Damaike Wetland Nature Reserve

Damaike Wetland Nature Reserve

The Damaike Wetland Nature Reserve is located 20 kilometers southwest of Tai’an County, within the jurisdictions of Xintai Town, Xinhua Farm, and Fujia Town in Tai’an County. It encompasses six administrative villages, 22 natural hamlets, and a total population of over 9,000. Situated in the Liaohe River Delta, it lies in the middle to lower section of the Liaohe alluvial plain. The Shuangtaizi River, Liu River, and Jiurao Yang River converge here, forming a triangular area. It is part of the northern edge of the Liaodong Bay Wetlands, covering a total area of 18,000 mu, including 9,550 mu of natural wetlands and 8,000 mu of artificial wetlands. As part of the northern edge of the Liaodong Bay Wetlands, it is a protected area of the wetland ecosystem type. The reserve consists of a forested area in the north, a reed wetland area in the central part, an artificial wetland area south of the Liu River, and a large submerged area of the Shuangtai River. It neighbors the Panjin Red Beach Wetlands. The wetland features a dense network of waterways, lush aquatic plants, flocks of migratory birds, swaying reeds, cranes playing on the water, fish swimming near the surface, and a chorus of birdsong — a true vision of the water townscapes of southern China. Damaike Wetland is a world of green, with vegetation coverage exceeding 98%. Hundreds of species of wildlife and wild plants thrive here, creating the unique beauty of nature.

The core area of the Damaike Wetland Nature Reserve. The core area is located near the Damaike Village in Xintai Town, which has a total of 70 households and 325 residents. The core area is the most typical in terms of ecological and wetland types within the reserve, with the most prominent wetland characteristics and the highest conservation value, spanning an area of 2,358 hectares.

Around the waters of Damaike, there are vast expanses of native wetland vegetation such as reeds and calamus. Occasionally, the distant calls of birds can be heard, making one feel the harmonious coexistence of life and nature. In spring, with bright sunshine and everything coming back to life, the water plants turn green and the willows sway gently. Strolling along the embankment under the willows or weaving through the reeds, you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the scenery of spring breeze caressing the land. In summer, after the rain clears, the river surges, the water ribbon floats, waterfowl compete in flight, and mist curls above the water. At night, staying amidst the reeds, gazing at the moon and expressing your feelings creates another kind of mood. In autumn, with clear skies and refreshed air, flocks of migratory birds gather in the depths of the reed marshes, the autumn waters ripple, wild ducks take flight, rice fields are bountiful, crabs are large, and fish are fat — offering a different kind of charm. In winter, the reed marshes are covered in snow, presenting a silver-wrapped scene. On the snowy fields, there is bustling activity, a world of white where eagles soar across the sky and people dance on the ice — a vibrant and dynamic realm.

The Damaike Wetland Nature Reserve was established in August 2002, and is currently applying for provincial-level nature reserve status.

According to incomplete statistics from the three towns under the reserve’s jurisdiction, there are nearly 20,000 mu of unregistered cultivated land within the wetland reserve, nearly 1,000 cattle are raised, and more than 300 sheep are kept. The buffer zone, experimental zone, and core zone of the reserve face the same fate, suffering partial damage.

As a precious natural resource, the Damaike Wetland plays an important role in regulating the local climate and rainfall. According to local hydrological records, the average daily temperature in the water areas around the wetland is 2–3°C lower than in other areas during the summer, and the annual precipitation is 60–80 mm higher than in other regions.

Xintai Town: Located in the southwestern part of Tai’an County and adjacent to the county seat, Xintai Town currently has nine administrative villages — Desheng, Maojia, Yunliu, Datai, Zunhua, Xihuan, Donghuan, Nantai, and Xintai — 53 natural hamlets, 85 villager groups, a population of 18,000, a regional area of 128 square kilometers, and cultivated land area of 100,000 mu.

Economic Situation:

(1) The private economy supported by industrial projects is thriving vigorously

To date, the town has a total of 45 enterprises, including 32 industrial enterprises, with investments exceeding 10 million yuan... More detailed information about Xintai Town++