Autumn Stroll! Zezhou Danhe Longmen Wetland

I've been meaning to visit the Danhe Wetland for a while. I chose a clear autumn day and headed east alone. This wetland park is located near Fucheng Village, Jincun Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City. It’s only about a 20 to 30-minute drive from the city center, very convenient. If you don’t have a car, taking a bus here is also not difficult. Upon arrival, I saw the gate was wide open with no ticket booth. After asking the leisurely strolling attendant at the entrance, I learned that the place is free for visitors, which was a pleasant surprise. The opening hours match the autumn daylight, from early morning until dusk, roughly 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving plenty of time to explore at leisure. Once inside, a wide walkway leads you forward. The path runs alongside the Dan River. The river’s name includes “Dan,” which likely has some ancient legend behind it. Now, the water looks crystal clear and very calm. Dense reeds grow by the water’s edge, already bearing white fluffy seed heads. When the wind blows, they all bend down together and then slowly straighten up again, making a rustling sound like countless tiny whispers. Over the water, there are winding wooden boardwalks that creak hollowly underfoot. Occasionally, wild ducks swim beneath the bridge. They don’t panic when people approach, just lazily part the water with a ripple and slip into the thicker cattails. The deeper you walk, the wilder and more charming the scenery becomes. Small islands float in the middle of the water, covered with lush trees whose names I can’t call out, but their shadows are cast thickly on the turquoise water, mingling with the reflections of clouds and sky. In the distance, there are mountains—not very high but continuous, like a blue-green screen neatly placed on the horizon. At this time of year, the willows on the shore are still green, but the poplar leaves have turned yellow. Here and there, a few maple trees show early crimson layers, reflected in the water, turning the surface into a living, flowing painting. I stood alone on the bridge, looking around with no one else in sight, hearing only my own breath and the birdsong near and far. Suddenly, I recalled Liu Zongyuan’s words about Xiaoshi Pond: “Silent and deserted, chilling to the soul and bones, quiet and deep,” the mood somewhat similar, but here there was no chill, only a vast tranquility that emptied my body and mind. Along the way, I saw signs for “Bird Watching Area” and “Lotus Pond.” Unfortunately, the lotus flowers had long since withered, leaving only some stalks standing in the water, which had a sparse kind of beauty. As for the birds, mostly common waterfowl in small groups, they seemed quite at ease. The charm of this wetland probably lies not in any spectacular sights but in its ordinary atmosphere that is “wild” but not desolate, “quiet” but not lonely. Unlike famous gardens full of artificial sculpting, everything here grows naturally, and the managers seem to act only as “non-intrusive” caretakers. While thinking this, I remembered another idea for the trip: I wondered if I could camp here overnight, watch the stars hanging low over the plains, and listen to the gentle water sounds? I asked a staff member I met along the way and learned that camping and open fires are strictly prohibited here. This is partly for safety and probably also to avoid disturbing the peace of this land and water. At first, I felt a bit disappointed, but then I was relieved. Such a quiet place is not meant for noise; allowing us to be transient visitors for half a day is already generous. If there were smoke and tents everywhere, it would lose its true character. As I was about to leave, the sun had already shifted westward. The slanting sunlight turned golden-red and gentle, casting a warm glow on the reed seed heads and yellow poplar leaves. The shadows in the water stretched long and shimmered more mysteriously. Walking back the way I came, I felt a reluctant attachment. There are a few things future visitors should know: first, check the weather before you go; autumn can be cool, so bring an extra layer. Second, there seem to be few places selling food or drinks inside, so bring some water and snacks. Third and most important, this beautiful scenery given by nature should only be enjoyed with your eyes and heart—do not take any “souvenirs” or remove any plants or natural elements. Looking back at the deepening dusk, the wetland quietly disappeared into the twilight. I arrived carrying the dust and noise of the world, but when I left, it felt as if the Dan River water had cleansed me, leaving my heart full of pure, serene calm.