In the centre of Shenzhen, a thriving mangrove forest is redefining how nature and urban life can coexist. The Futian Mangrove National Nature Reserve, the only national nature reserve located within a Chinese city, has become a powerful symbol of the country’s green transition.

Each year, around 100,000 migratory birds find refuge in this coastal wetland, highlighting its role as a critical ecological haven. From the air, it resembles a dense tropical forest; at ground level, its tangled roots and muddy terrain conceal its true value.

These mangroves act as natural defences, reducing storm surges and shielding the coastline from typhoons, including the impact of Typhoon Ragasa. They also store carbon and support rich biodiversity.

Once dismissed as obstacles to development, these wetlands now stand as proof that environmental protection and urban growth can flourish together.