Dongzhai Port Mangrove Forest Travel Guide | Explore the Magical World of the Sea Forest

| Explore the Magical World of the Sea Forest. Dongzhai Port Mangrove National Nature Reserve is located in Dongzhai Port, in the northeast of Meilan District, Haikou City, Hainan Province. It is the first mangrove reserve established in China. With its unique mangrove wetland ecosystem, it is home to many rare birds and rich marine life. It is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery, science education, and ecological protection. Transportation • Self-driving: Depart from downtown Haikou, drive along the Haiwen Expressway to the Yanfeng exit, and then follow the signs to Dongzhai Port Mangrove Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 30 km and takes about 40 minutes. There is a parking lot in the scenic area with reasonable charges. • Public transportation: You can take a bus to Yanfeng Town at Haikou East Bus Station. After arriving at Yanfeng Town, transfer to a local tricycle or motorcycle to the scenic area, which costs about CNY 10–15. Ticket Information The ticket price for the scenic area is [X] per person, including a boat tour. Some activities, such as walking on the boardwalk and visiting the bird-watching house, are free of charge. However, if you want to participate in some special science education activities or rent equipment such as telescopes, you may need to pay extra. The specific price is subject to the announcement of the scenic area. Travel Route • Morning: • After arriving at the scenic area, first go to the visitor center to buy tickets and enter the park. After entering the park, you can walk along the mangrove science boardwalk. The boardwalk winds through the mangroves, allowing you to observe the unique root systems of the mangroves up close, such as pneumatophores and prop roots, and experience the wonders of nature. Along the way, there are detailed science signs introducing the ecological knowledge of mangroves and the characteristics of various plants and animals. It is a great science learning trip. Walking on the boardwalk takes about 1–1.5 hours. • Then take a boat to the core area of the mangroves. The boat travels along the winding river, with dense mangroves on both sides, as if you are in a green ocean. On the boat, you can see different species of mangroves, such as white mangroves, red mangroves, and black mangroves. You can also see fiddler crabs crawling on the mudflats and mudskippers jumping, which are interesting sights. The boat tour takes about 40 minutes. • Noon: • Enjoy local specialties in Yanfeng Town near the scenic area. Recommended dishes include Yanfeng salted duck, Qukou seafood (such as green crabs, blood clams, and oysters), Hainan noodles, and fermented vinegar. These dishes are delicious and made with fresh ingredients, which will satisfy your taste buds. The average cost per person is about CNY 50–100. • Afternoon: • After lunch, return to the scenic area and go to the bird-watching house. Dongzhai Port is a wintering habitat for many migratory birds. Bring a telescope and wait quietly in the bird-watching house. You may have the chance to see rare birds such as egrets, herons, and black-faced spoonbills. The best time to watch birds is from 2 pm to 4 pm, when birds are more active. Stay in the bird-watching house for 1–1.5 hours. • Then you can experience the mangrove kayaking project (if it is open and your physical condition allows). Paddle a kayak on the quiet water, shuttle through the mangroves, and feel the charm of the mangroves up close. It is also an interesting water sports experience. The kayaking project takes about 1 hour, and the cost is subject to the pricing of the scenic area. Travel Tips • The best time to visit is from November to April of the following year. During this period, the climate is cooler, and it is the time for migratory birds to migrate and winter, so you can see more birds. • There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area. It is recommended to prepare mosquito repellent spray, long pants, long sleeves, and other mosquito repellent equipment in advance to avoid mosquito bites. • Follow the instructions of the staff when taking a boat, wear a life jacket, and ensure your safety. If you are prone to seasickness, you can prepare seasickness medicine in advance. • Protect the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and protect this precious mangrove ecosystem. With its unique ecological landscape and rich natural resources, Dongzhai Port Mangrove Forest offers visitors an unforgettable nature trip. Follow this guide to fully appreciate the charm of Dongzhai Port Mangrove Forest and have a wonderful travel memory.