The Sanwan Yellow River Wetlands in Pinglu County, northern China's Shanxi Province, have welcomed the arrival of smews – the "panda ducks" famed for their black-and-white markings. Their return highlights Pinglu's improving ecosystem. In recent years, the county has restored wetlands, strengthened water-quality monitoring and reduced human disturbance, making the area an increasingly attractive wintering site for rare migratory birds.