Wetland provides sanctuary for a rich variety of animals and plants, and many are listed as nature reserves. They are also one of the favorite destinations of Shanghai residents for a spring outing.

As a coastal city, Shanghai has been making efforts to preserve and expand its area of wetland in recent years. It now has six wetland parks and one more is being created. Most of the parks are located in the outlying areas of the city, providing habitats for about 400 kinds of birds, 250 kinds of fishes, hundreds of species of invertebrates and some 300 kinds of plants — representing up to 80 percent of Shanghai's flora and fauna, according to the latest statistics of local landscape authorities.

Here are four wetland parks in locations across the city. Spring is the ideal time to visit as the temperatures are pleasant and life there is stirring after the cold months of winter.

Nanhuizui Seaview Park

The park is located southeast of Lingang New City in the Pudong New Area with a total area of almost 2 hectares. Built on shoals created by a land reclamation project, it is very close to Dishui Lake. It is known as a good spot for viewing migratory birds.