Tidal Flat Wetlands

　　Tidal flat wetlands are the “lungs of the Earth.” The tidal flat wetlands in Dongtai cover a total area of 183,000 hectares, ranking first in the province, and have now been designated as a national ecological nature reserve. Protecting the tidal flat wetlands means protecting humanity itself. They are of great strategic significance in promoting ecological balance, harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and sustainable development. The Dongtai tidal flat wetlands are of high quality, with experts rating their value at 67; the combination of natural elements within the wetlands shows clear advantages.

　　Within the tidal flat wetland reserve, there is an abundance and density of natural resources including rivers, sea, tidal flats, islands, springs, forests, and sandbars, along with diverse biological resources. Plant resources mainly consist of reeds, cogon grass, apocynum, milk thistle, smooth cordgrass, metasequoia, and Chinese fir; animal resources include prawns, swimming crabs, clams, mud snails, razor clams, sea anemones, yellow croaker, eel, as well as wild chickens, rabbits, river deer, red-crowned cranes, and black-faced spoonbills. The unique natural geographical features have made it a natural and excellent habitat for wildlife. The maritime climate of the wetlands is also refreshingly pleasant.

　　The wetlands boast vast open spaces, bordered to the west by an 85-kilometer-long golden coastline. Land-connected tidal flats account for 60% of the wetland area, while radiant sandbars make up about 40%, a feature that is unique along the eastern Jiangsu coast. At high tide, the view is boundless; at low tide, the land stretches flat. The unique “two-tide split” landscape of Dongsha is especially rare in Jiangsu. Currently, under the premise of protecting the ecological environment, these areas are being utilized rationally. It is becoming a nationally renowned coastal wetland tourist destination.