https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/zezhou-3032-137157021
Mason LangleyUnited States

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.
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Oct 23, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Danhe Longmen Tourist Scenic Spot

Zezhou
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Danhe Longmen Tourist Scenic Spot

Wanzi City|Built by Guo Ziyi during the Tang Dynasty.

sophielavender
Jade Emperor Temple

Qinglian Temple, which had been closed for nearly half a month, has finally reopened

Ethan Henderson18
Daobao River Village

The hidden "Little Jiangnan" around Shanxi—Daobao River after the rain is breathtakingly beautiful!

StellaStardust_15
Wangmangling Mountain Scenic Spot

Encounter a Romantic Cloudscape at Wangmangling

VilhoHaapala
Jueshan Mountain

Jincheng Roaming: Exploring the Ancient Imperial City, Discovering the Mysteries of Mang River, and the Iron Soul Reflecting a Millennium of Fireworks1

Liam84 Reed.
Jade Emperor Temple

🏯 "Wat Phra Kaew: A Great Place of Faith and Thai Art"

_TI***r9
White Horse Temple Forest Park

Recommended Treasure Hotels in Southeast Shanxi: Personally Tested Jincheng Fengcheng Health Center

Ella Scott
House of The Huangcheng Chancellor

Travel Through Time to the Ancient Eastern Fortresses, Discover the Charm of Jincheng's Historic Elegance

Addison Nelson
voco Jincheng Danhe

Lying Down to Explore Shanxi's Beauty | Jincheng

Spark~Simmons
White Horse Temple Forest Park

Jincheng

GravityGazer_345
Jade Emperor Temple

Ancient Cypresses and Celestial Bodies: Jincheng Jade Emperor Temple

PhoenixWhisper56
poi-tag-icon
Zezhou

Returning Wheel Tracks Sacred Site - Welcoming Visitors from Near and Far - Tianjing Pass

charliesapphire