Nestled along the coastline of Beihai City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Shankou Mangrove Biosphere Reserve was designated by UNESCO in 2000. Covering an area about 2.5 times the size of Macao, the reserve integrates mangroves and seagrass beds, forming a rare, composite coastal ecosystem.

Mangroves are wetland woody plant communities composed of evergreen trees or shrubs that grow in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. They are unique in the plant kingdom for their distinctive "viviparous" mode of reproduction.

Shankou is home to 17 species of mangrove plants, serving as an important seed source and a natural gene bank. At high tide, the dense canopies appear to float on the water, while the intertwining roots dance with the waves, creating a breathtaking natural tapestry.

Rare bird species such as the Eurasian spoonbill, black-faced spoonbill, greater spotted eagle, and yellow-breasted bunting soar freely above the forest canopy. Occasionally, the nearby waters are graced by the Chinese white dolphin — celebrated as the "mermaid" and the "panda of the sea" — adding a touch of mystery and romance to this coastline.

Shankou's richness lies not only in its natural diversity but also in its profound cultural heritage. The region is home to a remarkable variety of dialects — Lianzhou, Baihua (a Cantonese dialect), Ai Hua (a Hakka dialect), and the Coastal Min dialect, among others — which intertwine, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange and heritage.