Xuzhou 2H｜Hongze Lake Wetland, a poem of dawn redwoods and flying birds

📍｜Location: Hongze Lake Wetland Park (Suqian, Jiangsu) 🚗｜Transportation: Self-driving 🎫｜Ticket Price: 60 RMB/person 🕔｜Visiting Time: 0.5-1 day ⏰｜Opening Hours: 9:00—18:00 🏨｜Accommodation: Vienna Hotel _ ❣️5A-level scenic area, a pure natural oxygen bar! Strolling through Hongze Lake Wetland, time seems to be shattered by the water ripples. The dawn redwood forest in the morning mist stands straight like ink strokes, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting scattered golden spots on the bamboo raft. Every step feels like stepping into a dream flowing with greenery. The reeds rustle softly, and the wind stirs up layers of green waves. Occasionally, egrets take flight from the dense bushes, their wingtips skimming the water surface, creating ripples, while black storks pace on the shallows. Birdsong blends with the wind, forming nature’s whisper. _ 🗺️｜【Itinerary】 Lotus Grand View Garden — Reed Maze — Petting Zoo — Dawn Redwood Forest — Fish Pavilion — Swan Lake — Museum — Peacock Garden - 💕｜【Helpful Tips】 ► To avoid rushing, we stayed one night in Sihong, making it a one-day-one-night trip. Driving from Xuzhou here is quite suitable for a weekend getaway. ► Sihong is a county-level city in Suqian. We stayed in the center of Sihong County, booked a suite on the 23rd floor with a view of half the city’s nightscape. It was very cost-effective, with plenty of dining options downstairs. The next day, we woke up naturally and headed to the wetland park. ► Tickets are available on major platforms, no need to book in advance, valid on the day of purchase. ► The park is very large; don’t expect to walk the entire route—it will be exhausting! It’s recommended to buy a package ticket including the small train, boat, and entrance (99 RMB/person). ► The small train stops at every attraction, so you can hop on and off as you please, circling the park. ► The boat and bamboo raft are two separate activities. The boat passes through the reed maze to the island, while the bamboo raft is self-paddled in the dawn redwood forest. Bamboo raft in the redwood forest costs 60 RMB/half hour. ► The most photogenic spot is the dawn redwood forest, currently the main recommendation in the little guidebook. Two recommended photo spots: one is on the left side at the entrance of the redwood forest, where you can capture the whole river and forest; the other is on the bamboo raft. (Refer to the first few portrait photos.) ► Be sure to prepare well for mosquito and sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes. There are shops inside the park, but it’s still recommended to bring some water and snacks. ► ❌ There are some additional paid activities, such as the aquarium, Sibao Amusement Park, and VR, which are not very worthwhile. _