Asian media tour Dongying Yellow River Delta wetlands

Migratory birds fly over Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China’s Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily]

Nearly 20 journalists from Asian media outlets took part in a fact-finding trip to Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, the youngest and best protected wetlands area in China’s warm temperate zone in East China’s Shandong province on June 5.

The seven-day event titled "Asian Reporters’ Shandong Trip", was jointly organized by China Daily and Shandong Provincial Government.

The beauty of Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve appears to have impressed many of the foreign journalists taking part in the event.

“I am very glad to see the stunning mother river of China,” said Shumaila Aslamsh, a journalist from Pakistan’s The Finance. She also praised the work that the local government has done to protect the wetlands.

A view of Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China’s Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily]

Founded in 1992, the wetlands reserve focuses on protecting the ecosystem in the Yellow River Estuary, in particular, the rare and endangered birds that live in the 153,000-hectare area.

The reserve is currently home to 1,626 types of wild animals, including 368 different types of birds. There are 12 species of birds in the top national protection class and 51 species in the second. First-class national protection birds include the red-crowned crane and the white-headed crane. Second-class national protection birds include the grey crane, whooper swan and mandarin duck.

Millions of birds look for food and shelter in the area as they pass through during migration season every year.

Journalists from Asian media organizations photograph a billboard in Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China’s Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily]