The Yellow River Estuary Ecological Tourism Area is located at the Yellow River estuary in Kenli District, Dongying City, Shandong Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of about 1,530 square kilometers, with 827 square kilometers of wetland area, it is China's most complete, vast, and youngest wetland ecosystem. This is where the Yellow River meets the Bohai Sea, creating the unique natural wonder of the "Yellow and Blue Convergence." The scenic area features three main characteristics: wetland ecology, bird resources, and petroleum culture, earning it the titles of "International Airport for Birds" and "China's Most Beautiful Wetland."
History and Culture
The Yellow River Estuary area is the mouth of the Yellow River, the mother river of the Chinese nation, carrying profound Yellow River culture. It has witnessed the Yellow River's characteristics of "prone to silting, breaching, and shifting" over thousands of years, as well as the great achievements of flood control in New China.
In the 1960s, with the development of the Shengli Oilfield, this young land also incorporated petroleum industrial culture. Today, the Yellow River Estuary has become a window showcasing Yellow River culture, petroleum culture, and ecological civilization.
The Wetland Museum in the scenic area details the formation process of the Yellow River Delta, the evolution of the wetland ecosystem, and the history of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Main Attractions
Yellow and Blue Convergence Observation Deck
This is the best place to observe the spectacular "Yellow and Blue Dividing Line" formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and the Bohai Sea. The large amount of sediment carried by the Yellow River meets the clear seawater here, creating a striking contrast. The observation deck is about 30 meters high and can accommodate 200 people simultaneously.
Bird Science Park
Covering an area of about 500 mu, it is an important base for observing and researching migratory birds. The park features bird-watching towers, a bird specimen museum, and a science exhibition hall displaying information on more than 300 bird species. Every spring and autumn, millions of migratory birds stop here, creating a spectacular scene.
Wetland Park
The core area covers about 100 square kilometers and has a complete wetland ecosystem. The park has wooden walkways, observation platforms, and an ecological education center, allowing visitors to observe typical wetland vegetation such as reed marshes and seepweed, as well as wildlife up close.
Petroleum Culture Exhibition Area
This area showcases the development history of the Shengli Oilfield and petroleum industrial culture, including displays of oil extraction equipment, petroleum science knowledge, and the oilfield's development process. It also preserves the "rammed-earth" houses where early oil workers lived.
Cuisine
Yellow River Estuary Hairy Crab
A specialty of the Yellow River Estuary, these crabs are delicious and rich in roe because they grow at the confluence of fresh and salt water. The best season to eat them is from September to November, and several restaurants in the scenic area offer various cooking methods such as steaming and spicy stir-frying.
Knife Fish
The Yellow River Estuary knife fish is a local delicacy, with a slender body and tender meat. Traditional cooking methods include dry-frying and braising, making it a must-try freshwater delicacy for visitors.
Seepweed Dumplings
Dumplings made with seepweed, a unique vegetable from the Yellow River Estuary, have a distinctive taste and are nutritious. Many farmhouse restaurants around the scenic area serve this specialty noodle dish.
Ticket Information
Peak season (April 1-November 30) tickets cost 90 yuan per person, while off-season tickets are 60 yuan. The scenic area offers additional services such as sightseeing bus tickets (30 yuan/person) and boat tickets (80 yuan/person). Seniors over 60 and students can enjoy half-price discounts, and children under 1.4 meters enter for free.
Tour Route
Recommended route: Visitor Center → Wetland Museum → Bird Science Park → Yellow and Blue Convergence Observation Deck (by boat) → Wetland Wooden Walkway → Petroleum Culture Exhibition Area. The entire tour takes about 5-7 hours, with the best visiting time being spring and autumn.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive east along G220 National Highway from downtown Dongying for about 1 hour
- Bus: There are direct tourist buses from Dongying Bus Terminal to the scenic area
- Airplane: The nearest airport is Dongying Shengli Airport, about 50 km from the scenic area
- Train: There are direct shuttle buses from Dongying Railway Station to the scenic area
Must-Visit Attractions
- Yellow and Blue Convergence Observation Deck: The best place to observe the spectacular confluence of the Yellow River and the sea
- Bird Science Park: Observe the spectacular scene of millions of migratory birds
- Wetland Wooden Walkway: Experience the wetland ecosystem up close
- Petroleum Culture Exhibition Area: Learn about the development history of the Shengli Oilfield
- Boat Tour: Enjoy the unique scenery of the Yellow River Estuary from the water
Tour Suggestions
- The best time to visit is April-May and September-November to observe bird migration
- Bring binoculars and a telephoto camera for better bird watching
- Wear comfortable waterproof shoes as some areas are wet
- Follow scenic area rules and do not disturb wildlife
- Check the weather in advance as strong winds may affect boat operations
Precautions
- Protect the ecological environment—do not pick plants or disturb animals
- Some areas have weak signals, so it's advisable to download maps in advance
- The scenic area is vast, so protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated
- Wear life jackets when taking boat tours for safety
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in non-designated areas