A red-crowned crane is looking for food in Xinghu Lake Wetland Park. Photo source: Shenzhen Daily)

Xinghu Lake (or Star Lake) Wetland Park, situated in Zhaoqing city in Guangdong province, was the first national nature reserve and one of the first world biosphere reserves in the country.

From lakes to vast virgin forests, from wetlands to sub-tropical jungles, the area has multiple landforms creating a biological ecosystem that abounds in plants and animals.

Xinghu Lake is one of the largest lakes in Guangdong and is part of the migration route for many water birds. It is home to around 100,000 birds of nearly 200 species. Among them are around 40 red-crowned cranes, under the highest State protection level, 150 oriental white storks, white-naped cranes and Demoiselle cranes.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery, animals, islands and reed groves from bird-watching pavilions or boat restaurants.