Ice cracks, and the first swimmers are already back

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Chinese mergansers are seen on the icy Manjiang River in Baishan, Jilin Province, March 17, 2026. /VCG

A Chinese merganser is seen on the icy Manjiang River in Baishan, Jilin Province, March 17, 2026. /VCG

Chinese mergansers are seen on the icy Manjiang River in Baishan, Jilin Province, March 17, 2026. /VCG

As winter loosens its grip in northeast China, signs of spring are beginning to show along the Manjiang River in Baishan, Jilin Province. Patches of ice are breaking apart, revealing open water that's quickly coming back to life.

Among the first to return are Chinese mergansers, a rare and protected duck species often seen as an indicator of clean, healthy rivers. They glide across the icy waters, diving and resurfacing in search of food, seemingly unfazed by the lingering cold.

Set against a backdrop of melting ice and flowing spring water, their quiet movements offer a glimpse of the region's fragile yet resilient ecosystem as it transitions into a new season.

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