On the first day of the Shandong delegation during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 6, a stunning natural event from Dongying captured national attention: Massive flocks above the Yellow River estuary in Dongying.

From October to December, Dongying becomes a prime destination for migratory birds during the winter months. [Photo by Zhao Wenchang/from Dazhong News]

Shandong deputies highlighted this extraordinary aerial display of migratory birds at Dongying's wetlands, where tens of thousands of birds take flight in synchronized formations. The flocks shift and swirl across the sky, sometimes forming shapes that resemble rolling waves, whales, or mythical creatures. This remarkable phenomenon has captured nationwide attention, inspiring travelers and bird watchers to visit the estuary to witness it firsthand.

Flocks of birds take flight, shaping themselves into a giant whale across the sky. [Photo by Guo Yuqing/from Dazhong News]

This spectacle, while breathtaking, is the result of decades of careful environmental management. The estuary area has long faced challenges from water shortages, habitat loss, and invasive plant species. Since 1999, continuous water management has restored river flow, and targeted ecological measures have revitalized wetlands, expanded native plant areas, and improved food and shelter for birds.

Prior to ecological water replenishment, the Yellow River Delta was largely barren. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dongying's experience demonstrates that long-term, science-based ecological stewardship can provide both biodiversity protection and sustainable development, turning the Yellow River estuary into a thriving natural sanctuary that offers both ecological and social value.