Chinese Milu Deer Park

​​Overview​​

​​Chinese Milu Deer Park​​ (中华麋鹿园) is a ​​UNESCO-listed​​ wetland and ​​5A-rated​​ scenic area, celebrated as the world’s largest milu sanctuary. Established in 1986, it revived the species from 39 deer reintroduced from the UK. Today, it safeguards ​​1/3 of the global milu population​​ and pioneers biodiversity research.

​​Key Attractions​​

1. ​​Milu Viewing Zones​​

   • ​​Golden Beach Deer Call​​: A semi-wild area where electric boats (\sim¥50) let visitors observe herds grazing in coastal marshes.
   • ​​Deer Watching Platform​​: Offers close-up views of milu behaviors, from mud-bathing to antler duels during mating season (June–July).

2. ​​Cultural & Scientific Sites​​

   • ​​Fengshen Platform​​: A 39-meter pagoda commemorating the first 39 reintroduced deer, with exhibits on conservation history.
   • ​​Hundred Milu Deer Picture​​: A stone carving documenting 100 milu behaviors, dubbed the "Encyclopedia of Milu Deer".

3. ​​Biodiversity Hotspot​​

   • Home to ​​400+ species​​, including red-crowned cranes and white storks. The wetlands host migratory birds (October–April).

​​Conservation Legacy​​

• ​​Near Extinction to Revival​​: Milu vanished in China by 1900 but were saved by the Duke of Bedford’s UK herd. The park’s success is a ​​UN-recognized conservation model​​.
• ​​Gene Bank​​: Houses the world’s largest milu DNA repository to combat inbreeding risks.

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Activities​​:
  • ​​Guided Tours​​: Learn about milu ecology (¥100, includes museum access).
  • ​​Birdwatching​​: Spot rare species in the ​​Natural Ecological Area​​.
• ​​Dining​​: On-site restaurants serve Jiangsu cuisine, like braised milu venison (ethically sourced).

​​Practical Tips​​

• ​​Hours​​: 08:30–17:00 (year-round).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • From Shanghai: 2.5-hour drive or high-speed rail to Yancheng + bus to Dafeng.
  • Direct buses from Yancheng Station (07:00–15:30).
• ​​Avoid​​: Approaching deer during mating season (aggression risk).

Chinese Milu Deer Park is a ​​testament to ecological resilience​​, blending science, history, and adventure in China’s coastal wetlands.