After visiting Huanghai Forest Park four times, I finally figured out the best way to enjoy it!

📍Address

No. 8 Hualin Road, Coastal Economic Zone, Dongtai City, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province.

🚗Transportation

- Self-drive: Navigate to "North Gate of Huanghai Forest Park." The scenic area has a large parking lot (¥10/day), about a 1-hour drive from Yancheng/Dongtai city center.
- High-speed rail + bus: Take a train to Dongtai Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (4 trips/day, ¥9/person) or take a taxi (~40 minutes, ¥80).
- In-park transport: Rent an e-bike (¥60-80/hour) > sightseeing car (¥20/person) > shared bike. Families with kids are advised to choose motorized transport.

🌳Introduction

Huanghai Forest Park is the largest artificial ecological forest in East China, covering 45.3 square kilometers with over 85% forest coverage. Its air boasts up to 4,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³, earning it the title "Green Oxygen Bar." The park features towering metasequoia forests and interwoven wetlands, home to 628 plant species and 342 bird species (like egrets and azure-winged magpies). Each season offers unique views: fresh greenery in spring, summer shade, autumn foliage, and snow-capped cedars in winter.

🎢Travel Guide

1. Must-try experiences
- Forest Eye: A 41-meter-high glass observation deck offering 360° forest views, with a thrilling slide descent for epic photos.
- Misty Forest: Walk the wooden trails amid morning fog (artificial mist around 11 AM)—wear white for fairy-tale photography.
- Forest Train: A 1.6-km ride through metasequoia groves; window seats are perfect for Japanese-style film photos.
- Wetland Boardwalk Birdwatching: Bring binoculars at dawn to spot herons and wild ducks; wear light colors to avoid startling them.
2. Highlights itinerary (2 days, 1 night)
- Day 1 Deep Exploration: 08:00 Rent bikes at North Gate → Forest Eye → Misty Forest (catch the 11 AM mist) → Lunch "Huanghai Seafood Stew" (Utopia Restaurant) → Train to Love Station → Woodcraft Workshop for family DIY.
- Day 2 Nature Adventure: 06:00 Photograph mist reflections at Wetland Boardwalk → Bike the greenway for birdwatching → Light meal at Forest Café → 15:00 Tiaozi Mudflat tidal exploration (check tide tables).
3. Hidden gems
- Stargazing Camping: Overnight in tents, capture the Milky Way with long-exposure shots, wake to birdsong.
- Woodland Playground: Climbing frames and sandpits for natural fun.

⚠️Tips

- Best times: Morning mist (6:00-8:00) and sunset (17:30-18:30) for soft lighting; avoid weekends.
- Essentials: Mosquito repellent (forest bugs!), waterproof shoes (damp trails), telephoto lens (birding), sun hat.
- Pitfalls: Limited/pricey food—bring snacks; train queues exceed 1 hour on weekends—visit weekdays.

🍜Food Recommendations

- Inside the park:
- Forest Utopia Restaurant: Must-try "Huanghai Seafood Stew" (fish-prawn-crab medley) + bamboo fungus mushroom soup.
- Forest Café: Matcha latte + cedar-wood-fired pizza.
- Nearby (10-minute drive):
- Huanghai Mixed Fish Pot (stewed local fish with tofu), cold purslane salad (wild greens).
- Dongtai Fish Soup Noodles (creamy broth), aged tangerine peel rice cakes (intangible cultural heritage snack).

🏡Accommodation

- Luxury: Forest Meijue Hotel (¥500-800/night): French-style villas with private hot springs, includes tickets and shuttle.
- Budget-friendly: Forest Science Hotel (¥300+/night): Family rooms come with DIY vouchers.
- Camping: Starlight Tent Site (¥200/tent): Book 3 days ahead for outdoor movies + BBQ.
- Unique: Hidden Woods Cabins (breakfast + tickets included): Standalone cabins with floor heating and skylights.

🌊Nearby Attractions

1. Tiaozi Mudflat (10-minute drive): A UNESCO wetland to dig for crabs/clams at low tide, plus rare birds (e.g., spoon-billed sandpiper).
2. China Milu Deer Park (1-hour drive): World’s largest milu deer reserve; feed these "four-unlike" creatures via safari car.
3. Badou Fishing Village (15-minute drive): Seafood market + beach strolls; homestays ~¥150/person.

💡Final Tip: Huanghai Forest Park shines in "slow travel"—skip the rush, listen to wind through leaves, watch sunlight dapple the ground, and truly reconnect with nature.