Located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, the reserve features extensive tidal flats, marshes, and saline-alkali land, supporting rich biodiversity. Dominant vegetation includes cogongrass and reeds, with 223 species of vascular plants. Fauna comprises over 20 mammal species, 182 bird species, 27 amphibian and reptile species, 150 fish species, and various invertebrates, representing a typical coastal wetland ecosystem.

In August 1986, the former Ministry of Forestry and WWF introduced 39 milu deer from seven London zoos. Over a decade, the population grew to 268, marking significant progress in reintroduction, captive breeding, and wilding. Besides milu deer, the reserve hosts 19 national first-class protected animals (e.g., whooper swan, Chinese water deer) and 95 bird species under the Sino-Japanese Migratory Bird Agreement, serving as a critical wintering site.