Winter birds migration unfolds across China

As winter deepens, a wave of migratory birds quietly unfolds across China. Thousands of creatures spread their wings southward, some playing and foraging along lakeshores, others resting peacefully in wetlands. When the birds fly together, they create magnificent “bird waves,” painting a striking winter ecological landscape. To protect these distant visitors, local authorities have established scientific monitoring and safeguarding measures, ensuring that wetlands remain safe havens for migratory birds to spend the winter. These lively scenes not only testify to improving ecological conditions but also reflect the warm harmony between humans and nature.

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows swans flying over Chengshan Swan Lake at the Greater Swan Nature Reserve in Rongcheng, east China's Shandong Province. The birds glide gracefully amid the morning glow, creating a harmonious and majestic winter ecological scene. (Yang Zhili/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Dec. 18, 2025 shows thousands of wild ducks playing and foraging along the shore of Changbai Island in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province, marking the peak of the winter waterfowl season. (Wang Mingming/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Dec. 18, 2025 shows swans, geese, and other migratory birds resting in Longgan Lake Wetland, Huangmei County, Huanggang City, central China's Hubei Province. The birds enjoy the gentle winter sunlight, exemplifying the peaceful coexistence of nature and wildlife. (Wang Jiang/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Dec. 18, 2025 shows green-headed ducks feeding and resting along the Xibo River at Niujiayingzi section in Kalaqin Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, highlighting the diversity of wintering waterfowl in northern wetlands. (Li Fu/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows tens of thousands of endangered white cranes gathering at Chazhi Zhou, Kangshan Plantation, Yugan County, Shangrao, east China's Jiangxi Province. The birds’ synchronized movements form a spectacular "bird wave," attracting birdwatchers and photographers from around the world. (Wang Guohong/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows a flock of black-necked cranes at Liu Jiaxiang, Weining Autonomous County, Bijie City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. The scene underscores the success of wetland conservation in providing safe habitats for migratory birds. (Jia Zhi/Guangming Picture)