Egret Paradise in Chengmai

　　The phenomenon of egrets roosting in large numbers has been observed in several locations across Chengmai County, but the most spectacular and long-lasting gatherings are found at Jialian Pool and Jishiling Village.

　　Jialian Pool is located about 500 meters behind Jialian Village in Ruixi Town, Chengmai County. It sits on a small hill surrounded by mountains on three sides, facing the expansive Shan Kouyang area, beyond which lies the Nandu River. With its beautiful landscape, tranquil surroundings, and pleasant climate, this is an ideal habitat for birds. Since the 1980s, over a thousand egrets have made their home here, and with reproduction and migration from other areas, their population grew to 30,000 by 1998. At dawn and dusk, thousands of egrets take flight and land, creating a mesmerizing scene resembling drifting clouds or thick mist, visible from miles away. The egret flock at Jialian Pool mainly consists of little egrets, along with common moorhens and grey herons, all coexisting peacefully. The area also hosts over ten other bird species such as francolins and owls, as well as wildlife including foxes, rabbits, pangolins, turtles, and snakes. To protect this natural wonder, the county government designated Jialian Pool as a county-level nature reserve in 1990. In 1991, Hainan Province’s forestry department funded the construction of a bird-watching pavilion, and private donors erected two stone tablets promoting bird conservation. Local residents have also voluntarily formed bird protection teams.

　　Jishiling Village in Changan Town also offers a remarkable sight. Located less than 3 kilometers from Jialian Pool along the Jinjiang-Ruixi Highway, Jishiling hosted an egret colony from 1958 to 1968, with numbers peaking at around 20,000. Unlike Jialian Pool, the village is neither nestled among mountains and water nor covered in dense forests—birds roosted mainly in four large banyan trees and nearby wild bamboo groves, living alongside villagers and livestock. The egrets were known to play with children and were especially fond of farmers plowing fields, often following them leisurely. Known as auspicious birds, egrets were cherished by locals, who voluntarily protected them. During their decade-long stay, even during the three years of famine, not a single egret was harmed for food.

　　In addition, egret colonies have also been recorded in Shanjing Ridge of Shankou Township, Xincunzi Village in Changan Town, Pwei Village in Ruixi Town, and Chongwei Village in Yongfa Town.

　　Source: Party History Research Office of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China