A carefully conserved section of Guangzhou's Haizhu Wetland has begun permitting small-group visits, offering a rare opportunity to experience a restored urban ecosystem amidst the distant hum of the city. The newly accessible Haizhu Wetland Phase III now allows group bookings under strict daily quotas designed to minimize human impact on its fragile habitats.
Differing from the more landscaped earlier phases, Phase III emphasizes ecological preservation and agricultural heritage. It maintains traditional fruit forests alongside introduced crops and research plots, creating a living showcase of Lingnan farming culture within a wetland setting. This approach supports biodiversity while educating visitors on sustainable practices.
Access is highly regulated: only 200 visitors per day are permitted, and only through pre-booked groups of 10 or more. Reservations must be made 1–3 days in advance by phone (+86 20-89638182 or 89638189), with no on-site entry allowed. This system aims to strike a balance between public engagement and conservation needs.
Three guided routes offered
Visitors may choose from three structured experiences:
1. Leisurely sightseeing: Electric cart tours through reed beds, lotus ponds, and traditional pavilions, focusing on serene observation.
2. Ecology exploration: Expert-led walks detailing wetland restoration efforts—from waterway revival to bird habitat creation—and the history of local fruit forests.
3. Custom tours: Tailored for research, corporate teams, or photography, with themes such as bird migration or seasonal blooms.
The area represents a notable urban environmental recovery. Water quality has improved from Grade V (heavily polluted) to Grade III (suitable for aquatic life) through dredging, gated water circulation, and submerged vegetation planting. Bird species counts have risen dramatically—from 70 in 2011 to over 200 today—making the wetland a key node on migratory routes.
Visits can be timed to natural events:
?February: Yulan magnolias and cherry blossoms
?March–April: Yellow bell blossoms
?May–September: Lotus and water lily blooms
?October–December: Silk floss trees in flower
Planning Your Visit
While Phase III remains off-limits to individual tourists, the publicly accessible areas of Haizhu Wetland (Phases I and II) feature expansive gardens, flower fields, and boat tours for a ￥20 entry fee.
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