Tianjin's wetlands - the 'Green Lungs" of the region

Xiuhu Wetland in Tianjin [Photo/tj.gov.cn]

Tianjin, with its rivers, lakes and abundant wetlands, is an important transit point for migratory birds from East Asia and Australasia. Tianjin has four wetland nature reserves with a total area of  875 square kilometers, accounting for 7.4 percent of the city's land area.

Beidagang Wetland, a picturesque and resource-abundant area, won UNESCO recognition as a World Natural Heritage site in 2020.

Located to the southeast of Binhai New Area, the site is the largest wetland nature reserve in Tianjin and an essential bird habitat in China.

Millions of migratory birds of as many as 281 species stop here every year, including 22 species of national first-class protection and 48 species of second-class national protection.

 Beidagang Wetland in Tianjin[Photo/tj.gov.cn]

In addition to Beidagang Wetland, other wetlands and nature reserves in the municipality are also expected to see migratory birds.

Qilihai wetland natural reserve, an important part of the Natural Reserves of Tianjin Ancient Coasts and Wetlands, with its wide water resources,  vegetation and fresh air, is not only the habitat of various wildlife, but also plays an role in rBeidagang Wetlandesisting drought and improving the ecological environment of Tianjin and surrounding areas. 

Beidagang Wetland in Tianjin [Photo/tj.gov.cn]

Being the largest natural wetland in the Tianjin-Beijing-Tangshan triangle area, Qilihai Wetland is referred to as the ‘Green Lungs’ of Beijing and Tianjin. 

In recent years, Tianjin has attached great importance to the building of ecological civilization and has continuously strengthened wetland protection.

The ecological environment of wetlands and nature reserves has seen continuous improvements, attracting more and more migratory birds, noted the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources.