Winged Wonders Flock to China’s Wetlands as Conservation Pays Off

China’s wetlands are buzzing with feathery travelers this season! Rare migratory birds, including the majestic black-necked crane, are making pit stops and settling into winter homes across the country’s lush natural reserves.

Qinghai’s Crane Comeback

Over 2,600 black-necked cranes—a national first-class protected species—have been counted in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, a population surge of 140% in a decade! These elegant birds, often dubbed 'plateau ambassadors,' are fueling up in Wulan and Gonghe counties’ wetlands before continuing their epic southward journeys. Talk about a rest-stop upgrade!

Jiangsu’s Coastal Bird Paradise

Further east, Jiangsu’s 233,000-hectare coastal wetland in Lianyungang City is hosting VIPs like the striking oriental white stork and the quirky Eurasian spoonbill. Situated on the East Asian-Australasian flyway (think of it as nature’s own ‘Avian Highway’ ), this zone has become a five-star retreat for migratory species thanks to local eco-restoration efforts. More wetlands, fewer problems, right?

Why it matters: China’s push to protect wetlands isn’t just a win for biodiversity—it’s a global climate playbook highlight. As one conservationist put it: 'Healthy wetlands mean happy birds… and a happier planet.'

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Migratory birds spotted in China's natural wetlands

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