[2025 Huanghua Attraction] Travel Guide for Nandagang Wetland (Updated May)

🌿 Cangzhou Nandagang Wetland | A Bird Paradise in Bohai Bay, Encounter the Wildest Natural Poetry Quick Facts Location: Cangzhou Bohai New Area, 4h drive from Beijing or 1.5h car rental after high-speed train to Cangzhou West Station Best Seasons: April–May (migratory bird season), September–October (reed catkins like flying snow) Must-Do Experiences: Birdwatching from observation towers, strolling on wetland boardwalks, boat tours with local fishermen Hidden Gem: Join bird conservationists at dawn to spot rare species 🌅 First Glimpse: The Ecological Gem of Bohai Bay At 6 a.m. from the observation tower, a flash of blue darts through the reeds—a Reed Parrotbill. The misty wetland resembles unfinished watercolors, with seepweed painting the mudflats red and flocks of avocets carving silver arcs across the water. This isn’t just a park; it’s the most vital "rest stop" on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. 💭 Moments of Awe When ten thousand wild ducks take flight simultaneously, their wings sound like sudden rain. A ranger whispers, "After resting here for two weeks, they’ll continue to Siberia." We’re privileged witnesses to this planetary-scale migration. 🚶 Deep Ecological Experiences 1. **Birdwatching Secrets** Prime Spot: No. 2 Observation Tower (frequent Red-crowned Crane sightings) Star Species: Oriental Stork, Black-headed Gull, Eurasian Spoonbill Gear Tip: Bring a 400mm+ telephoto lens 2. **Wetland Exploration** Boardwalk Hike: 5km trail to discover salt-tolerant plants like seepweed Fishing Boat Ride: Navigate reed labyrinths while hearing elders’ weaving traditions 3. **Seasonal Highlights** April: Expert-guided tours during Birdwatching Festival October: Harvest plump wetland crabs Winter: Cranes dancing on snow-blanketed frozen wetlands 📸 Top Photo Spots - **Sunset Observation Tower**: Golden-hour flocks returning to roost - **Red Beach**: September’s seepweed "wetland carpet" - **Reed Maze**: Aerial views reveal waterways like Earth’s fingerprints 🦀 Local Flavors - Steamed Wetland Crab: Rich roe with aquatic grass aroma - Crispy Silver Fish: Paired with local aged vinegar - Seepweed Buns: Healthy coarse grains infused with oceanic umami 💭 Taste Memories Eating freshly made mackerel dumplings at a fishing village, the owner gestures outside: "The fish were netted this morning, the leeks from our garden." Simple ingredients, unforgettable freshness. 🏡 Stay Options - Wetland Hotel: Wake to waterfowl views (book ahead) - Fisherman Homestays: Authentic local life - Heads-up: Off-site lodging can be basic ❗ Pro Tips - Wear waterproof shoes + sun hat—weather changes fast - Observe quietly: Maintain distance to avoid disturbing birds - Eco-care: Pack out all trash to protect fragile ecosystems - Book early: Observation towers have capacity limits 🌌 The Ultimate Revelation Lying on the observatory deck at night, listening to distant crane calls. A ranger adjusts a camera, zooming in on a pair of nesting Oriental Storks: "This couple has returned seven straight years—three new chicks this season." Suddenly it’s clear—the wetland’s true magic isn’t the scenery, but life’s unbroken promise across generations.

Nandagang Wetland is located in the northeast of Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, on the west coast of Bohai Bay. It is close to Beijing and Tianjin, 90 km from Tianjin, 210 km from Beijing, 40 km from Huanghua Port to the south, 50 km from Cangzhou to the west, and adjacent to the Bohai Sea to the east. It enjoys a superior geographical location, situated in the geographic center of the two-hour holiday economic circle formed by Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang. It is an important ecological area on the eastern coast of China that retains its original state and is one of the 176 key protected wetlands in the country. It is known as the "largest natural ecological back garden of Beijing and Tianjin." The core area of Nandagang Wetland covers 9,800 hectares and maintains a relatively pristine natural state and biodiversity. According to research by experts from the Hebei Provincial Forestry Department, the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences of Hebei Normal University, and other institutions, the wetland currently has 237 plant species, 291 insect species, and 262 bird species. Among them, there are eight national first-class protected bird species, including red-crowned cranes, white cranes, white storks, and black storks; 39 national second-class protected bird species, including whooper swans and grey cranes; 212 wild bird species with important economic and scientific research value; 27 freshwater fish species; and dozens of terrestrial species, including various plankton, algae, foxes, hares, and snakes, thriving here.

Nandagang Wetland Nature Reserve, like a dazzling pearl, is nestled in the eastern coastal area of Cangzhou city. Here, not only can one find the rare tranquility of the city, but also a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The natural scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful, intoxicating visitors. The lake shimmers with sparkling waves, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding mountains; the sky and the water complement each other, blending into a picturesque autumn scene. Kingfishers flutter in the wind, peering into the shallow waters; clouds drift leisurely, merging into the vast expanse of Cangzhou. The rich wildlife resources are truly astonishing. Experts have discovered that there are 14 orders, 38 families, and 251 species of wild birds here. Among them, there are 8 species under national first-class protection such as the Oriental stork, Black stork, White-shouldered eagle, Red-crowned crane, Siberian crane, White crane, Scaly-sided merganser, and Great bustard; 24 species under national second-class protection such as the Whooper swan, Common crane, and Hooded crane; as well as dozens of fish species, and a variety of algae and plankton. Here, there are no noisy entertainment carnivals, nor any splendid pavilions or towers. However, you can take a leisurely ride on a painted dragon boat on the lake, or stroll around, quietly observing and enjoying the gifts of nature. In summary, Nandagang Wetland Nature Reserve is truly a remarkable place, not only boasting enchanting natural scenery but also harboring a wealth of wildlife resources. Immersed in it, you can truly feel the charm of nature and the beauty of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.