Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve in Haikou

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve (海南东寨港国家级自然保护区) is one of China’s most remarkable wetland ecosystems, located in the northeast of Hainan Island (海南岛), on the border of Yanfeng Town, Haikou City (海口市演丰镇) and Wenchang City (文昌市). Spanning 3,337.6 hectares, including 1,771 hectares of mangroves, it is China’s largest contiguous mangrove area and has been celebrated as one of the “Eight Most Beautiful Coastlines in China” and a “Forest Park at Sea.”

Geography and Formation

Dongzhaigang’s unique landscape is the result of the 1605 Qiongzhou Earthquake, which caused land subsidence and created the area’s signature funnel-shaped bay and geological wonder known as the “Underwater Village.” The coastline stretches 28 kilometers with winding bays, gentle tidal flats, and meandering tidal channels. At high tide, the flats are submerged; at low tide, they reveal a fragmented wetland of marshes.

The reserve experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 23.8°C, rainfall around 1,700 mm, and seawater salinity averaging 21.86‰. Major rivers such as Malinggou (马陵沟), Yanzhou River (演洲河), and others flow into the bay, supporting its diverse wetland ecosystem.

Flora: China’s Largest Mangrove Diversity

Dongzhaigang is home to 35 species of mangroves across 19 families, including 11 rare and endangered species such as Hainan Sea Mango (海南海桑), Nipa Palm (水椰), and Red Mangrove (红榄李). These mangroves play critical ecological roles by preventing coastal erosion, purifying water, and stabilizing local climate.

Many mangroves here exhibit a fascinating vivipary phenomenon, where seeds develop on the parent tree before falling into the water to take root—earning them the nickname “trees that give birth to trees.”

Key mangrove communities include:

• Mulan Community (木榄群落)
• Hailian Community (海莲群落)
• Jiaoguo Community (角果木群落)
• Bai Gu Lang Community (白骨壤群落)
• Qiuqie Community (秋茄群落)

Visitors can witness a variety of species such as Red Mangrove (红海榄), Nipa Palm (水椰), Sea Lotus (海莲), Mulan Tree (木榄), and Hainan Sea Mango (海南海桑) along the boardwalks.

Fauna: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Dongzhaigang is a haven for wildlife, with 230 recorded bird species, including national first-class protected species like the Painted Stork (彩鹮) and Black-faced Spoonbill (黑脸琵鹭), as well as 39 national second-class protected species. Common birds include Egrets, Herons, and Kingfishers, while rare species such as the Hainan Partridge (海南原鸡) and Crested Serpent Eagle (凤头蜂鹰) are regularly spotted.

Aquatic life is equally abundant, with 103 species of fish including bream, mud carp, and perch, as well as numerous crab, shrimp, and mollusk species, creating a thriving ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts to explore.

The reserve has implemented mangrove restoration projects, planting 20 new mangrove species with a 95% survival rate, contributing to its designation as a National 4A Tourist Attraction in 2025.

Ecotourism Experience

Dongzhaigang adopts a “Wetland+” conservation model, combining wetland protection with tourism. Boardwalks through dense mangroves allow visitors to experience lush greenery, birdwatching, and serene waterways while maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. Seasonal highlights include the flowering of Red Mangrove trees, migrations of waterfowl, and sightings of rare birds like the Painted Stork (彩鹮).

Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible birdwatching, respecting the habitat by avoiding disturbances to birds and other wildlife.

Scientific Research and Conservation

The reserve is also a national research hub, with advanced facilities including:

• Tidal simulation labs
• Electronic weather stations
• Bird observation towers
• Experimental greenhouses and nurseries

Over the years, Dongzhaigang has hosted 20+ scientific projects, published 80+ research papers, and developed mangrove planting and restoration technologies widely applied along southern China’s coast. These efforts have increased mangrove survival rates and enhanced biodiversity, making Dongzhaigang a model for coastal wetland restoration.

Visiting Dongzhaigang

Location: Northeast Hainan, near Haikou City (海口市) and Wenchang City (文昌市)
Nearest Airport: Haikou Meilan International Airport (海口美兰国际机场)
Highlights: Mangroves, birdwatching, wetlands, ecological boardwalks, Malinggou (马陵沟), Yanzhou River (演洲河)

The reserve is accessible year-round, with peak wildlife activity during the migratory seasons. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along mangrove boardwalks, wildlife photography, and educational tours that showcase Hainan’s unique coastal ecosystem.

History and Recognition

• 1605: Formed by the Qiongzhou Earthquake, submerging 72 villages.
• 1980: Designated as a provincial nature reserve.
• 1986: Upgraded to National Nature Reserve, China’s first mangrove-type wetland protection site.
• 1992: Listed in International Important Wetlands Directory.
• 2004: Established as a National Forestry Ecological Research Station.
• 2023: Included in China’s first key terrestrial wildlife habitats list.
• 2025: Officially recognized as a National 4A Tourist Attraction.

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve (海南东寨港国家级自然保护区) offers travelers an immersive experience in Hainan’s most extensive mangrove ecosystem, combining nature conservation, research, and ecotourism. Its rich biodiversity, spectacular landscapes, and sustainable tourism initiatives make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and eco-conscious travelers.