In the winter Hongze Lake wetland, everything returns to its true colors, with the trees withered and the lake silent. Some may reckon this a bleak and cold season, but it is not. Look at the flocks of migratory birds and the blooming reeds everywhere; what a magnificent scenery! If you would like to get away from the cold, you can go for a bowl of hot soup, or a gourmet meal with warm wine, while enjoying the beautiful gifts from nature in winter.
Stop One: Ode to the Wetland in Winter
As the largest wetland nature reserve in Jiangsu Province, Hongze Lake Wetland Park situates in Sihong County, Suqian City, with vast lakes and fields. Although it is early winter, the weather is humid and mild. More than 200 kinds of migratory birds gather here each year, including some rare species such as cranes and swans. When you stroll around Swan Lake, you can see swans, wild ducks and wild geese frolicking on the water and foraging for food, leisurely and peaceful. Around you are the golden reeds topped with snowy flowers. With the metasequoias lining the bank, the beautiful scenery looks just right for a wintery postcard.
(Source: WeChat Official Account of Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland Scenic Spot)
Stop Two: A Journey for Nourishing Hot Spring
Hongze Lake Wetland Hot Spring Resort covers an area of 10,000-acre Metasequoia forest. The hot spring water of premium quality is rich in different minerals, such as strontium, bromine, lithium, iodine, and metasilicic acid. Here, you can enjoy an open-air bath. Wrapped by the warmth of the spring water with your eyes closed, all cold is driven away even if it is outdoors in winter.
(Source: Photographer Manxing)
Stop Three: A Feast for the Tip of Your Tongue
The natural freshwater resources of Hongze Lake have nurtured a wealth of fresh lake products. Now that you are here, what a pity if you miss the local delicacies! Board on a fishing boat on the lakeside or visit a fisherman’s home on shore; you can taste the authentic small fish pancakes. As the golden and crispy pancakes are accompanied by fragrant and savory fish soup, it is the most original taste of life. Besides, you can also catch the last chance to taste the delicious Hongze Lake hairy crabs. Nurtured in the natural and pollution-free Hongze Lake water, the crabs are perfect with a fresh taste when steamed.
(Source: Photographer Manxing)
