Caohai Lake: Crown jewel of Guizhou

Caohai Lake is an important resting place for many types of migratory birds during the winter. [Photo by Li Xiang/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Caohai Lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is tranquil and beautiful. Harder to see at a glance is its complete wetland ecosystem. 

The lake is located in the Guizhou Weining Caohai National Nature Reserve, a State-level natural reserve, in the southwestern suburbs of Weining county of Guizhou province. It covers 120 square kilometers, with a water area of 46.5 square kilometers. It is well-known for its crystal-clear water and lush grass. 

Beneath the average 2-meter depth of pollution-free water, a large number of aquatic plants grow on the "floor" to form a spectacular underwater grassland. 

The natural scenery is striking in springtime, when the azaleas around the lake are at their brightest and the water plants are in full bloom, dotting the lake with yellow, red and white flowers. 

From December to late March every year, the lake offers memorable views to visitors as more than 100,000 birds spend the winter.

Caohai Lake has been named as one of the world's top tourist destinations by National Geographic.

Wang Jin contributed to this story.