Tidal Flat Wetlands

Tidal Flat Wetlands

Tidal Flat Wetlands

Tidal flat wetlands are known as the "lungs of the Earth." The Dongtai tidal flat wetlands cover a total area of 183,000 hectares, ranking first in the province, and have now been designated as a national ecological nature reserve. Protecting the tidal flat wetlands is protecting humanity itself. They play an extremely important strategic role in promoting ecological balance, harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and sustainable development. The Dongtai tidal flat wetlands are of high quality, with experts rating their value at 67; the combination of natural elements within the wetlands shows clear advantages.

Within the tidal flat wetland reserve, there is an abundance and density of natural resources such as rivers, sea, tidal flats, islands, springs, forests, and sandbars, along with diverse biological resources. Plant resources mainly include reeds, cogon grass, apocynum, milk thistle, smooth cordgrass, metasequoia, and Chinese fir. Animal resources include prawns, swimming crabs, clams, mud snails, razor clams, sea anemones, yellow croaker, eels, as well as wild chickens, rabbits, river deer, red-crowned cranes, and black-faced spoonbills. The unique natural geographical features have made it a naturally favorable habitat and breeding ground for wildlife. The marine climate of the wetlands is even more pleasant and refreshing.

The wetland space is vast, bordered to the west by 85 kilometers of golden coastline. Connected land tidal flats account for 60% of the wetland area, while offshore sandbars make up about 40%, a feature that is unique along the eastern Jiangsu coast. At high tide, the view is boundless; at low tide, the land stretches flat. Especially noteworthy is the rare phenomenon of the “split tide” at Dongsha, which is seldom seen in Jiangsu. Currently, under the premise of protecting the ecological environment, these areas are being utilized rationally and are becoming a nationally renowned coastal wetland tourist destination.