Dozens of migratory swans were spotted at the lakes in Qingtongxia Wetland in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. The scenes of them singing, flying and enjoying the warm sunshine made the wetlands look more vigorous and peaceful in winter.

Thanks to Ningxia's great efforts in ecological restoration and conservation of land and water, the region's environmental status has continued to improve, especially along the Yellow River and the region's mountains of Helanshan, Liupanshan and Luoshan in recent years.

At present, the region has restored more than 2,000 kilometers of wetlands, and its forest coverage grew to 15.2 percent in 2019 from 11.4 percent in 2010.

In addition, more than 400 wildlife species and nearly 1,000 wild plants have been restored thanks to protection efforts.

Featuring a unique geographical location and superior wetland environment, Ningxia has become a haven for birds to migrate, inhabit and breed.

Video by Zhao Yakai, Xin Xinye