Whooper swans roost in the bay in front of Yandunjiao village in Shandong province on Jan 30. LI XINJUN/XINHUA

This winter, the flocks of whooper swans waiting out the chilly weather in East China, particularly in Shandong province's tiny Yandunjiao village, attracted the usual suspects — keen bird watchers and tourists interested in marveling at the thousands of pearl white birds wintering on the pristine coastal bay.

The whooper swans, that return each winter before heading north on their annual migration, have become an inseparable part of Yandunjiao's identity, with locals benefiting from the influx of visitors coming to see the birds. As a result, the locals ensure the natural environment for the swans remains in excellent condition.

"The whooper swans have not only brought vitality to our village but have also attracted tourists to this remote location," said Qu Guangcheng, a member of the Party branch of Yandunjiao village. "Villagers have a strong commitment to protecting the whooper swans," he added.

According to official statistics, Yandunjiao attracted 500,000 visitors in 2023, generating revenue of nearly 20 million yuan ($2.73 million).

Over the recent seven-day Spring Festival holiday, the village of 1,500 people attracted 67,000 tourists.

With a history that stretches back over 400 years, coastal Yandunjiao is blessed with clear waters and a mild climate that provide a warm winter sanctuary for whooper swans.

To ensure that the swans have enough food during winter, the village regularly feeds them.

Additionally, measures have been taken to prevent the swans from hitting power lines, with wiring either buried underground or insulated.

Yandunjiao is also known for its traditional houses that feature thick brick and stone walls with steeply sloped seaweed-thatched roofs.

The seaweed roofs not only add to the village's charm but are practical, offering residents protection from rain, pests and insulation against cold weather. The village has over 240 well-preserved seaweed houses, some of which date back over 300 years.

"We have included all seaweed-thatched houses in our village in our preservation efforts. These houses are local architectural treasures that have been carefully maintained and renovated," Qu said.

"Some old houses have been transformed into guesthouses and fishing-themed leisure venues, preserving traditional aesthetics while adding new functions."

Yandunjiao has also preserved intangible cultural heritage items such as thatching techniques, and the making of traditional steamed buns and shrimp sauce.

The village hosts cultural events such as the Fishermen's Festival and the Fishing Family Waist Drum Competition, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local customs and craftsmanship. "In preserving our traditional village culture, we aim to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of our fishing traditions and craftsmanship, paving the way for a unique cultural and tourism development path," Qu said.

In recent years, the village has made significant improvements to its infrastructure, including sewage and water supply systems, toilets and roads, enhancing the village environment and providing tourists with a more convenient and comfortable experience.

During this year's Spring Festival, the village experienced a surge in business. "We have a total of 10 rooms for tourists, and during Spring Festival, all rooms are fully booked every day," said Qu Guifang, owner of Seaview Homestay.

Spanning 1.5 square kilometers, Yandunjiao was honored as one of the "Best Tourism Villages 2024" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. "Here, protection and development go hand in hand, making our village better and better," said Qu Guangcheng.