Haixing Wetland

Haixing Wetland

Haixing Wetland is located on the western coast of the Bohai Bay and is part of the eastern Yundong Plain in the Hebei Plain. The overall terrain is low-lying with minimal undulation. The general topographic trend of the wetland is higher in the southwest and slightly lower in the northeast, with a slope gradient of 1.2/15000. The elevation (based on the Yellow Sea height system) ranges between 1.0 and

3.0 meters. The bedrock of the modern landform consists of crystalline schist, granite gneiss, and migmatite formed during the Archean period.

There are significant internal topographic variations within the Haixing Wetland area. Due to the crisscrossing rivers and canals, the landscape features gentle undulations. The main types of landforms include:

(1) Rivers: The wetland is characterized by its low-lying terrain and numerous rivers. In the north lies the Dakou River, known as the "confluence of nine rivers." In the south is the Zhangwei New River, while the central area features the Xuanhui River, Yuni River, and Dalangdian River. In the north is also the 66th Drainage Canal.

(2) Interfluve Depressions: On both sides of the riverbeds are remnants of ancient river channels with thick sediment layers. The surface mostly consists of clayey alkali soil and alluvial clay. Larger depressions hold water year-round, while some only accumulate water in summer and dry up in winter and spring.

(3) Marshes: The area north of Yangcheng and south of Xuanhui was originally a lagoon formed by the deposition of shells and silt pushed by sea tides since the Quaternary period. To facilitate drainage and irrigation, a 2,400-hectare reservoir — the Yangcheng Reservoir — was created by constructing embankments.

(4) Hills: To the west of the wetland are low, scattered hills left behind by Quaternary volcanic activity. These hills, formed by the accumulation of volcanic debris, reach a maximum elevation of 36 meters. The main hills include Xiaoshan Mountain (historically known as Ma liu Shan) and Momo Mountain (also called Momomo Shan). It is often referred to as “Prosperous Xiaoshan.”

(5) Coastline and Islands: The wetland borders the Bohai Sea to the east, with a coastline stretching 29.5 kilometers. In the north, there is a wide river mouth spanning 9 kilometers, known as the Dakou River. Throughout geological history, this area has experienced multiple marine transgressions and regressions, with seawater surging in and out through this opening, eroding a large tidal channel and a series of smaller ones. As these tidal channels extend inland over a broad hinterland, they form extensive muddy beaches. In the south are the mouths of the Zhangwei New River, as well as islands such as Dakou River Island, Wangzi Island, and Gaotuozi Island. Among them, the islands of Huitaizi, Hulu touzi, and Fengjia Wuzi have sticky tidal soil surfaces, are highly saline-alkaline, and have sparse vegetation, making them natural habitats for seabirds. Xiaowangzhuang Island, with its higher elevation, rich surface organic matter, and well-developed soil, supports lush plant growth and is also a gathering spot for seabirds.

Exact location: Within Haixing County, Cangzhou City