Qi'ao Mangrove Nature Reserve, photo by 文明珠海
Qi'ao Island is situated at the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Ecological Corridor. It is the largest island within the Lingdingyang estuary of the Pearl River. The island boasts abundant flora and fauna resources as well as stunning natural landscapes, making it a signature ecological attraction of Zhuhai City.
Qi'ao Mangrove Nature Reserve, an ideal destination for tree and bird observation
The Qi'ao Mangrove Nature Reserve on its northwestern coast spans approximately 5,103.77 hectares of wetlands, including 500 hectares of mangrove forests, across the waters from Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. This wetland ecosystem sanctuary primarily protects mangrove habitats and avian populations.
The reserve boasts 695 vascular plant species, including 15 mangrove species and 15 mangrove-associated species, ranking among China's most biodiverse mangroves, and 347 wildlife species. Each autumn and winter, tens of thousands of migratory birds from over 180 species inhabit the area, including the globally endangered Black-faced Spoonbill first observed here in 2014. The reserve serves as an internationally significant node along one of China's three major migratory bird flyways. During the migratory bird season from October to April each year, thousands of gulls, sandpipers, ducks, and herons can be seen nesting and foraging here.
An internationally significant node along one of China's three major migratory bird flyways. Photo by 文明珠海
The reserve also serves as an ideal educational base due to its unique ecological value. The combination of an ecotourism scenic area and a science education base makes it highly suitable for a family day out and parent-child interaction. The reserve has established one nature school, eight community science education classrooms, and a 5-kilometer nature education trail, featuring mangrove-themed signage and science education corridors. Since 2014, the reserve has hosted the Qi'ao Island New Year's Day Bird Watching Competition for 11 consecutive years. Visitors can participate in various nature education courses, weekend parent-child nature classes, and themed promotional activities for nature conservation anniversaries here.
Ideal nature education base, photo by 文明珠海
Opening hours:
Non-migratory bird season (from April 1 to October 7): 9 AM to 5 PM from Wednesday to Sunday, closed at 6 PM;
Migratory bird season (from October 8 to March 31): 9 AM to 5 PM from Friday to Sunday, closed at 6 PM.
Reservation: Visitors are advised to make a reservation one day in advance by scanning the official QR code below.
Address: Tangjiashanfang Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuahai City (Beside the old market)
Chinese White Dolphin conservation base, guardian of "giant panda over the sea"
Qi'ao Island houses the management base for the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, which is China's first national-level nature reserve management base dedicated to the conservation of the Chinese white dolphin.
As a nationally protected first-class animal, the Chinese white dolphin is also known as "the giant panda over the sea". It serves as an indicator species for the marine ecology of the Pearl River estuary, and as a flagship species jointly protected by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. The waters of the Pearl River estuary offer moderate water temperatures and salinity, along with nutrient-rich conditions, making it the region with the densest population and the largest number of Chinese white dolphins in China. The museum at the base provides the public with detailed information and an introduction to the Chinese white dolphin's life habits, reproductive process, and the survival challenges they face. It also offers a free touring service and interactive courses.
Opening hours:
10 AM to 12 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Reservation:
Visitors may make reservations in advance on its WeChat official account "珠江口白海豚保护区".
Address:
No.23 Qi'ao Nan Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai City
Reporter | Zhou Jiyin
Editor | Yin Juewen