Golden Bay Mangrove Forest

Golden Bay Mangrove Forest

The Golden Bay Mangrove is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

I. Introduction to the Scenic Area

The Golden Bay Mangrove Ecological Leisure Resort in Beihai City is a premier destination rich in coastal wetland charm and fishing culture. Located about 15 kilometers southeast of downtown Beihai, it connects seamlessly with the Beihai Silver Beach, a national 4A-level scenic spot known as the "No. 1 Beach Under Heaven." The entire resort covers an area of about 20 square kilometers and consists of three parts: the mangrove sightseeing belt, Golden Beach, and the main park area. Within the zone lies over 2,000 acres of "seaside forest"—mangroves—where hundreds of species of birds, insects, shellfish, fish, shrimp, and crabs thrive, making it a rare marine biodiversity reserve in China. Here, you can admire poetic scenes of flocks of birds soaring against blue skies and seas, with golden sands kissed by sunlight. The timeless verse by poet Wang Bo, “Sunset clouds fly wing to wing with a lonely duck; autumn water blends seamlessly with the boundless sky,” comes vividly to life here.

II. Features of the Scenic Area

(1) Mangrove Sightseeing Belt

1. Characteristics of the Mangroves

The mangroves in the resort are classified as sandy mangroves, covering around 2,000 acres. The flat, sunlit, and well-rained terrain of Golden Bay provides ideal conditions for mangrove growth. Mangroves also represent a unique landscape where land meets sea.

Mangroves are a special type of viviparous woody plant. Their reproductive method is highly distinctive. Instead of dropping their seeds, mangrove trees sprout them directly on the branches. The seeds grow downward, extending young roots that eventually develop into stems, which then grow two leaves at the top, transforming into a sapling. Once mature, the sapling detaches from the parent tree. Owing to their relatively heavy stems and roots, the saplings fall straight down and their roots firmly embed into the beach mud, allowing them to continue growing independently. Within one to two years, they mature into small shrubs. The entire life-giving process of the mangrove—from seed maturity to full growth—can be compared to how mammals nurture offspring. Adaptation to seawater and viviparous saplings are two traits unique among plants, which is why mangroves are highly valued by scientists and people worldwide. Additionally, mangroves have a remarkable ability: their roots and leaves can filter out the saltwater that would otherwise kill most plants. As a result, they are the only green shrubs capable of growing in tropical coastal mudflats and seawater.

2. Types of Mangroves and Natural Scenery in the Resort

There are 37 species of mangroves in China, seven of which can be found in the Golden Bay Mangrove Scenic Area: avicennia marina, aegiceras corniculatum, kandelia obovata, sonneratia caseolaris, acrostichum aureum, bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and rhizophora stylosa. With the daily rise and fall of tides influenced by the moon’s cycles, the mangroves are periodically submerged, adjusting their life rhythms accordingly.

The dense mangroves in the resort resemble a graceful green fairy bathing in the light green seawater. At high tide, only parts of their elegant canopies are visible, evoking the poetic image of “playing the lute with a shy smile half-concealed.” At low tide, their mud-scented trunks emerge shyly from the sea, creating a scene reminiscent of “appearing only after much calling.”

Affectionately called the "seaside forest," the mangroves are also a paradise for birds. Various seabirds inhabit the mangroves, with egrets being the most numerous. Flocks of egrets forage and play freely among the trees, occasionally taking flight when startled by fishermen—a spectacular sight. Here, you can experience the pristine natural beauty and serene ambiance described in the verse “Sunset clouds fly wing to wing with a lonely duck; autumn water blends seamlessly with the boundless sky.”

3. The ecological benefits of the mangroves are significant.

For most plants, the concentration of seawater and soil solution on beaches is often higher than that within the plant, causing them not only to fail to absorb water and nutrients but also to lose internal moisture to the soil solution, leading to withering. Mangroves avoid this issue due to their unique ability—reverse osmosis absorption. This special function enables mangroves to effectively prevent and reduce red tide occurrences while promoting the growth and reproduction of marine life. Moreover, mature mangroves, with their lush foliage and extensive root systems, form a natural barrier that protects against wind, waves, and coastal erosion. Additionally, through leaf litter and the food chain, mangroves provide nutrient-rich food for shallow-water organisms such as fish, shrimp, shellfish, and crabs.

(2) Golden Beach

Nestled between the lush mangroves of Golden Bay and the vast sea and sky lies an endless expanse of captivating beach. Though not far from the famed fine white sands of Silver Beach, Golden Bay’s beach presents a strikingly different and stunning golden hue. From afar, it resembles a golden ribbon embroidered along the shoreline, hence the name Golden Beach. This inspired the naming of the Golden Bay Mangrove Ecological Leisure Resort. Stretching over 20 li (approximately 10 kilometers), the beach features a gentle slope, fine sand, and abundant seafood. At low tide, the beach is scattered with shellfish, crabs, and sandworms—perfect for beachcombing, shell collecting, crab catching, clam digging, and net fishing. During high tide, you can take a speedboat out to sea, explore the mangroves from the water, cast nets, and fully immerse yourself in the fishing lifestyle.

(3) Main Park Area

On the tidal flats of the main park area grows a vast expanse of lush casuarina trees. From a distance, they look like a jade belt inlaid along Golden Bay. Casuarinas are evergreen trees that can grow up to 30 meters tall. They grow rapidly, are wind-resistant, tolerant of sand burial, and thrive in saline-alkali soils, making them excellent for windbreaks and forest conservation. Under the shade of these trees, visitors can relax on comfortable beach chairs, enjoy the sea breeze and views, and let their imaginations wander. The area also offers leisure activities such as card and mahjong tables, beach volleyball courts, barbecue grills, camping tents, lounge chairs, hammocks, and book bars to cater to various interests.

In June 2010, the resort will introduce local fishing-style experiential activities such as dune buggies and coastal fishing.