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In the northeast of Hainan's capital, Haikou City, lies the Dongzhai Harbour, an area known for being the largest and first natural mangrove reserve in China. Here lies roughly 4,000 square km of tropical jungle abundant in Mangrove trees, a plant under threat worldwide but on which an intricate ecology of land and sea-life depends. At the intersection of land and sea, these forests grow from the waters beneath whose surface ancient villages lie eerily in eternity.

The Mangrove is a tropical tree that grows in swamps, sending roots down from its branches. These interlocking roots stop sediment from flowing out to see and diminish the erosive power of waves, so are crucial for land stability in the area. When the tide is high the trees are submerged in water, leaving only the green crowns to be seen above the water's surface. Scientists studying global warming have discovered that mangroves are highly effective carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and significantly reducing the amount of greenhouse gas.

Because of the nourishment provided by the Mangroves, the area is abundant in marine animals that feed and spawn amongst the plants. Local fish, shellfish and shrimp are not only delicacies for visitors to the Island, but also provide food for birds. Boasting about 159 species of birdlife, including many rare migratory species, the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area is a nesting place for waterfowl, swans and cranes and has been called a 'heaven for birds'.

The importance of the Mangrove to this intricate ecosystem and to the future of our planet has been the focus of much international research and preservation efforts, and with more than half of the world's mangrove species located within the Dongzhai harbour, the Reserve is an important area for scientific research both in China and worldwide.

The Reserve is not only dedicated to preservation of the precious mangroves but also educating the public about this self-sustaining ecological habitat. Visitors are encouraged to explore the forests when the tide is low, learning about the abundant life that they sustain. When the tide is in there are also a variety of boat trips that can be taken through the mangroves and the tiny tropical nearby islands full of pineapple trees.

But experiencing this valuable life-source is not the only reason to visit the Dongzhai Harbour; below the water's surface lays a more eerie and mysterious side to the area. According to historical records, a disastrous earthquake struck the island at midnight on July 13th, 1605, completely submerging 72 villages deep within the sea.

Hundreds of years later these villages have become an incredible underwater site for the adventurous visitors who are keen to discover their extraordinary story. These villages occupy an area of over 100 square km, and can be seen sleeping eerily under the water particularly well in the months of May and June.

The Dongzhai Mangrove Natural Reserve is 20km from Haikou City, easily reached by a bus from the Quiongshan Minibus Station. Alight at Yanfeng Village and find a passenger tricycle to take you directly to the Dongzhai Harbour. The Reserve is open to visitors between 08:00 and 17:50, and will cost CNY 10. Make sure to indulge in local seafood while you are there, including fresh oysters, prawns, eel and crab, finishing your meal with sticky rice cake and a plate of tropical fruit.