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.