Dongping Birds National Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 326 square kilometers. Of this, the migratory bird protection area covers around 265 square kilometers of intertidal mudflats outside the embankment. This includes about 120 square kilometers of mudflats above the Wusong zero-meter elevation line and approximately 145 square kilometers of water within 3000 meters beyond this line. Inside the embankment, the area dominated by artificial wetlands is about 61 square kilometers.
The Dongping migratory bird reserve was formed by continuous sediment deposition from the Yangtze River. The area features clear water and clean soil, with fertile land giving rise to vast reed beds. The Yangtze River supports a diverse array of aquatic life, with rich fish and crab populations. Covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers, the mudflats here are among the few remaining wild bird sanctuaries in the world. During spring and autumn, the reserve becomes a spectacle with flocks of birds and swans, hosting over 130 rare migratory bird species under protection and around 1 million border bird species, creating an exceptionally grand scene.
Travel Informaiton about Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve
Ticketing and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥69 for Dongping Wetland Park.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; the exhibition hall is closed on Mondays.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Dongping Birds National Nature Reserve. During these times, bird migration occurs, with flocks of birds and swans gracefully gliding through the air. The reserve is home to over 130 rare migratory bird species protected by the state, and the number of border bird species is approximately 1 million.
Getting There
Located at the eastern end of Chongming Island, adjacent to the Yangtze River estuary to the north and south.
By Public Transport: Take the Shen Chong No. 2 Line to Chenjia Town Station, then transfer to the Chen Qian Line to Lixin Village Station, which is within walking distance.
By Car: From the city center, drive along Yixian Elevated Road, Tongji Road (A30 Expressway), Baoyang Road, Baoyang Road Pier, Cheke Ferry, Baozhen, Baozhen South Road, Baozhen North Road, Chenhai Road, Beichen Road, and Baichen Road.
Attraction Ratings
- Romantic: ★★★★★
- Beautiful: ★★★★☆
- Unique: ★★★★☆
- Leisure: ★★★★☆
- Exciting: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
Bird Watching Tips
- Best Time for Bird Watching: The best time to visit Dongping Birds National Nature Reserve for bird watching is in the morning. This allows you to enjoy both bird watching and sunrise, making the most of your visit.
- Viewing Location: The bird watching spots are located by the seaside. Please avoid climbing over the embankment or playing in the water.
- Behavior Guidelines: To avoid disturbing the birds, please keep noise to a minimum. Do not litter; help maintain the cleanliness of this bird sanctuary.
- Weather Conditions: The seaside can be windy and cooler than the city. Be sure to dress warmly and protect yourself from the wind and sun.
- Do Not Feed or Disturb Wildlife: Avoid feeding animals and wild birds within the reserve. Do not touch, scare, or attempt to capture any wildlife.
- Fire Safety: The reserve contains large areas of reed beds, which are highly flammable. Be sure to follow fire safety regulations and avoid using open flames in designated fire prevention zones.
Dongping Wetland Park
Just beyond the migratory bird protection area lies Dongping Wetland Park. This park is located within the internationally recognized Ramsar Wetlands and serves as a crucial stopover and habitat on the Asia-Pacific migratory bird route. The park is planted with a variety of native vegetation from Chongming Island, including bamboo, Chinese Scholar Tree, black locust, water celery, and cattails. These plants create a visually pleasing landscape and provide excellent habitats for birds.
Recent surveys have identified 112 species of wild birds within the wetland park, including the nationally protected second-class species such as the Little Cuckoo, White-breasted Waterhen, and Black Crake. Additionally, the park is an important habitat for the critically endangered Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, a nationally protected first-class species.
Related Detials:
- Facilities: Dongping Wetland Park features various facilities including a cinema, conference rooms, restaurants, tea rooms, cafes, a local specialty supermarket, a science popularization exhibition hall, and research laboratories. Visitors can explore and relax in these areas.
- Egret Viewing Platform: Located in the center of the park, the Egret Viewing Platform is a two-story wooden building with a grass roof. It offers a broad view of the park and is the best spot for birdwatching within the park.
- Fragrant Grassland: Situated in the southeastern part of the park, Fragrant Grassland features a tea house that serves coffee and tea. It also offers fishing and barbecue activities. Fishing costs 30 RMB per session (including fishing gear and bait) with no time limit. The fishing area provides barbecue services, with charcoal grill rentals ranging from 30 to 50 RMB and barbecue packages from 58 to 128 RMB.
Visitor Guide for Dongtan Birds National Nature Reserve
Park Transportation
Electric Shuttle Bus: The entrance to the park is about 2,000 meters from the birdwatching area. Visitors can take an electric shuttle bus to explore the park, with a fare of 10 RMB per person.
Bicycles: The park also offers bicycle rentals. The cost is 20 RMB for a 2-hour rental.
Accommodation Options
The park is very close to the Baodao Resort across from Dongping National Forest Park. After your visit, you can stay at the resort. Additionally, you can return to Chenjia Town in Chongming for more accommodation options. Recommended places include:
Sheraton Chongming Hotel: No. 2888, Lanhai Road, Chongming District, Shanghai.
Yingdong Resort: Yingdong Village, Chenjia Town, Chongming District, Shanghai.
Jianghai Meichen Inn: No. 8, Qingfang New Village, Tuanwang Middle Road, Chongming District, Shanghai.
Dining Options
At Dongtan Wetland Park, the Guanhai Tower restaurant offers specialty dishes with local park and Chongming flavors. After bird-watching, you can also head back to Chenjia Town for a meal. Chenjia Town is renowned as the largest crab market in Chongming and one of the largest in China. Most of Shanghai’s crabs come from Chenjia Town, where you can enjoy affordable and fresh seafood at various local restaurants.
Recommended Routes
Walking (Bicycle or Tour Vehicle) Route:
- Bird Sanctuary → Wetland Park Visitor Center → Wetland Wonders Pavilion → Earthquake Museum → Heron Viewing Platform → Sparrow Crossing → Yishui Garden → Fragrant Grassland → Guanhai Tower → Research Station → Visitor Center
Boat Tour Route:
- Wetland Park Visitor Center → Wetland Wonders Pavilion → Boat Ride → Guanhai Tower → Fragrant Grassland → Heron Viewing Platform → Sparrow Crossing → Yishui Garden → Earthquake Museum (Research Station) → Visitor Center