Qingshui Lake Tourist Resort in Changde

Qingshui Lake Tourist Resort (清水湖旅游度假区) is located on the north side of Taizimiao Industrial Park (太子庙工业园) in Hanshou County (汉寿县), and is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction (国家4A级旅游景区). The resort is centered around the Changde Wild Animal World (常德野生动物世界), home to over 240 species and 7,000 animals. Key attractions include helicopter tours, animal shows, and new exhibits such as the South American rainforest and the protection area for the Chinese Crested Ibis (朱鹮). Cultural activities like dragon boat races are also hosted. The resort is located near the Changzhang Expressway (长张高速), 30 kilometers from Changde Taohuayuan Airport (常德桃花源机场), and benefits from a cluster of cultural and tourism industries.

Location: In Taizimiao Town, Hanshou County, Hunan Province (湖南省汉寿县太子庙镇)

Tourist Attraction Rating: National AAAA level (国家AAAA级)

Opening Hours: Open all year round, throughout the day

Recommended Visit Duration: 3 hours

Area: 2,128 acres (Wild Animal World area)

Transportation Advantages: Close to Shichang Railway (石长铁路) and Changzhang Expressway (长张高速)

Location and Transportation

The resort is located in the northern part of Taizimiao Town (太子庙镇) and is integrated with the Qingshui Lake Campus (清水湖校区) of Hunan University of Foreign Economics (湖南涉外经济学院). It is 20 kilometers east of Changde City (常德市) and 30 kilometers west of Taohuayuan Airport (桃花源机场). The resort is efficiently connected by the Shichang Railway (石长铁路) and Changzhang Expressway (长张高速). In 2024, 10 direct tourism routes between city and state districts will be launched to enhance regional connectivity.

Unique Features

The Changde Wild Animal World (常德野生动物世界) offers both vehicle-based and walking-based tour systems, including:

Vehicle Tour Area: Features free-range animal areas, including zebras and hippos. Visitors can explore via self-driving or tourist trains.

Walking Tour Area: Features interactive activities such as elephant behavior demonstrations and horseback riding.

In 2024, a South American Rainforest Exhibit will be added, showcasing species such as jaguars and sloths. The Chinese Crested Ibis Protection and Breeding Base (朱鹮保护繁育基地) will also be established.

Main Attractions

Xiangfu Tower (湘芙楼): This Hakka-style cultural park (同蚨祥民宿文化园) opened during the 2024 National Day and is a 1:1 replica of Zhencheng Tower (振成楼) in Fujian (福建), highlighting traditional Hakka architecture.

Helicopter Tours: A unique sightseeing experience offering aerial views of Qingshui Lake (清水湖).

Ice and Snow World: A Phase II development project aimed at creating a distinctive ice and snow themed attraction for the Central South Region (中南地区).

Cultural Activities

During the 2024 National Day (国庆节), the First “Celebrate National Day and Welcome the Harvest” Dragon Boat Race (庆国庆·迎丰收龙舟赛) will be held. It will feature traditional competitive races and folk performances. Additionally, the resort offers daily animal behavior demonstrations, including performances like big cat feeding and bird flight shows.

Services and Facilities

Taizimiao Town (太子庙镇) is equipped with hotels like Sister Hotel (姐妹酒店) and Huayang Hotel (华阳宾馆), as well as restaurants such as People’s Restaurant (百姓酒楼) and Dongting Lake Fish Restaurant (洞庭湖鱼馆). In 2022, the town established a Union Members’ Activity Base (工会会员活动基地) to provide group reception services. During major holidays, over 100 staff members are deployed to maintain order and ensure safety.