China's State Forestry Administration has recently recognized three wetland parks in Shanxi province for their pristine natural environments.

Qinheyuan Wetland Park in Changzhi city, Shenxi Wetland Park in Hunyuan county and Fenhe Wetland Park in Hongtong county were all singled out by the government body responsible for national forestry affairs.

The news brings the total number of nationally-recognized wetland parks in the province to 19.

Qinheyuan Wetland Park, which contains a wetland ecological park, lush forests and an ecological science and education park has protected the original landform, environment and local habitats, with the park providing a good example of winning strategies for developing a wetland area next to the source of a river.

Shenxi Wetland Park covers an area of 315.99 hectares, with wetland accounting for 78.14 percent of the total area. It is divided into five major areas, with a special wetland conservation area, and a designated area for education.

Fenhe Wetland Park which runs through Hongtong county from north to south has large areas of water, including river beaches and river terraces within the banks of Fenhe River.