The Most Beautiful Dawn Redwood Secret Realm in Dongtai

A 68,000-acre green ocean hidden on the Yellow Sea coast of Dongtai, Yancheng

From saline-alkali wasteland to the largest artificial ecological forest in East China, Yellow Sea Forest Park has completed this green transformation over more than half a century. Today, it is the only "green gem" on the unpolluted wetlands of the Pacific West Coast, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 85% and negative oxygen ions reaching 4000-5200 per cubic centimeter, dozens of times higher than in cities.

When I stepped into this forest, I was instantly surrounded by towering dawn redwoods, sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the symphony of birdsong and wind in my ears. The air here is so fresh it feels like a lung cleanse; every breath is a gift from nature.

Must-try activities: Unlock multiple ways to enjoy the forest

Forest Eye: A 41-meter-high observation deck where you can stand on transparent glass and overlook the entire sea of trees, with greenery stretching from your feet to the horizon. The most thrilling part is sliding down the 88-meter-high slide, a 15-second adrenaline rush that releases all your stress.

Mist Forest: Around 11 a.m. daily (artificial fog time), the wooden boardwalk is shrouded in mist, and sunlight through the treetops creates a Tyndall effect. Wearing a white dress here for photos easily gets you a scene straight out of The Wizard of Oz.

Forest Mini Train: Ride a fairy-tale-like train through 1.6 kilometers of dawn redwood secret realm. Window seats are perfect for shooting Japanese-style portraits, with the breeze on your face and time seeming to slow down.

Aerial Walkway: The walkway winds through the forest up to 4 meters above ground, offering a unique viewing angle. Walking on it feels like strolling through a painting, touching the dawn redwood treetops up close and experiencing the wonder of walking in the air.

Wetland Corridor Birdwatching: Bring binoculars early in the morning to observe egrets, herons, and other birds. Remember to wear light-colored clothes to avoid disturbing these creatures.

Highlight itinerary: 2 days 1 night deep exploration

Day 1: Forest Immersion Tour
08:00 Enter from the North Gate, rent an electric scooter
09:00 Conquer the "Forest Eye" and experience the high-altitude thrill
11:00 Arrive on time at the "Mist Forest" to capture dreamy moments
12:00 Lunch featuring local specialty "Yellow Sea One-Pot Fresh"
14:00 Take the forest mini train to the Love Station
16:00 Woodcraft family workshop, make wooden souvenirs

Day 2: Wild Nature Tour
06:00 Photograph morning mist and reflections at the wetland corridor
08:00 Cycle along the greenway for birdwatching
10:00 Enjoy leisure time at the forest coffee house
15:00 Head to Tiaozi Ni for tidal flat exploration according to the tide table (10-minute drive)

Hidden experiences: Surprises most visitors don’t know about

Starry Sky Camping: Set up a tent in designated areas at night and use long exposure on your phone to capture the dazzling Milky Way. Wake up to birdsong and feel the true awakening of nature.

Woodcraft Forest: Not just a playground for kids, adults can find fun here too. Facilities like wooden climbing frames and pirate bowling make nature education enjoyable.

Seasonal highlights:

Autumn to winter transition: Dawn redwoods turn from green to red, the forest floor is covered with soft fallen leaves that rustle underfoot—perfect for photography.
Summer: Much cooler than the city, an ideal summer retreat.

Practical tips: Advice to avoid detours

Transportation:

Self-drive: Navigate to "Yellow Sea Forest Park North Gate," the park has a large parking lot (10 RMB/day)
Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Dongtai Station, then transfer to the park shuttle bus (4 trips/day, 9 RMB/person) or taxi (about 80 RMB)

Within the park:

Rent electric scooters (60-80 RMB/hour)
Sightseeing bus (20 RMB/person, unlimited rides)
Shared bicycles (suitable for short distances)

Must-bring items: Mosquito repellent, sun hat, telephoto lens (for bird photography), waterproof shoes

Avoid pitfalls:

Limited dining options inside the park with relatively high prices; bring some snacks
Weekend mini train lines may exceed 1 hour; weekdays are recommended
Pets are not allowed in the park

Food and accommodation: Ensuring a perfect trip

Food recommendations:

Forest Utopia Restaurant: Yellow Sea One-Pot Fresh, bamboo mushroom soup
Forest Coffee House: Matcha latte, cedar wood roasted thin pancakes
Local specialties outside the park: Dongtai fish soup noodles, dried tangerine peel fermented rice cake

Accommodation options:

High-end: Forest Beauty Hotel (500-800 RMB/night), French-style manor with private hot springs
Cost-effective: Forest Science Hotel (300 RMB+/night), family rooms with handmade experience included
Wild charm: Starry sky tents (200 RMB/tent), reservation required 3 days in advance
Unique: Lin Yin Wei She wooden cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows for stargazing, includes breakfast and tickets

Nearby excursions: Enrich your itinerary

Tiaozi Ni Wetland (10-minute drive): World Heritage wetland, dig for sand crabs and collect mud snails at low tide, a birdwatching paradise.

Chinese Père David’s Deer Park (1-hour drive): The world’s largest Père David’s deer reserve, observe the "four not like" deer up close.

Badou Village Fishing Town (15-minute drive): Experience fishing village culture, taste fresh seafood, homestays around 150 RMB per person.

The charm of Yellow Sea Forest Park lies not in how many spots you check off, but in slowing down, listening to the wind rustling through leaves, and watching light spots dance in the forest. In this 68,000-acre green oxygen bar, we can all find the most original connection with nature.

If you also long for a trip that cleanses your lungs and soul, come here, let the forest embrace you, let the sea breeze kiss you, and rediscover the truest version of life.