Tucked away in a village of Yueba in Guangyuan's Lizhou district, Sichuan province, Yueba Wetland is gaining recognition for its poetic landscapes and unspoiled serenity.

Yueba Wetland in Guangyuan's Lizhou district, Sichuan province [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Named for its moon-like, circular shape—encircled by verdant mountains—and renowned for its wide-open skies ideal for stargazing, the wetland is often described as "the place closest to the moon".

Yueba boasts an impressive wetland coverage rate of 88.9 percent. It spans approximately 729.75 mu (about 48.65 hectares), including 648.75 mu of water surface. A 5.5-kilometer ring road and 13 kilometers of scenic walking and hiking trails wind through this natural oxygen-rich haven, making it a perfect getaway for leisure, eco-tourism and summer escapes.

Yueba remains free from industrial pollution. The wetland is home to native forests, flourishing aquatic plants, vibrant spring flowers, and crystal-clear waters. Traditional cottages, with white walls and gray-tiled roofs, blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, painting a picture of rural tranquility that feels almost otherworldly.

When night falls and the skies are clear, Yueba becomes a natural observatory. Visitors can stretch out on soft meadows beneath the stars, with the Milky Way arching above and the gentle hum of nature all around. It's a place where dreams take root under the starlight—a retreat for those yearning for the quiet romance of "a sky full of stars, close enough to touch".