On June 15, 2025, the Ili River National Wetland Park, located in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, presented a captivating ecological scene. The egrets stood elegantly on the branches, the black-headed gulls gracefully foraged on the water, and the wild ducks and pairs of mandarin ducks swam freely in the azure waves, showcasing the vibrant beauty of nature.
The Ili River National Wetland Park has become a habitat where numerous birds breed and thrive. They either forage by the water's edge, rest on the branches, or carefully nurture their young, creating a beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence. In recent years, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County has continuously intensified its efforts to protect wetlands. Through measures such as ecological restoration and environmental monitoring, it has created a livable and stable natural environment for wild birds, making the park a paradise for birds to inhabit.
With the continuous improvement of the ecological environment, the wetland has now become an important stopover on the migratory route for birds in Central Asia. It attracts dozens of bird species to rest and breed every year. The area has also become increasingly popular with birdwatchers and photography enthusiasts.
(The Media Convergence Center of Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Reporters: Yong Hai, Tong Lirong and Nurmanbay)