Birdwatching boom fuels eco-tourism growth

The rising popularity of birdwatching in China is giving eco-tourism a boost.

Nature enthusiasts are gathering at scenic spots nationwide to observe rare and migratory bird species.

In Yugan County, east China's Jiangxi Province, 230 species of rare birds, including white cranes, swans and Oriental storks, draw tens of thousands of tourists for birdwatching each day.

Meanwhile, in Yandunjiao Village, east China's Shandong Province, whooper swans gracefully moving in the snow have captivated numerous tourists.

The village has established a swan protection station, assembled a management team, and now conducts daily patrols to protect these birds,

Many villagers have also voluntarily joined the protection efforts.

At Zhanqiao Pier, along the southern shore of Qingdao in Shandong Province, flocks of seagulls have attracted crowds of tourists eager to capture the moment in photos.

"A large number of seagulls have gathered around our scenic spot, and it is estimated that there are more than 100,000 here," said Xie Yong, deputy director of the Zhanqiao Pier Scenic Spot Management Center.

(Cover: Critically endangered Siberian cranes gather at Poyang Lake in Yugan County, Jiangxi Province, east China, January 30, 2025. /VCG)