Lalu Wetlands National Nature Preserve, Protected wetlands in Lhasa, China.
Lalu Wetlands National Nature Preserve covers 625 hectares of reed-and-sedge peat marsh at 3,646 metres, immediately north of the Potala Palace, bounded by the Gangdese Mountains to the east and the Lhasa River to the west. Water enters from the seasonal Liusha River, fed by the Duodi and Niangre valleys, and flows from May to October. Walkways and a public visitors' centre lead into the marsh.
The wetlands once covered about 10 square kilometres between the Gangdise Mountains and the Lhasa River, and their moisture likely encouraged the growth of Lhasa. In 1994 the mayor of Lhasa created an urban park here; a preliminary municipal designation followed on 25 May 1995, formal regional protection in 1999, and national status on 25 July 2005. A management ordinance was approved on 30 July 2010.
This wetland has long been valued by residents as a place where birds thrive and nature remains visible within the city. Locals use it to witness seasonal migrations of water birds and to stay connected with the natural world close to home.
The reserve lies immediately north of the Potala Palace, bounded by the Gangdese Mountains to the east and the Lhasa River to the west. Walkways lead from the visitors' centre into the reed marsh; the ground stays wet, so wear sturdy shoes. The seasonal Liusha River carries water from May to October.
The wetland sits at one of the world's highest cities yet remains a rich home for birds, making it a rare combination. Visitors can watch migratory birds pause here during their long journeys over the mountains.
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