Chongming's Dongtan welcomes migratory birds, hosts community birdwatching festival

In early winter, the Shanghai Chongming Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve once again welcomes the spectacular sight of thousands of migratory birds. On Nov 29, a community birdwatching culture festival was held at the Dongtan Wetland Park, attracting many enthusiasts for an immersive ecological experience that blended birding, education, and culture.

The Shanghai Chongming Dongtan Bird National Nature Reserve welcomes the spectacular sight of thousands of migratory birds. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

From early morning, birdwatchers from across the country gathered for the event. The main venue buzzed with activity at a nature-themed cultural market, which also served as a lively educational space. It featured birding guidebooks, knowledge quizzes, themed postcards, traditional fabric art, badge-making, and other interactive activities aimed at raising awareness of environmental conservation.

The main venue buzzes with activities at a nature-themed cultural market. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

The event features a variety of interactive activities to raise awareness of environmental conservation. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

The festival also displayed outstanding entries from a national nature journaling competition, showcasing how tens of thousands of primary and secondary students have engaged with and documented wetland environments.

Participants watch birds with binoculars and other equipment. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

In the afternoon, participants ventured into the core sanctuary area for on-site birdwatching. Amid clear skies and great visibility, they observed wintering species such as tundra swans, mallards, and spot-billed ducks resting and feeding on the lakes, with flocks frequently passing overhead — an inspiring celebration of nature in harmony.

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Chongming Media Center at "shchongming"