First batch of white swans arrive in Sanmenxia

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2018-10-25

On Oct 23, the first batch of white swans arrived in Sanmenxia from Siberia, following their yearly journey south to escape the winter.

A group of white swans spread their wings on the water. [Photo by Gong Weidong/ha.people.cn]

Their arrival was anticipated by the Sanmenxia Yellow River Wetland Administration, who have spent months making preparations, including cleaning up the lake water, buying and storing food, and monitoring epidemic diseases, explained Ru Wendong, deputy director of the administration.

From early winter to early spring, Sanmenxia greets hundreds of thousands of white swans from Siberia who come to the city to escape the cold. [Photo by Gong Weidong/ha.people.cn]

The Yellow River Wetland in Sanmenxia covers an area of 28,500 hectares and accounts for around 42 percent of the total area of the Henan Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve. It is home to 276 species of birds, including four species of first-grade State-protected animals and 34 species under second-grade State protection. It has been an important migrating area and winter habitat for white swans over the past few years.

Thousands of white swans will spend their winter here thanks to the city's well-preserved ecological environment.

Picturesque scenery and white swans attract crowds of visitors and shutterbugs to appreciate the beauty of Sanmenxia. [Photo by Gong Weidong/ha.people.cn]