Dongzhai Harbour 东寨港

About Dongzhai Harbour

Its interest lies in the exposed roots, quiet channels and bird habitat, which change noticeably as the tide rises and falls. Use the managed visitor areas around Yanfeng for boardwalks and any operating boat trips. The nature reserve extends beyond those facilities: a sightseeing ticket does not grant access to protected core areas or permission to walk across the mudflats.

Dongzhai Harbour is China's first mangrove wetland nature reserve and one of the first seven wetland reserves included in China's List of Wetlands of International Importance; it has also been placed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. The reserve covers a total area of 3,337.6 hectares, comprising 1,771.1 hectares of mangrove forest, 1,558.7 hectares of tidal flats and shallow-sea wetland, and 7.8 hectares of mainland area, together with six rivers. An earthquake about 400 years ago left the coastline winding, with many bays and tidal creeks, and mangroves on the south coast provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Tides are irregular semidiurnal, with mean high water around 1.73 metres and low water around 0.44 metres, giving a large tidal range. The broad intertidal zone, network of winding tidal creeks and organic-rich muddy soil favour mangrove growth and also create habitat for crabs and other bottom-dwelling animals, together forming a structurally complex mangrove ecosystem.

What to look for

• Mangrove roots and tidal channels from designated viewing paths.
• Estuary birds and the transition between village, wetland and open water.

The surrounding area

Northern city base for arcaded streets and an urban introduction to island food.

Location & getting there

Getting to Dongzhai Harbour

Use the managed mangrove visitor area on Honglin Road in Yanfeng town, Meilan District. Ask the visitor centre which boardwalks and boat departures are operating.