Lashihai Lake

 lake, endangered species habitat, wetland, nature conservation park / area

Nestled at the centre of the Lijiang County of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, the Lijiang Lashihai Plateau Wetland Nature Reserve was established in 1998 by the Yunnan provincial government to preserve an indispensable wetland habitat. The 65-square-kilometre reserve is home to some 300,000 Naxi and Li ethnic people. But it becomes more populous during winter - as the reserve turns into a paradise for migratory birds. Lashihai Lake is the main area where birds dwell. Around 140,000 migratory birds spent their winter beside Lashihai Lake. A repertoire of 165 species of birds can be observed in Lashihai.

Some of them are endangered species, including the black-necked crane, white stork and ruddy shelduck. The sojourners' arrival begins at the end of September, and peaks in December, before they leave in early April.