Qinhu Lake, a Fairy Tale of Elk and Forest

Who says fairy tales are all lies? In Qinhu National Wetland Park in Taizhou, Jiangsu, I truly stepped into a green wonderland where elks stroll, forests surround, and the lake water is crystal clear! Keep this 2-day 1-night guide handy to help you rediscover that natural secret realm from your childhood dreams～

📍Location: Taizhou, Jiangsu · Qinhu National Wetland Park
🚗Transportation: Recommended to drive (navigate to "Qinhu Wetland Park"), about 3-4 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai
🎫Tickets: 80 RMB/person (includes wetland shuttle bus + boat ticket), booking online in advance offers better deals

📸 【Must-Experience Activities】

1️⃣ Elk Viewing Area — A Real-Life "Forest Fairy Tale"
This is the true home of the elks! You can quietly approach their living area by rowing boat, watching elks leisurely stroll among the reeds and lower their heads to drink water. If you're lucky, you might see adorable fawns following their mothers～ Remember to stay quiet and not disturb them!

2️⃣ Wetland Forest Boardwalk — Stroll Through the Green Light Forest
A long wooden boardwalk winds through dawn redwoods and reeds, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, resembling a light-and-shadow maze from a fairy tale. Perfect for photos, deep breaths, and enjoying the fresh air rich in negative ions.

3️⃣ Qinhu Rowing Boat — A Secret Spot for Birdwatching on Water
Row gently through the water network on a hand-rowed boat, with the boatwoman occasionally singing local folk tunes. Egrets, herons, and whiskered terns fly past, as if you’re in a migratory bird paradise. Recommended to ride at dusk—sunset plus flying birds, stunning beyond words!

4️⃣ Wetland Science Museum — A Must-Visit for Families
If you bring kids, this is definitely a natural classroom! Learn about wetland ecology and elk culture through interactive exhibits and animal specimens—fun and educational.

5️⃣ Magpie Lake Ferry — Boat Ride into the Wetland Core
Taking a boat from the dock is the main way to enter the wetland, with rippling water and swaying reeds along the way, like a ceremony stepping into a fairy tale world.

🍽️ 【Food Recommendations】
▪️ Qinhu Crab (seasonal in autumn! So fresh it’ll make your eyebrows fall off)
▪️ Qinhu Eight Delicacies (a full catch of lake seafood: fish, shrimp, snails, lotus root…)
▪️ Jiangyan Fish Balls/Shrimp Balls (springy and tender!)
Recommended to eat at "Qinhu Fishing Village" outside the scenic area or on Jiangyan Old Street for a more authentic taste～

🏡 【Accommodation Suggestions】
▫️ Qinhu Resort/Yueju Hotel: Right next to the park, convenient for early morning or late evening visits when the wetland is less crowded
▫️ Jiangyan Ancient Town Homestays: Experience the slow life of the water town, about 10 minutes by car from the park

📌 Tips:

· Best seasons: Spring and autumn (April-May for green reeds, October-November for flying reed flowers + crab feasting)
· Be sure to bring mosquito repellent and wear comfortable shoes!
· Can be combined with a visit to "Qintong Ancient Town," very close by, to experience the lively atmosphere of a thousand-year-old water town

✨ Finally, I want to say: Here, time seems to slow down to half speed by nature~ As the rowing boat rocks and the elks walk, you fall into a green dream you never want to wake from.