Yellow River Sanmenxia Wetland Reserve is located in Henan Province, central China. Every year in late October, white swans come here for wintering. Ten years ago, only dozens of white swans chose this wetland as their temporary home. In mid-December this year, the total number exceeded 10,000. 

White swans migrate from Siberia and other places to the Sanmenxia Wetland Reserve every year. The graceful birds arrive in October; and the local population tends to be stable in mid-December. From late February to late March next year, these welcomed guests migrate northward again after a five-month stay. 

In recent years, with the continuous strengthening of the management of the Yellow River basin, more than 60,000 square meters of new islands have been built in the Yellow River Sanmenxia wetland. The habitat of the white swans has been expanded to 385,000 square meters. Moreover, there are more than 300,000 square meters of cattail grass, reeds, lotus flowers, water lilies and other aquatic plants, which white swans like to eat. These benefits have attracted more white swans to come here for the winter. 

According to statistics from the Yellow River Sanmenxia Wetland Management Office, the population of white swans wintering here was less than 50 in 2009, but has exceeded 10,000 by mid-December 2019. The reserve is constantly strengthening the protection of white swans, observing the changes of population in time, and replenishing food for them during the wintering period.

(Cover is a stillshot of the video; edited by An Qi)

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