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As the weather gradually turns colder, Manas National Wetland Park in Manas County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has welcomed the first batch of wintering whooper swans this year. They leisurely swim and forage in the water. The whooper swan is under second-class state protection in China. It's one of the highest-flying birds in the world, capable of flying over Mt. Qomolangma. In addition to whooper swans, the park has also welcomed wild birds such as mallards, wild geese and cormorants.
Located on the East Asia-East Africa Flyway, which is route 3 of the eight global migratory bird routes, Manas National Wetland Park serves as an "energy replenishment station" for migratory birds flying over the Tianshan Mountains and Altai Mountains. It is an essential habitat and breeding ground for migratory birds worldwide. Manas Wetland is a typical river wetland and reservoir wetland, and it is the only wetland park in Xinjiang designated as a "national wetland park under key construction."