Nature Reserve
Datian Slope Deer Natural Reserve
Datian Slope Deer (Thamin) Natural Reserve, is only 20 km away from downtown Dongfang, and covers an area of over 2,000 hectares. It is home to more than 800 Thamins as well as over 100 different species of wild animals.
Thamin's, like the giant panda and golden monkey, are a highly endangered, and threatened animal, with this reserve being the only one of its kind in Hainan. It is a graceful type of deer, swift and elegant, and has been known to leap up to five meters when startled.
Thamin's love the colour red so much that they come out and roam in groups at sunrise and sunset. These are the best times to appreciate them at the observation tower in the reserve.
Address: Dongfang, Hainan
Entrance fee: RMB 12
Bawangling National Nature Reserve
Bawangling National Nature Reserve lies in western Hainan about 220 km from the provincial capital of Haikou. Established in 1980 with an area of 67 square kilometers, it is the one of the most resource-rich areas of the country. UNESCO has also established a research base for biological science.
Thanks to the unique natural conditions and well preserved ecosystem, rare species of fauna and flora flourish, including the Hainan Partridge, Hainan Peacock Pheasant, coconut cat, civet, and most importantly, the last confirmed population of the rarest ape on earth: the endemic Hainan gibbon – Nomascus nasutus. In the reserve, there are more than 600 tree species, among which 27 species are under national protection and cannot be touched. The Bawangling Reserve also has one of the best remaining tropical forests in China, and has recently been identified as one of the most Important Bird habitats in the Indo-Burmese Forests. The reserve comprises a series of low mountains, with the highest peak, Heiling, at 1,560 m.
Address: Changjiang, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-26881995
Mangrove Natural Reserve Area
Known as the largest and first mangrove reserve in China, Dongzhai Harbor is located northeast of Haikou City and is situated on around 3000 hectares. It is a typical mangrove area and a truly unique corner of Hainan. Dongzhai Harbor is also known as a bird sanctuary, with around 159 species of birds sharing the reserve, including many rare migratory birds. So it is not only a national mangrove reserve, but also a wetland of international importance especially as a waterfowl habitat. During the winter, the best season for bird watching, tens of thousands of birds turn the area into a wonderland. The mangrove swamp is also a sanctuary for a variety of marine animals, which spawn and raise their young here. Fish, shrimp and shellfish are always in abundance, and provide a substantial feast for both birds and visitors alike.
Apart from the beautiful scenery, there is another natural wonder in Dongzhai Harbour, the world famous submarine Villages. Historical writings say that on July 13th, 1605, at midnight, a severe earthquake struck the area, sinking 72 villages to the bottom of the ocean. Hundreds of years later, the 72 villages have become an amazing underwater sight waiting for visitors to discover.
How to Get there: It's 20 kilometers from Haikou City, take a bus at Qiongshan Station on Hongchenghu Road. Get off at Yanfeng Village and find a passenger tricycle; it will take you to Dongzhai Harbor directly.
Special Local Product: seafood (oyster, prawn, eel and crab, etc.), sticky rice cake, tropical fruit.
Business hours:08:00am-05:50pm
Address: Dongzhai Harbour, Yanfeng Town, Haikou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-65743139
Entrance fee:RMB10