds varieties and many kinds of plants in a cramped city of skyscrapers.

The wetlands used to rank as a famous scenic spot along with the West Lake in ancient times. However, the ecological and cultural treasures that made Xixi Wetland unique in the past were in danger of being lost forever, due to the result of urban expansion and human activity.

The Xixi Wetland Park has set a good example on striking a balance between environmental protection and tourism for the country's wetlands' protection. Through the opening of the park, people will grow to understand the importance of wetlands conservation and will be more familiar with the interesting wetlands wildlife.

2005/05/05
Source: China Daily