Gansu wetland welcomes majestic swan migration

Whooper swans rest at Yanchiwan International Wetland as the Qilian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

More than a hundred whooper swans recently made their way to the Yanchiwan International Wetland, situated within Qilian Mountain National Park in Gansu province.

Against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, these elegant birds can be seen gracefully swimming in the waters or stretching their wings while singing, bringing vitality and animation to the late autumn wetland.

According to monitoring data from staff of the Yanchewan Protection Station, more than 160 whooper swans are currently resting at this international wetland.

The Yanchewan International Wetland serves not only as a crucial breeding ground for black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese but also functions as a vital stopover point and wintering habitat for various migratory birds.

In recent years, Subei county has prioritized ecological civilization construction, advancing the development of an ecological civilization demonstration zone in the Yanchiwan area of Qilian Mountain National Park. By actively establishing an innovation base that balances environmental protection with economic development, the area has successfully created an ideal habitat for whooper swans and other rare bird species.