Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve

Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve

Dongzhaigang Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve.

The Hainan Dongzhaigang Mangrove Nature Reserve is situated in Dongzhaigang in the northeast of Meilan District, Haikou City. Stretching 50 kilometers and covering more than 4,000 hectares, it is China’s first mangrove reserve. The Dongzhaigang Mangrove Nature Reserve was established in January 1980 with approval from the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, making it China’s first mangrove reserve. On July 9, 1986, it was upgraded to a national nature reserve after being reviewed and approved by the State Council. In 1992, it was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, and is one of seven such reserves in China.

The Dongzhaigang National Nature Reserve is a type of coastal wetland known as mangrove swamp. Its primary conservation targets are mangrove forests and waterfowl. There are 23 families and 81 species of mangroves worldwide, with Hainan having 23 families and 41 species, some growing up to 10 meters tall. Many mangroves exhibit a unique "viviparous" reproductive phenomenon—seeds germinate and grow into seedlings inside the fruit on the parent tree, then drop along with the fruit into the mud. Within just 2 to 3 hours, they can take root and grow into new plants. If they fall into seawater, they can drift for months without dying, and will root wherever they encounter mud.

The area is famed for its mangrove forests, known as the "marine forest park", the world’s geological wonder—the "submerged village", rare bird species, and abundant seafood. On Wild Pineapple Island within the reserve, the environment is serene, and the island is covered with uniquely shaped wild pineapple groves that provide ample shade. A sightseeing path has been built, and visitors can take a boat to explore the island.

Dongzhaigang is described as having “one harbor and four rivers, all flowing with green”. To its east lies the Yanzhou River; to the south, the Sanjiang River (also called the Luoya River); and to the west, the Yancheng East River and West River. These four rivers converge into Dongzhaigang before flowing into the sea. Together, they discharge approximately 700 million cubic meters of water into the harbor annually. During the rainy season, the rivers carry large amounts of sediment, which settle in the harbor, forming vast muddy tidal flats. Thanks to their unique viviparous reproduction, mangrove seeds float along the water until they reach a beach, where they quickly take root and grow into lush forests.

Address: Yanfeng Town, Meilan District, Haikou City, Hainan Province

Transportation: Take Sightseeing Bus Line 4 in Haikou City and get off at the Dongzhaigang Mangrove Station

Type: Nature Reserve / Forest

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Tel: 0898-65742966

Opening Hours:

The scenic area is temporarily closed for renovation; opening hours are yet to be determined

Yanfeng Town: I. Basic Overview of the Town

The town covers a total area of 119.78 square kilometers, with 40,845 mu of arable land (including 17,676 mu of paddy fields and 23,169 mu of sloping fields). It has a total population of 25,902, and administers 13 village committees, 1 neighborhood committee, 161 villager groups, 208 natural villages (including 196 old revolutionary base villages). There are 32 Party branches, including 13 in rural areas. The area enjoys well-developed transportation infrastructure, including Meilan International Airport, the Haikou-Wenchang Expressway, the Eastern Ring Railway, and the planned Qukou Port. Natural resources are abundant, and the surrounding... More details about Yanfeng Town ++