In northeast China's Liaoning Province, where the Liaohe River meets the sea, lies a captivating red beach. Unlike other beaches, its vibrant color isn't due to red sand or soil. Instead, it's from a unique intertidal plant called seepweed that thrives in the vast wetland.

Seepweed springs to life every February and March before bursting into a beautiful display of yellow flowers in mid-August. Autumn brings a change as the seepweed produces purple-red oval fruits. The fruits fall onto the saline-alkali soil and germinate the following spring, renewing the cycle.

While seepweed starts out green during its early growth, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. Over time, the constant immersion of the tides gradually turns the plant a stunning red. By August, the seepweed reaches its peak redness, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Interestingly, this phenomenon of green turning red is unique to the Liaohe River estuary. In other parts of China where seepweed grows, it retains its green color. The reason behind this transformation lies in the environment. The estuary's high salt and alkali content breaks down the seepweed's chlorophyll, revealing the red anthocyanin pigment within.

This vibrant red beach in Liaoning is more than just a scenic wonder. It's also a paradise for birds. It is the world's largest habitat and breeding ground for the Saunders's gull and home to the precious red-crowned crane.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yin Yating; video edited by CGTN's Zhao Ying)