A view of Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

Summer is the perfect season to explore nature! Dongtan Wetland Park offers a unique blend of nature conservation, scientific research, education, eco-tourism, and leisure. Spend a full day uncovering its mysteries and enjoying a wonderful summer vacation. Check out this guide!

Morning: Explore the Insect Hotel

A girl enjoys her time at Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

Covering approximately 5,500 square meters, the Insect Hotel showcases the ecological world of various insects. You can observe the growth of beetles and rhinoceros beetles at the Beetle House, lift slate tiles in the Exploration Zone to discover hidden insects, watch insects busy in their habitats, and participate in activities like specimen making, insect catching, and writing observation notes. With professional instructors, advanced equipment, and interactive activities, the insect classes in the wetland offer a unique summer experience where everyone can become a little insect expert.

Noon: Savor a delicious meal at Guanhailou restaurant

Guanhailou restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

A crab dish at Guanhailou restaurant. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

Delicious food is a must, and Guanhailou offers tasty, green, and eco-friendly dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant features local specialties and seasonal delicacies such as freshwater crabs, fish head soup, and shredded pumpkin. Enjoy these fresh dishes while admiring the gentle waves of the lake, soaring birds, and the blue sky.

Afternoon: Enjoy bird watching and wetland scenery

Birds at Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

The park includes areas like the wetland landscape area, wetland habitat restoration area, waterfowl habitat, and rainwater collection area. You can see vast reed fields and wetland lakes. In spring and summer, various flowers bloom among the grass. The egret observation tower is ideal for bird watching, and for a more in-depth experience, you can explore the protected area. Dongtan Wetland Park has become a haven for many wildlife species, serving as a breeding and wintering ground for many rare birds. The summer flowers, swaying reeds, and charming scenery create a serene escape.

Note: The best bird-watching season is from November to March.

Dinner: Camping and BBQ

A campsite at Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

Barbecue at a campsite in Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

The park's Xingye Campsite features a 3,500-square-meter lawn camping area, a 2,000-square-meter woodland camping area, and a lakeside camping area. The campsite offers restrooms, hot showers, and vending services, all surrounded by beautiful scenery. As the sun sets, the summer sky becomes exceptionally enchanting with the evening glow. Set up tents, prepare the grill and food, and enjoy a barbecue party. Admire the beautiful sunset, drink ice-cold beer, and savor skewers you grilled yourself.

Night: Searching for Chinese alligators and stargazing

A night tour to find the elusive Chinese alligators at Dongtan Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

In the vast wetlands of the park, you can find the elusive Chinese alligators. Follow instructors into their habitat to explore their nests and investigate the biodiversity of the wetland at night.

Dongtan Wetland Park is an ideal place for stargazing in Shanghai. [Photo WeChat account: lexiangchongming]

Located at the easternmost point of Chongming district, Dongtan Wetland Park is free from urban light pollution, making it one of the best stargazing spots in Shanghai. It attracts astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts. With the help of professional instructors and telescopes in the stargazing class, you can observe the Milky Way, meteor showers, and the planets.

Come to Dongtan Wetland Park in Chongming for a mysterious nature adventure!

Address: Windmill area, Dongwang Avenue, Chenjia town, Chongming district

Source: "lexiangchongming" WeChat account