Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Forest

　　The Hainan Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Nature Reserve is situated in Dongzhai Harbor in the northeastern part of Meilan District, Haikou City. Stretching 50 kilometers and covering an area of more than 4,000 hectares, it is China’s first mangrove reserve. Approved for establishment by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in January 1980, it became China’s first mangrove nature reserve. On July 9, 1986, it was upgraded to a national nature reserve by the State Council. In 1992, it was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, making it one of seven such reserves in China.

　　The Dongzhai Harbor National Nature Reserve is a type of coastal wetland characterized by mangrove swamps. Its primary conservation targets are mangrove forests and waterfowl. There are 23 families and 81 species of mangroves worldwide, with 23 families and 41 species found in Hainan, some growing as tall as 10 meters. Many mangrove species exhibit a unique “viviparous” reproductive phenomenon—seeds germinate and grow into seedlings within the fruit on the mother tree. These seedlings then drop along with the fruit, and if they land in the mudflats, they can take root and grow into new plants within just two to three hours. If they fall into seawater, they can float for months without dying and will root wherever they encounter mud.

　　The reserve is known for its mangrove forests, hailed as a “marine forest park,” the world’s geological wonder known as the “Sunken Village,” rare bird species, and abundant seafood. The Wild Pineapple Island within the reserve boasts a tranquil environment, covered with uniquely shaped wild pineapple groves that provide ample shade. Walking paths have been built on the island, and visitors can take a boat to explore it.

　　Dongzhai Harbor is described as having “one harbor and four rivers, all lush with green.” To the east is the Yanzhou River, to the south the Sanjiang River (also called the Luoya River), and to the west the eastern and western Yafeng Rivers. These four rivers converge into Dongzhai Harbor before flowing into the sea. Together, they discharge approximately 700 million cubic meters of water into the harbor each year. During the rainy season, the rivers carry large amounts of silt, which settles in the harbor, forming extensive mudflat marshes. Mangrove seeds, utilizing their unique viviparous reproductive method, drift along the water until they reach the beaches, where they quickly take root and grow into dense forests.

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

　　Transportation: Take Tourist Line 4 within Haikou City and get off at the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Station