Dongtan Wetland Park

Dongtan Wetland Park

Dongtan Wetland Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park.

Dongtan Wetland Park is an integrated wetland ecological park developed by Shanghai Dongtan International Wetland Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shangshi Group. It combines nature conservation, scientific research, science education, eco-tourism, and leisure vacation.

The park is situated within the internationally significant Ramsar Wetland and adjacent to a national nature reserve. Over a period of 10 years, ecological service function restoration and structural optimization were carried out across a 180-hectare area. The wetland ecological environment has gradually improved, with water quality in the park now meeting China’s Class II water standards. The park has recorded 149 species of birds, including 16 that are Class II protected animals in China, making it the area with the highest bird density in the entire Dongtan region. In 2007, in collaboration with organizations such as WCS, research on restoring the wild population of the critically endangered Chinese alligator (a Class I protected animal) was initiated. Wild Chinese alligators introduced from the United States successfully overwintered in the park and hatched 15 juveniles, marking a major breakthrough in scientific experimentation.

The park opened to visitors on April 28, 2010, in sync with the World Expo. Here, where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea — the first place to greet the sunrise — encounter migratory birds traveling from afar, immerse yourself in the vast reed sea, and embrace the harmony of nature and the charm of the wetlands through your senses, rediscovering the pristine beauty in your heart.

Currently, Phase I and Phase II of the park have been completed and are officially open to the public, while Phase III is under construction. Phases I and II cover an area of 1.8 square kilometers, accounting for 7.5% of the park’s total planned area. This park is not only a perfect choice for family outings to enjoy nature but also an excellent destination for students to learn about science and explore the mysteries of nature, as well as a platform for professionals to conduct scientific experiments.

Dongtan is one of the world’s important stopover sites for bird migration and was listed as an internationally significant wetland in 2002. Migratory birds stop here to feed and rest, so whether Dongtan can provide them with a favorable environment directly affects the survival of bird populations. “When we first came here ten years ago, there were only crab ponds, with monotonous vegetation, zero benthic animals, and hardly any signs of migratory birds,” said Mr. Qiu Zhonghong, head of Shanghai Dongtan International Wetland Co., Ltd., pointing to the gravel ground beneath his feet. “Through our persistent restoration efforts, the water quality has improved, the soil has been enhanced, and the vegetation has become richer. More migratory birds have chosen to inhabit this area. From November each year to March of the following year, flocks of ducks and geese can be seen playing on the lakes. We are very pleased with such results.”

Address: Dongwang Road, Chongming County, Shanghai (at the windmill)

Type: Nature Reserve & Wetland

Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5–1 day

Phone: 021-39367000

Official Website: http://www.dongtanwetland.com/

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30–17:00; Weekends and holidays: 8:30–18:00. Closed every Monday.

Ticket Information:

Monday to Friday: 50 RMB; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 80 RMB. (Children between 1.3–1.5 meters tall, seniors aged 60+, and full-time students with valid ID can purchase discounted tickets: 30 RMB on weekdays, 40 RMB on weekends and holidays; children under 1.3 meters, people with disabilities, disabled veterans, and active-duty military personnel with valid ID are admitted free of charge.)