Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (Yancheng Nature Reserve) [Visited 26 Oct, 2019]

It is tricky to plan a visit to this site. There are limited English information online. The detailed maps on the dossier shows three interpretation centers open for visitors (Yancheng Nature Reserve for Rare Birds, Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve, Tiaozini Scenic Area), but all in the buffer zones. Our Chinese fellow-WHS enthusiasts Wechat group also don’t know where and how to get to the core zones.

Only the middle section of Yancheng Nature Reserve is in the core zone. The Reserve for Rare Birds is completely in the buffer area but abuts the core on its northeast corner. Likewise, only the northeast section of Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve is in the core, the deer breeding center is way far from the inscribed area. And only one side of the Tiaozini Scenic Area abuts the core zone too.

My concrete plan was go to Yancheng and Dongtai and ask locals for specifics upon arriving. I dragged my Non-WHS seeking Taiwanese friend for a weekend trip to help me talk to the locals. It went well as expected. At the two interpretation centers I visited, I was able to see what gives the OUV and managed to walk into the core.

* Yancheng Nature Reserve for Rare Birds
Take bus K2 or K202 from Yancheng Coach Station or Yancheng Railway Station. It takes bit more than an hour since the buses run slow and numerous stops along the way.

This the primary tourist area of the WHS, where the well-photographed crane building is located. It seems tacky at first. But seeing it in the middle of the marsh, it builds up the anticipation upon entering and provides lasting impressing when leaving. It also acts as the anchor for visitors to not get lost while exploring the reeds.

The site is a hybrid between a zoo with cared birds for show and a wild nature reserve. They breed and take care of sick/injured the red-crowned crane here. So, you are always assured of seeing one of the iconic birds that gives the site OUV. At certain times of day, they let some to fly out, perfect for “instagrammable” shots.

The park is mostly reeds ponds and marches. There are camouflaged bird-watching tents scattered around to perfectly observe them without scaring them away. You can rent a bike (20 RMB per 2 hours) to go around the park. At the corner, in the core zone boundary, there is a road to the monitoring station inside the core zone. It is supposed to be for staff only, but I still went in. As of my visit, site-seeing tents going to the core zone are being built.

My visit was in mid-day. I only saw some birds in the park and in the core but there are lots of chirping. There seemed to be different species. At the best time of day, I can only imagine the flocks flying over. Birders for sure will enjoy this site. As for me, I felt wanting and decided to ensure I reach Tiaozini expecting the flocks to be there.