Heilongtan, a hidden gem lake on the Western Sichuan Tourism Loop

🌟 Core Highlights of the Scenic Area • The First Lake of Western Shu: The pearl in the south-central Sichuan Basin, with a total storage capacity of 360 million cubic meters and a water surface area of 23.6 square kilometers. It irrigates 1.2 million mu of farmland and supplies water to 2 million people, known as the "water tank" for the people of Meishan. • Thousand-Island Scenery: Featuring 7 gorges, 7 dams, and 85 islands scattered like stars, with a 310-kilometer-long shoreline. The dam is 53 meters high and 271 meters long, creating 58 scenic spots including "Majestic Dam," "Longyan Ancient Relics," and "Panlong Green Island." • Ecological Paradise: Home to hundreds of bird species such as wild ducks, egrets, and grey cranes. Awarded National Wetland Park status in 2019. After shoreline restoration, vegetation coverage increased to 93%, significantly improving water purification efficiency. • Cultural Heritage: Historical sites like the Ming Dynasty Qianfoyan cliff carvings and Longyan ancient stone inscriptions and paintings tell stories spanning a thousand years. Basic Information • Address: Paifang Street, Heilongtan Town, Renshou County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province • Opening Hours: Open year-round • Admission: Free (some activities like boat tours and live-action CS require separate fees) 🗺️ Classic Check-in Routes 🚤 Lake Loop Highlights (Half Day) Visitor Center → Longdu Flower Sea → Guanyin Island → Baijiazui Viewing Platform → Changdao Wetland Park → Qixing Island Boat Tour • Highlights: Four-season flower sea, ancient-style pavilions, wetland ecology, lake center islands. • Photo Tips: • Longdu Flower Sea: Tulips in spring, pink muhly grass in autumn; wear light-colored long dresses for stunning flower sea shots. • Guanyin Island: Capture reflections on the pedestrian bridge, overlook shimmering lake surface and distant hills. • Qixing Island Boat Tour: Shoot lake and mountain scenery from the deck, catch moments of birds skimming the water. 🚴 Cycling Leisure Route (Full Day) Visitor Center → Lakeside Greenway → Panlong Green Island → Chengu Mountain → San Da Bay → Penglai Island • Highlights: 18 km asphalt greenway, forest oxygen bar, legendary stories, canyon scenery. • Hidden Experiences: • Lakeside Greenway has 5 rest stations offering water and shade. • Chengu Mountain: Explore the legend of a kind woman who turned into a mountain peak to protect her villagers. • Penglai Island: Climb to the top for panoramic views and experience the magical theme of "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." 🎢 Must-Do Activities List 1️⃣ Boat Tour to the Island: Take a 25-minute boat ride to Qixing Island, ticket 40 RMB/person, get close views of wild ducks, egrets, and other bird habitats. 2️⃣ Ecological Hiking: Walk along the ancient Tea Horse Road ruins, observe worn stone slabs and three unnamed waterfalls, feel the blend of history and nature. 3️⃣ Family Interaction: Pick fruits and vegetables at the Happy Farm, feed cute animals, enjoy joyful fishing; outdoor live-action CS, kids’ go-karts, beach off-road vehicles. 4️⃣ Night Tour Experience: China Railway Heilongtan "Spring Music Festival," wetland study tours, birdwatching economy and other green industry activities (advance booking required). 5️⃣ Cultural Exploration: Longyan cliff carvings, stone inscriptions and paintings, Chengu Mountain legends, experience the profoundness of Chinese culture. 📸 Popular Check-in Tips 1️⃣ Longdu Flower Sea: Tulips in spring, pink muhly grass in autumn; wear Hanfu or light-colored long dresses for striking flower sea and portrait contrasts. 2️⃣ Guanyin Island Pedestrian Bridge: Capture reflections and shimmering lake surface; include ancient-style pavilions and distant hills in your composition. 3️⃣ Qixing Island Boat Tour: Shoot birds flying over the water from the deck; use a tripod for time-lapse light trail photography. 4️⃣ Chengu Mountain: Listen to legends and shoot atmospheric photos of misty mountain peaks. 5️⃣ Lakeside Greenway: Capture dynamic cycling moments or take artistic fresh-style photos at rest stations. ⚠️ Notes • Environmental Protection: Do not litter, protect wetland ecology, do not feed birds. • Safety Tips: Wear life jackets on boats, watch your step while hiking, avoid dangerous areas. • Avoid Peak Times: Heavy traffic on weekends and holidays; avoid entering the park between 9:30-11:00 AM. • Dress Suggestions: Wear light jackets in spring and autumn, sun protection and heat prevention in summer, keep warm and windproof in winter. • Booking Reminder: Boat tours, music festivals, wetland study tours, and other activities require advance booking through official platforms.