[2025 Dongtai Attraction] Travel Guide for Tiaozini Scenic Area (Updated May)

I finally visited the World Natural Heritage site—China's Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat—in Dongtai, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province. This 2-day, 1-night trip was very original and memorable.👍 Birdwatching 🐦, beachcombing 🦀, deer herds 🦌, red-crowned cranes 🦩, and stargazing 🔭 all in one trip! ⚠️If possible, remember to bring a telephoto camera, binoculars...and carrots 🥕 🚗 It's a 3-hour drive from Shanghai (🅿️ each attraction has a parking lot). 🏨 Mercure Yancheng Dongtai Huanghai Forest Hotel 🗓️Itinerary suggestions: Day 1: China Milu Park—Yeludang Day 2: Yellow Sea Forest Park—Tiaozini 🏞️Attractions: ▪️Tiaozini Scenic Area 08:30–17:00 🕒2–3 hours 💰CNY 24 World Natural Heritage Site! A paradise for birdwatchers and a key area on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, with millions of migratory birds inhabiting it every year. You can also enjoy the sea, watch the sunrise, and go beachcombing (pay attention to the tide times). ‼️Navigate to "Visitor Service Center" and take the scenic shuttle bus to enter. ▪️Yellow Sea Forest Park 08:30–17:30 🕒2–3 hours 💰CNY 35 A 4A-rated scenic area and a "green oxygen bar" with thousands of acres of dawn redwood trees. It is the largest plain forest in China. Go deep into the forest to explore the "Eye of the Forest," stroll along the aerial boardwalk, experience the Mirror of the Sky, and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the forest. ‼️You can get tickets when you check in to the hotel. ▪️China Milu Park 08:30–17:00 🕒2–3 hours 💰CNY 35 A 5A-rated scenic area and the world's largest Milu deer nature reserve, home to over 6,000 deer (60% of the world's total). It is divided into a driving area and a walking area. You can get up close to the Milu deer and interact with them by feeding them carrots 🥕, which is a lot of fun. ‼️Bring your own carrots, as they are expensive in the scenic area. ▪️Yeludang 09:00–17:00 🕒2–3 hours 💰CNY 20 A habitat for wild Milu deer populations. Compared with the captive breeding model of the neighboring China Milu Park, this place retains the most original natural state. Meet the Milu deer unexpectedly along the way. It is also one of the five major dark night sky protection sites in China (the only one in economically developed areas), with up to 238 days of stargazing per year, and has been selected into the World Dark Sky Reserve list. ‼️Remember to keep warm when stargazing at night. 🔗Nearby attractions: ▪️Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecological Tourism Area A 4A-rated scenic area where you can see red-crowned cranes flying together during the release sessions at 10:30 and 15:30 every day. ▪️Sunrise Bay The best place in Jiangsu to watch the sunrise over the sea, where you can see the unique natural wonder of "tidal trees." ▪️Xixi Tianxianyuan Scenic Area The origin of the "Legend of Dong Yong and the Seventh Fairy," with 53 related place name relics. ▪️Holland Flower Sea China's No. 1 tulip flower sea! It has the largest planting area, the most varieties, and the most beautiful shapes.

“Pleasant Guiyang, a summer paradise.” Guiyang, with its unique landscapes and cultural customs, is a city that makes people linger. But this time, I bid farewell to Guiyang and headed to Yancheng to explore the poetic land of northern Jiangsu and embark on an unforgettable spring trip. 🌅Itinerary - Day 1: China Sea Salt Museum → Yancheng Water Street - China Sea Salt Museum: Learn about the origin and development of Yancheng's sea salt culture. The museum's rich exhibits and multimedia displays vividly recreate scenes of ancient sea salt production, as if traveling through thousands of years. - Yancheng Water Street: Visit after nightfall. The ancient buildings are beautifully illuminated, allowing you to stroll through them and experience the charm of the water town. - Day 2: Dutch Flower Sea → Milu Deer National Nature Reserve - Dutch Flower Sea: In March, tulips bloom one after another. The colorful sea of flowers is like a fairy tale world, perfect for taking photos📸. - Milu Deer National Nature Reserve: Visit in the afternoon. This is the home of the milu deer, where you can observe these lovely creatures living freely in the wetlands up close. - Day 3: Yellow Sea Forest Park → Tiaozini Scenic Area → Dongtai Fish Soup Noodles Cultural Industrial Park - Yellow Sea Forest Park: Enter the park in the early morning, breathe in the fresh air, stroll along the forest boardwalk, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. - Tiaozini Scenic Area: Visit in the afternoon to see the largest intertidal wetland in Asia, admire the unique mudflat scenery, and if you're lucky, you might even see flocks of migratory birds. - Dongtai Fish Soup Noodles Cultural Industrial Park: Come here in the evening to learn about the production process of fish soup noodles and, of course, enjoy a bowl of authentic Dongtai fish soup noodles. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations - Yancheng City: It is recommended to stay near Baolong Plaza or Jianjun Road, which offers convenient transportation and many nearby restaurants and shopping areas. - Dongtai: If you are going to the Dutch Flower Sea and Tiaozini Scenic Area, you can choose to stay in Dongtai City, which offers good value and convenient transportation. ❗Important Notes - The weather in Yancheng is changeable in March, so remember to bring rain gear and warm clothes. - When visiting the Milu Deer National Nature Reserve and Tiaozini Scenic Area, pay attention to protecting the ecological environment and do not feed the animals. - The Dutch Flower Sea has many tourists on weekends. If you want to take photos, try to visit on a working day to better enjoy the scenery. On this trip to Yancheng, I experienced its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Every scenic spot and every dish has become a precious memory of my journey. I look forward to meeting this city again!

🕐DAY 1 One-day tour guide to Tiaozini Scenic Area in Yancheng 🚗 Traffic Guide - Self-driving route: Yancheng City → G15 Shenhai Expressway → Provincial Highway 352 → Linhai Highway → Tiaozini Scenic Area (the whole journey is about 1.5 hours). - Public transportation: Take the bus from Yancheng Bus Station to Dongtai, then transfer to the bus from Dongtai to Longgang Town, and then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (there are fewer buses, so it is recommended to drive or charter a car). ⛱ Recommended attractions 1. Bird watching platform & bird watching tower Equipped with high-power telescopes, you can watch rare birds such as the reverse-billed sandpiper and black-faced spoonbill. The best time for bird watching is around 12:00 after high tide. Activity suggestion: Arrange bird watching time according to the tide table (provided at the entrance of the scenic area), and it is recommended to stay for 1-2 hours. 2. Tidal forest & Red carpet of salt wormwood When the tide is low, the beach is exposed and the tidal creek forms a "tidal forest" spectacle; in autumn, the salt wormwood turns red, like a red carpet in the wetland. Photo spots: the northern end of the salt wormwood field and the tidal forest reflection area. It is recommended to wear waterproof shoes or rain boots. 3. Shallow Beach Road & Seaside Lighthouse Drive along the coastal road and take photos of the vast scenery of the road and the beach; the lighthouse is located outside the scenic area, suitable for sunset silhouettes. 4. 720 Heights The world's first high tide migratory bird habitat, where you can observe tens of thousands of migratory birds at close range, suitable for ecological photography. 🏨 Accommodation suggestions - Near the scenic area: It is recommended to stay in the town of Longgang, and stay in a fast hotel such as GreenTree Inn (about 200-300 yuan/night), which is convenient for continuing to play the next day. - Yancheng City: If you plan to visit other attractions (such as Huanghai Forest Park) the next day, you can return to the city and choose a star hotel (300-500 yuan/night). 💰 Overall cost reference - Tickets: 30 yuan/person for adults (24 yuan for online purchase), half price for children/students/seniors aged 60-70 (15 yuan), free for those aged 70 and above​​. - Dining: There is no restaurant in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring your own dry food or eat in the town of Longgang (80-100 yuan per person). - Transportation: The fuel cost for self-driving is about 100-150 yuan; the parking fee in the scenic area is 10 yuan/time. - Others: renting a telescope or fishing tools costs about 20-50 yuan. - Total: The daily budget for one person is about 300-500 yuan (including basic consumption). 💡 Other practical tips 1. Tide time: Check the tide table for the day in advance. The best time for bird watching and sea catching is 1 hour before and after high tide. 2. Equipment recommendations: Wear waterproof shoes, sun-proof clothing and hats, and carry binoculars and a telephoto lens (a must-have for photography enthusiasts). 3. Environmental protection tips: Do not drive away birds or litter, and protect the wetland ecology. 4. Note for self-driving: Navigate to "Tiaozini Scenic Area Parking Lot" and you need to change to a sightseeing bus in the scenic area (the fee is included in the ticket). 5. Seasonal recommendations: Autumn (October-November) is the season for the red carpet of saltwort and migratory birds; in winter, you can avoid the crowds and experience the tranquility of the tidal flats. ✅ Itinerary reference - Morning: 8:30 entrance → bird watching tower → 720 high ground → tidal forest - Noon: 12:00 lunch in Longgang Town (recommended seafood restaurant) - Afternoon: 14:00 photo taking on the shallow road → lighthouse by the sea → salt wormwood red carpet → sunset tide watching - Evening: 17:00 return or go to the accommodation

9 hidden gems in Yancheng, off the beaten path and stunning! Yancheng, a hidden gem in northern Jiangsu, is home to many beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. These 9 attractions are not to be missed, off the beaten path and stunning! Milu Deer Park Yancheng's only 5A-level scenic spot, the world's largest milu deer nature reserve. Here, herds of milu deer graze and frolic on the grass, taking you into a fairytale animal kingdom. Holland Flower Sea Covering an area of 3,000 mu, it is known as the "Disneyland of Yancheng". Every spring, more than 30 million tulips bloom, red, yellow, and purple intertwined, like a dreamland. Yellow Sea Forest Park The largest artificial ecological forest park in East China, with metasequoia, wooden houses, rivers, boardwalks, and small trains, is a great place to get close to nature. Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecotourism Area The largest coastal wetland reserve on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean, and the world's largest wintering ground for wild red-crowned cranes. In autumn and winter, red-crowned cranes dance gracefully, a sight to behold. Dazong Lake - Eastern Jin Water City Dazong Lake is clear, and the lake and mountains are picturesque. The Eastern Jin Water City is modeled after Southern Song architecture, with an ancient style and charm, as if taking you back in time. Yanzhen Water Street A commercial street modeled after the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as the "Yancheng version of Qinhuai River". There are many delicacies, as well as theatrical performances, and the night view is charming. New Fourth Army Memorial Hall A window to learn about the history of the New Fourth Army and the old appearance of the military headquarters. The relics and photos in the museum tell the story of the difficult revolutionary years. Tiaozini A golden beach on the shores of the Yellow Sea, with wide and flat sand, shining in the sunlight. The sea breeze is gentle, making you feel relaxed and happy. Anfeng Ancient Street Full of historical charm, with bluestone roads, carved doors and windows, and ancient shops. Stroll through it and feel the changes of time. These attractions in Yancheng each have their own charm, come and check them out for an unforgettable trip!

Tiaozini: Natural beauty and ecological treasure 💦1. Unique geographical location and landscape Tiaozini is located in the central coastal area of Jiangsu, and it has the world's largest intertidal wetland. This wetland is like the palette of the earth, constantly changing colors between high tide and low tide. The vast mudflats are endless. When the tide recedes, countless textures are left on the mudflats, as if they are exquisite scrolls drawn by the sea. 🦆2. Rich biodiversity This is the home of many creatures. Every year, tens of thousands of migratory birds stop, forage and winter here. From elegant red-crowned cranes to playful spoon-billed sandpipers, the figures of these rare birds make Tiaozini full of vitality. There are also a large number of fish, shellfish and other creatures living and breeding in the mudflats and shallow sea areas, forming a complete ecological chain. 🤳3. Excellent travel experience If you come to Tiaozini, you can not only enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, but also feel the beauty of nature up close. Walking along the bird-watching plank road, the agile little lives in the telescope will amaze you. Tiaozini, a natural treasure worth exploring. 😉

In recent years, Dongtai City has made significant investments in the tourism industry. I remember being invited in 2018 to promote the newly built Huanghai Forest Park. To capture the sunrise, I drove to what is now the Tiaozini Wetland Park. Back then, it was just a mudflat with a concrete dike, no entrance fee, and very basic facilities. This time, revisiting with a group, it was completely different. It has become a formal wetland park and a home for migratory birds. Some symbolic park structures, such as restaurants and coffee bars, cater to visitors' needs. The construction of pavilions can accommodate more visitors to enjoy the park, and the spoonbill-shaped seats fully reflect the characteristics of the wetland park. Humanized settings include several bird-watching telescopes, which I was pleasantly surprised to find are provided free of charge for visitors to bird-watch. Once you have the telescope in hand, it's hard to put it down. I hope that visitors will be civil and considerate of each other, taking turns in an orderly fashion, rather than monopolizing the equipment without regard for others waiting. The park has expanded and added electric carts for a comfortable tour for visitors, as well as wooden walkways for a leisurely stroll. In summary, the wetland park is becoming more and more substantial and increasingly suitable for visitors with various needs. I also hope that the tourism industry in Dongtai City will continue to improve, allowing more visitors to enjoy it.

The unknown secrets of Yancheng include: 1. Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecological Tourism Area Red-crowned Crane Wetland Ecological Tourism Area: This is part of the Yancheng tidal flat wetland and an important stop on the migratory route of migratory birds between Northeast Asia and Australia. In winter, this area becomes a wintering ground for red-crowned cranes, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of these graceful birds flying and roosting in the wetland area. 2. Tiaozini Wetland Park Tiaozini Scenic Area: This park is another important wetland protection area in Yancheng, with rich aquatic life and bird resources. In winter, a large number of migratory birds gather here, including the Curlew Sandpiper, Dalmatian Pelican, White Spoonbill, Black-faced Spoonbill, etc., providing tourists with an excellent place to watch birds. 3. Yeludang Huanghai Yeludang: This is a wildlife reserve located in the south of Yancheng city. It has a beautiful ecological environment and is the habitat of many wild animals. In winter, visitors can observe the activities of birds such as black-faced spoonbills, oriental white storks, common cormorants, and mallards. 4. Chinese Elk Park, Jiangsu Dafeng Elk National Nature Reserve: This is the largest elk reserve in China with rich biodiversity. In winter, the elk herds here will be more active, and visitors can observe their living habits up close. 5. Rugao, the hometown of longevity: Rugao is the hometown of longevity in China. The population age structure here is relatively young and there are a large number of centenarians. In winter, tourists can experience the local health culture and longevity culture here, such as tasting local health food, visiting the Longevity Museum, etc. 6. Yancheng specialties: Yancheng has many special foods and handicrafts, such as Funing cake, Dongtai fish soup noodles, Binhai Shouwu, etc., which are all unique local cultural symbols. In winter, it is also a good choice to buy these specialties as gifts for relatives and friends. The above are some unknown secrets about traveling to Yancheng in winter. I hope they will be helpful to your trip.