Chipao Mangrove Nature Reserve Introduction
The resilient mangrove, showcasing vitality! The name "mangrove" originated from the now-extinct Avicennia, and today refers to the woody plant community that grows in the intertidal zones along coastlines. Due to the unique ecological environment of estuaries, the mangroves that develop along the estuarine coast face the harsh challenges of tidal fluctuations daily, with significant changes in wet and dry conditions, making it difficult for most plants to survive here; thus, mangroves are also known as "tidal forests." There are natural ecological systems of mangroves at the estuaries of Qigu River and Jiangjun River. Over three hundred years ago, the mangroves in this area were already lush, and the Ao Wang River was referred to as "Green Valley" by the Dutch. The Qigu River primarily features Avicennia, while the Jiangjun River has a higher prevalence of Aegiceras. The Qigu Mangrove Conservation Area is located near the mouth of the Qigu River, where the accumulation of organic matter and nutrients from upstream rivers makes the soil here more fertile than typical coastlines, providing a diverse ecological system for organisms like fiddler crabs, various fish, shrimp, shellfish, and numerous birds, thus constructing a complete food chain. Qigu residents primarily depend on aquaculture for their livelihood, and this mangrove area attracts many white egrets, which primarily feed on fish, to reside here. Along the Qigu Mangrove Conservation Area, there is a three-story bird-watching pavilion that offers excellent views, allowing visitors to observe the graceful flight of sea birds and white egrets, as well as unique fishing scenes from local residents. Recommended viewing point: Mangrove Bird Watching Pavilion.
