Shenzhen Bay Mangrove Seagulls: Heads Up & Steer Clear of *This* Character!

[Danielle Purdy-Weimann]

Hello, fellow travelers! I would like to share my experience of watching seagulls at Shenzhen Bay Mangrove Ecological Park (that's the scenic park by the sea in Shenzhen with many mangrove trees and migratory birds), and also give you some reminders at the same time.

• When I arrived there in the afternoon, the seagull viewing stand was so crowded that it reminded me of sardine cans.

  • Tip: After about 5 PM, the crowd thinned out, leaving plenty of good spots in the front. If you'd like a peaceful view or take photos, you might want to consider arriving during this time.

• Just as the crowd started to disperse and the space before me became less crowded, something unpleasant happened:

  • There was a middle-aged man right behind me (I couldn't see his face clearly, but he appeared to have single eyelids), who kept rubbing his body or bag into my backside, just lightly brushing up against me.
  • At first, I thought it was just accidental due to the crowds so I moved slightly away.
  • But shortly after that, he moved closer once again. This back-and-forth happened for about two to three times before I realised something wasn't quite right.
    • (It dawned upon me only later that I should've been more alert at the time since there were no longer people around!)
  • I felt a bit uncomfortable about this and decided to leave quickly.
    • A big NO REGRETS: In hindsight, I truly wish I had made a big fuss immediately!

  Once I left, I then followed the man discreetly from behind.

  • He turned around once and saw me watching him, and then turned towards the other end of the viewing platform where he pretended to be taking a photo.
  • Observing me still, he left the platform via a little path and came around the other side before eventually leaving.
  • My guess: I think he must have had some ulterior motives. If he came for the seagulls, how could he just walk off and look so suspicious when he got caught?

• Important Reminder

  • Be aware of your personal boundaries: Always be cautious in crowded areas, especially if someone seems to be coming too close.
  • Trust your instincts: Trust your gut, should you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Don't hesitate to get out of an uncomfortable situation if you need to.
  • Don’t be afraid to speak up: Speak up loudly, if possible and safe, to stop such inappropriate behaviour, seeking help from bystanders if necessary. Silence can be seen as consent, giving them more confidence to continue their misconduct.
  • Observe carefully: Make sure to observe their behavior from a safe distance if you suspect malicious intent, which in turn can help you judge the situation and make decisions.

I hope everyone enjoys their outdoor journeys, but remember to stay vigilant and protect yourself!

#ShenzhenBayPark #ShenzhenBayMangrove #ShenzhenBayMangroveEcologicalPark #ShenzhenBaySeagulls