Zhangjiang Estuary Mangrove National Nature Reserve

Zhangjiang Estuary Mangrove National Nature Reserve

The Zhangjiang Estuary Mangrove National Nature Reserve is a national-level nature reserve.

The Fujian Zhangjiang Estuary Mangrove National Nature Reserve is situated at the mouth of the Zhangjiang River in Yunxiao County, spanning 2–3 kilometers in width and 8–10 kilometers in length along both the northern and southern banks of the estuary. It covers a total area of 2,360 hectares, including a core zone of 700 hectares, a buffer zone of 460 hectares, and an experimental zone of 1,200 hectares. It is a wetland-type nature reserve primarily dedicated to protecting mangroves and the wildlife that inhabits them, and it represents the most species-rich and well-preserved natural mangrove community north of the Tropic of Cancer in China.

Mangroves refer to a group of evergreen shrubs and small tree species that grow in mudflats and intertidal zones. They are characterized by breathing roots and prop roots, with seeds that remain enclosed within the fruit until germination (known as viviparous seedlings), after which they fall into the mud and develop into new plants.

The mangrove nature reserve is located in Dongxia Town, Yunxiao County, within the 2–3 kilometer-wide and 8–10 kilometer-long intertidal mudflats on both the northern and southern banks of the Zhangjiang Estuary. It consists of six species from five families and six genera, including the mangrove species Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza from the Rhizophoraceae family, Aegiceras corniculatum from the Myrsinaceae family, Avicennia marina from the Verbenaceae family, and Kandelia candel, along with the leguminous vine Derris trifoliata from the Fabaceae family. Beneath these mangroves and within the intertidal mudflats, various rare marine products thrive, such as mudskippers, clams, blue crabs, fiddler crabs, blood clams, mud snails, and eels. A variety of duck and heron species, including mallards, surf scoters, greylag geese, bean geese, black-tailed gulls, egrets, and herons, make their homes in the trees, while numerous algae and planktonic marine organisms flourish beneath the forest, creating a unique and beautiful natural ecosystem.

Mangroves are not red trees but a type of tree from the Rhizophoraceae family that grows along seawalls. They mainly serve to prevent soil erosion and play a significant role in water purification. As a result, local villagers are primarily engaged in aquaculture. Local specialties include blood clams, mud clams, blue crabs, and jumping fish.

The mangrove wetlands are home to thousands of species of wild seabirds, making them an ideal destination for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts all year round. It is recommended to visit during high tide or when the tide is full. At the harbor, you can hire locally operated fishing boats to take you to the areas of the mangroves where birds gather most densely. (When there are many people, the cost is about 10–20 RMB per person, or you can charter a boat for around 100–150 RMB.) Seafood stalls can be found at the harbor or at village entrances, offering fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

There is also a dedicated free observation boardwalk in the mangroves, open during the daytime until 5:00 PM.

Dongxia Town: Located in the eastern part of Yunxiao County, Fujian Province, Dongxia Town is 5 kilometers from the county seat. It governs 15 administrative villages. The Zhangzhao Expressway, Provincial Highway 211, and Yunlie Road pass through the town. The Zhangjiang River flows through the area and empties into Dongshan Bay. The coastline is 34.1 kilometers long. Points of interest include the Shifan Pagoda standing at the mouth of the Zhangjiang River, Longqiu Rock, the Neolithic cultural site of Hengshan, the tomb of Wei Ma, and the Gaoxi Guanyin Pavilion, a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. There is also the Zhuta Mangrove Nature Reserve.

Established as Binjiang Township in 1944, it was renamed Hongqi Commune in 1958, then Dongxia Commune in 1964, and later... Detailed information about Dongxia Town ++