Dongying Showcases Autumn’s Breathtaking Beauty in the Yellow River Delta

In autumn, Dongying Yellow River Delta transforms into a captivating tapestry of vibrant colors and breathtaking scenery. The vast mudflats are painted in striking shades of red by the Suaeda salsa plants, while tall white reeds sway gracefully in the soft breeze. Above, flocks of birds glide in elegant arcs against the backdrop of clear blue skies and crystal-clear waters, creating a scene of perfect harmony with nature.

Against this breathtaking backdrop, the 2024 Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors took place from October 15 to 17 in Dongying, Shandong province. Situated at the mouth of the Yellow River, Dongying welcomed over 200 representatives from countries including France, Japan, South Korea, and Morocco to discuss the future of wetland conservation and sustainable urban growth.

Wetlands form the ecological backbone of Dongying, with 4,567 square kilometers of wetlands covering 41.58 percent of the city’s total land area. The Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, spanning 153,000 hectares, serves as a critical breeding ground for more than six million birds annually, earning it a prestigious designation as a “Wetland of International Importance.”

Further solidifying its environmental significance, the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) has been recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Yellow River Estuary Migratory Bird Habitat was recognized as Shandong’s first World Natural Heritage site, emphasizing its vital role in global bird conservation.

Dongying’s dedication to wetland preservation has earned it recognition as one of the world’s first “International Wetland Cities.” Through innovative wetland restoration efforts at the Yellow River estuary, the city continues to lead by example, fostering a balanced relationship between urban development and nature conservation.

“In recent years, we’ve focused on protecting key species like the Oriental white storks, black-headed gulls, and various crane species. We’ve also worked to preserve native plants and restore aquatic life dominated by shellfish. Biodiversity has notably increased, and this year, the number of Oriental white stork nests has reached 202, with 527 chicks born,” said Zhao Yajie, deputy director and senior engineer at the ecological monitoring center of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve.

Today, the reserve stands as the largest coastal natural vegetation zone of newly formed wetlands in China. The area has witnessed a remarkable growth in biodiversity, with plant species now totaling 1,145 and bird species reaching 388.

Dongying is committed to creating a distinctive ecological city by seamlessly blending its wetlands with urban development. As the city pushes forward with protecting urban wetlands, it is also embracing high-quality growth, focusing on modernizing established industries while fostering new, emerging sectors. This balanced approach has not only enhanced the city’s environmental integrity but also significantly boosted its economic vitality, demonstrating the power of sustainable development.

“Through this roundtable conference, Dongying will pursue comprehensive and deep cooperation with other wetland cities, both domestic and international, to further advance global wetland conservation efforts,” said Yang Guoqiang, Party secretary of Dongying.

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