Lashihai Wetland

Lashihai Wetland is a system of freshwater lakes and wetlands in Yunnan Province of south-central China. It is located in the Hengduan Mountains between 2,440 and 3,100 meters elevation. It includes Lashihai lake and its surrounding wetlands, as well as Wenhai lake to the north and Jizi Reservoir to the south. The wetlands drain into the Jinsha River, an upper basin tributary of the Yangtze.[1][2]

Lashihai Wetland
Lashi Lake
location of Lashihai Wetland in Yunnan Province
Location	Yunnan Province, China
Coordinates	26°53′N 100°08′E[1]
Area	3,560 ha (13.7 sq mi)
Designation	Provincial Nature Reserve
Designated	2004 Ramsar wetland
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Lashihai Wetland
Designated	12 July 2004
Reference no.	1437[1]

The lakes and wetlands provide drinking water to the city of Lijiang, and provide flood control, water storage, and water balance to the middle and lower basin of the Yangtze, which is home to hundreds of millions of people.[1]

The wetlands are important habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds. More than 100,000 waterbirds visit each year, and use the lake as a migratory stop-over, breeding ground, and/or wintering habitat. 76 species of geese and ducks have been observed here, and it is habitat for the critically endangered white-shouldered ibis (Pseudibis davisoni) and Baer's pochard (Aythya baeri).[1]

The lake was designated a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) in 2004, and is also designated a provincial nature reserve. The protected area covers 35.6 km².[3] Fishing, poaching and hunting have been banned to protect the lake's wildlife. It attracts 5000 visitors daily, particularly for birdwatching.[1]