Chongming 2-Day Self-Drive Trip: Dongtan Wetland Park

Having been cooped up at home for a long time due to the pandemic this year, we wanted to drive to Chongming Island for a stroll at year's end, so we decided to set off in late December.

On the morning of the 27th, our companion drove to pick us up, and soon the car entered the Yangtze River Tunnel, emerged from the tunnel and then drove onto the Yangtze River Bridge, arriving at Dongtan Wetland Park in just over an hour.

Shanghai Chongming Dongtan Wetland Park is located at the easternmost tip of Chongming Island, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, where the air is fresh and the scenery is delightful.

We followed the signs into the scenic area, strolled along the boardwalk, crossed a small wooden bridge and arrived at Yishui Garden, where there is a large platform for visitors to enjoy the view and rest.

We continued forward; on the left, the withered grasses on the riverbank mudflat swayed in the wind, as if calling for the arrival of spring.

We entered Que Ming Ferry, but saw no tourists taking boat rides; then we arrived at Weichezhan Mudflat, where boundless reeds showed no sign of migratory birds.

It was winter; despite the landscape of scorched yellow vegetation, we could still feel the joy of being close to nature as we walked on the boardwalk.

It is said that in autumn and winter, the migratory season, visitors can stand on the birdwatching platform and gaze far into the reed beds where migratory birds rest freely, offering a different kind of leisurely pleasure.

We arrived at the foot of Guanlu Platform and ascended it to overlook the entire wetland; the vast golden meadows were dotted with redwoods and green pines, a very beautiful sight.

It is said that at the right time, you can see thousands upon thousands of migratory birds, a truly spectacular scene. Early morning at Dongtan is a place to watch the sunrise, which also happens to be the best time for birdwatching.

We walked slowly and were delighted to come across black swans; a flock of black swans rested by the lake. We stopped to watch, some standing elegantly and appearing noble, others whispering and displaying their affection.

It was late winter and early spring; although the garden was not yet full of spring colors, blooming flowers and warmth were not far off. The tranquil lake shimmered, and just ahead was the Wetland Research Center.

Suddenly we heard a chorus of goose calls; following the sound, we saw a flock of geese resting in the grasses by the lake. Their cheerful honking brought life to the quiet wetland.

It is said that Dongtan Wetland is a necessary passage for migratory birds in the Asia-Pacific region and a wintering ground for waterfowl.

Strolling at the southern end of the wetland park, we let time slow with our steps. Passing through the Bamboo Sea scenic spot, we arrived at Guanhai Tower; crossing a wooden bridge marked the end of our tour. We bought tickets and took an electric cart back. The cart sped along Dongwang East Road, where fallen cedar leaves tinged the roadside red, and towering trees left a sliver of sky above. My companion sighed, 'This scenery rivals the maple leaves of Canada.'