The Yellow River, once known for its heavy sediment load and degraded ecosystems, is now experiencing a remarkable ecological revival across Shandong province. The river's Shandong section has maintained Class II water quality for years, with aquatic life such as the once-vanished Yellow River knife fish reappearing and finless porpoises returning to the estuary.

At the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China's Shandong province, 376 bird species are now thriving, with millions of migratory birds coming to inhabit and breed there every year.

The nature reserve has undergone extensive ecological restoration in recent years. Through systematic water replenishment, over 530 million cubic meters of ecological water have been channeled into the wetland in recent years, creating a sanctuary for millions of migratory birds.

The improving environment has not only benefited the local wildlife but also delivered tangible social and economic returns, creating a virtuous cycle between conservation and community development.

Birdwatching in Dongying has become a popular autumn and winter tourist activity in recent years. Data shows that in November 2025 alone, Dongying's six birdwatching sites received about 247,900 visitors. Of these, around 40 percent came from outside the city, and 85 percent of those out-of-town visitors stayed overnight in Dongying, boosting occupancy rates at nearby hotels by more than 10 percent.

Once a barren salt flat, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in Dongying, East China's Shandong province, teems with 376 bird species, attracting millions of migratory birds each year. [Photo/Shandian News]