Birding Travel Guide to Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve in Haikou (Hainan)

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve (东寨港国家级自然保护区) in Hainan (海南) is China’s largest and best-preserved mangrove national nature reserve, located along the East Asia–Australasia migratory bird route. It has recorded over 229 bird species, including 4 nationally protected first-class species and 39 second-class species. Often called the "Seabird Paradise," Dongzhaigang is one of the top coastal wetland birding destinations in China.

Overview and Highlights

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve in Haikou

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve in Haikou

• Location: Yanfeng Town (演丰镇), Meilan District (美兰区), Haikou City (海口市), extending into Wenchang City (文昌市)
• Total Area: 3,337.6 hectares; mangrove area: 1,771 hectares (the largest contiguous mangrove in China)
• Ecological Value: Established in 1980 as China’s first mangrove reserve; listed as an Internationally Important Wetland in 1992
• Birding Highlights:
  • Mangrove canopy herons and egrets
  • Wading shorebirds such as sandpipers and plovers
  • Wintering ducks and geese
  • Rare and endangered waterbirds, including the Black-faced Spoonbill (黑脸琵鹭, Platalea minor) and Yellow-billed Egret (黄嘴白鹭, Egretta intermedia)

Best Birding Seasons and Daily Times

Seasonal Highlights

• November – March: Peak wintering period; tens of thousands of migratory birds stop here. Rare species like Black-faced Spoonbill, Ruff (反嘴鹬, Calidris pugnax), and Black-tailed Gull (黑嘴鸥, Chroicocephalus ridibundus) are regularly seen.
• April – May: Spring migration; forest birds enter breeding season, egrets actively nest.
• June – September: Mainly resident birds such as egrets and kingfishers; hot weather and typhoons make birding less ideal.

Daily Golden Hours

• Morning (06:00–09:00): Birds forage actively; tidal flats are alive with waders, and egrets take flight.
• Evening (16:00–18:30): Migratory birds return to roost; spectacular flocks visible from Yuezhi Tower (月之塔) and Xiatang Wetlands (下塘湿地).

Tide Tip:

• Best for waders: 1–2 hours after low tide when tidal flats are exposed.
• Best for forest birds: during high tide, accessible by boat.

Complete Species Catalog

I. Core Birding Information – Dongzhaigang Overview

II. Complete Species Catalog – Dongzhaigang

Birds in Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve

Black-faced Spoonbills in Dongzhaigang

1. National First-Class Protected Birds

2. National Second-Class Protected Birds

3. Common Egret Species (Mangrove Representatives)

4. Shorebirds (Charadriiformes – Mudflat Specialists)

5. Gulls, Ducks & Waterfowl

6. Forest Birds & Small Specialty Birds

Practical Birding Spots & Tips

Top Birding Spots

Spoon-billed sandpiper in Hainan

Hainan Bay View

1. Xiatang Wetlands (下塘湿地) – Must Visit

• Highlight: Core wintering site for waterbirds, reliable sightings of Black-faced Spoonbill, Ruff, and Black-tailed Gull
• Best Time: After low tide, early morning or evening
• Facilities: Observation towers and hides; free entry

2. Science Boardwalk (科普栈道) – 1.7 km

• Location: Deep within mangrove forest
• Birds: Night heron, pond heron, kingfisher, cuckoos
• Entry: Included in the combined park ticket

3. Yuezhi Tower (月之塔) – 33.5 m Observation Deck

• Highlight: Panoramic view of mangroves and bird flocks returning to roost
• Best Time: Evening 17:00–18:30
• Design: Hollowed to prevent glare and disturbance

4. Sanjiang Bay (三江湾) Area

• Highlight: Restored mangrove, raptors like White-bellied Sea Eagle (白腹鹞), and waterbirds
• Best For: Experienced birders seeking quiet spots

5. Electric Eco-Boat Tours

• Highlight: Quiet navigation through mangrove waterways; close-up views of canopy egrets and mangrove roots
• Best Time: High tide

How to Get There

By Car (Recommended)

• Route: Haikou City → Haiwen Expressway → Yanfeng Exit → Dongzhaigang Mangrove Visitor Center
• Parking: Free at the visitor center or in Yanfeng Town (10-min walk)

By Public Transport

• Tourist Line 4: From Baisha Park, direct to the park
• K6 Bus: City to Yanfeng Town, then taxi or motorbike (~3 km)

Car Rental / Shared Ride

• Ideal for groups; accommodates 5 passengers plus driver

Accommodation & Dining

Accommodation Options

• Nearby the Reserve:
  • Lianlizhi Fisherman’s Inn (连理枝渔家乐): Traditional homestay, close to Xiatang Wetlands
  • Fangyuan International Art Hostel (芳园国际艺术民宿): Artsy stay, 10 minutes from the park
• Yanfeng Town: Affordable local guesthouses; convenient meals
• Haikou City: Business hotels; 40-min drive to reserve

Recommended Dining

• Must-try dishes: Yanfeng Salted Duck (演丰咸水鸭), Mangrove Mud Crab (红树林膏蟹), Local Eel (土龙/豆齿蛇鳗), Fresh Shrimp
• Recommended restaurants: Lianlizhi Fisherman’s Inn, Honglin Fisher Village (红林渔村)

Birding Equipment Checklist

Basic Birdwatching

• 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars
• Sun hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
• Non-slip shoes, quick-dry clothing, rain gear
• Field guide, notebook, smartphone

Advanced Photography

• Camera with 200–600 mm telephoto lens (400 mm+ for waterbirds)
• Tripod or monopod, shutter release, spare batteries
• Camouflage or dark clothing to avoid disturbing birds
• Waterproof bag

Sample 1–2 Day Itineraries

1-Day Birding (Haikou Roundtrip)

• 06:00 Depart Haikou → 07:00 Xiatang Wetlands (low tide waders)
• 09:30 Science Boardwalk (forest birds, kingfisher)
• 11:30 Lunch in Yanfeng Town (salted duck)
• 14:00 Electric boat through mangroves
• 16:30 Yuezhi Tower (sunset, birds returning to roost)
• 18:00 Return to Haikou

2-Day Immersive Stay

• Day 1: Xiatang Wetlands (morning) → Boardwalk → Boat → Night observation
• Day 2: Sanjiang Bay (raptors) → Capture iconic birds → Lunch → Return

6 Days Best Hainan Island Birding Tour to Jianfengling National Forest Park

Tour Route：Sanya-Jianfengling National Forest Park Hainan (Birding Base)-Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve in Haikou-Haikou

Tour Type：Cycling Tours

6 Days

3 Places

View Detail

Rules and Tips

• Conservation First: Do not feed, shout, chase, or enter core mangrove areas; do not pick mangrove plants
• Distance: Keep 50 m from birds; use binoculars or telephoto lenses
• Tide Awareness: Check tides before visiting; low tide is key for waders
• Weather: Sun protection in summer, rain gear in wet season, light jacket for winter mornings/evenings
• Tickets: Combined park ticket includes boardwalk, Yuezhi Tower, and boat tour; Xiatang Wetlands free

Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve offers a world-class birding experience on China’s southern coast. Following these guidelines ensures a safe, responsible, and unforgettable adventure in this "Seabird Paradise," where migratory and resident birds thrive among lush mangroves.