Mata Lake is a fantastic tourist destination with stunning natural landscapes and a diverse cultural landscape. [Photo/WeChat ID: zibowenhualvyou]

The biggest wetland in the central region of East China's Shandong province, Mata Lake national wetland park, was listed as one of the provincial ecological tourism demonstration units on July 31.

The list was announced by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Shandong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment.

Mata Lake boasts vast animal and plant resources, and over 90 percent of the land is covered with vegetation.

There are almost 2,100 streams that intertwine and 30 landscape bridges that connect 10 scenic spots.

Lotus flowers at Mata Lake Wetland Park in Huantai county, administered by Zibo city in East China's Shandong province, are now starting to bloom. [Photo/zbnews.net]

Summer is Mata Lake's busiest tourist season due to the blooming lotus flowers and dense reeds.

An ongoing lotus festival has just kicked off on July 30 at the lake, attracting hordes of tourists who visit the area for the blooming lotuses and dense reeds.

A tour through the reed marshes by boat is a magical experience, and visitors can enjoy a variety of lake specialties while admiring the lotus blossoms. The welcoming hosts, for example, will serve white lotus roots to visitors during the boat tour.