As one of the largest national wetland reserves in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, covering 867 hectares, including more than 400 hectares of water area, Shengtian Lake boasts a unique environment and abundant food resources for migratory birds.

"I have noticed an increasing number of whooper swans, making the reserve a paradise for them. It has also attracted a growing number of tourists from all over the country, boosting winter tourism in Shanxi," Cui said.

In recent years, Ruicheng has intensified its protection of the Yellow River wetlands, implementing a 67-hectare wetland restoration project, establishing a Yellow River wetland protection leadership group and management station, forming patrol teams and increasing publicity efforts in villages to raise residents' awareness of conservation.

Sixty kilometers away in Yuncheng city at the salt lake scenic area, ecological restoration measures such as desalination, wetland greening and water replenishment measures have provided a favorable habitat and food resources for numerous migratory bird species to roost. Three flamingos, an extremely rare migratory species in the country, were recorded recently by local bird photographers at the scenic area.

Wang Shuaihong, former director of the Shanxi Department of Ecology and Environment, said that various sectors of society actively participate in building an ecological civilization, continuously enhancing the modernization of environmental governance. Everyone has become a protector, builder and beneficiary of the environment, he said.

"The current and next decade is a critical period for the construction of a beautiful Shanxi," Wang said.

Wang Juan contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn