Caohai Lake, a state-level natural reserve located in the western suburbs of Weining County, is the largest fresh water lake and the largest highland wetland in Guizhou. It's as famous as Qinghai Lake in Qinghai, and Dianchi Lake in Yunnan. Covering a water area of more than 30 square kilometers, the tranquil and beautiful lake is dubbed "The Pearl on Guizhou Plateau".

The lake is the largest overwintering site for migratory birds in southwestern China and one of the world's top 10 highland wetlands for bird observation. The lake is a real paradise for bird watchers, being home to over 180 species, including over 70 rare ones, such as the Black-necked Crane, Black Stork, and Hooded Crane. Black-necked Cranes are the only plateau crane in the world, considerably beautiful but highly endangered. [China.org.cn/Photo by Yang Wenbin]