Deep within Shanghai’s embrace lies a secret. It’s not one of glittering skyscrapers or bustling markets. It is Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall. This place unveils a landscape few know exists. It’s a story of mud, sand and surprising resilience.
Here at the Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall, we celebrate a unique ecosystem. The Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve spans over 420 square kilometers. It stands as a testament to nature’s tenacity. This area is where the Yangtze River meets the sea.
Jiuduansha translates to “Nine-Part Sands”. But this is more of a figure of speech. The area consists of four main shoals: Shangsha, Zhongsha, Xiasha and Jiangyanansha. These are also known as Upper, Middle, Lower and South Jiuduansha. South Jiuduansha’s Chinese name Jiangya Nansha. It is a reminder of the passenger steamer SS Kiangya. It exploded nearby in 1948.
The story of Jiuduansha is one of constant change. Frequent floods in 1949 and 1954 separated it from the Tongsha shoal. Since the 1990s, Shanghai’s universities have closely studied Jiuduansha. In 1995, they introduced cordgrass. This was done to stabilize the shoal. The many dams along the Yangtze reduced sedimentation by about 71%.
In March 2003, the Shanghai government established the nature reserve. This cordgrass was planted to accommodate birds. These birds were displaced by the construction of Pudong International Airport. The wetland became a national nature reserve in 2005.
However, the cordgrass had an unintended consequence. It became invasive. It aggressively crowded out native reeds and bulrushes. This degraded parts of the wetlands. Today, efforts are underway to manage this issue.
The Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall highlights this. It shows us how to support the fragile ecosystem. The island is a vital resting spot for migratory birds. The number of bird species has increased. It went from one hundred to over two hundred.
Here at the Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall, we look to the future. A Science Popularization Park is planned. This will cover about 5 square kilometers. This expansion hopes to increase public awareness and support.
Jiuduansha is a land Shanghai cannot afford to lose. It helps purify the water, regulate the climate and balance carbon dioxide pollution.
The Shanghai Jiuduansha Wetland Ecological Exhibition Hall is more than just a museum. It’s a portal to understanding Shanghai’s hidden wilderness. It is an invitation to appreciate the delicate balance of nature.